The Best Daycare Centers in Milliken, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Milliken. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Milliken
The Goddard School of Milliken
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Milliken offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their play-based curriculum is developed by early childhood education experts and includes STEAM learning, language arts, and social-emotional development. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms with observation windows, and dedicated outdoor play areas. All teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides daily communication to parents through a dedicated app.
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Primrose School of Johnstown
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Johnstown serves the Milliken area with their Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. Their research-based curriculum includes character development, literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The school features secure facilities with coded entry systems, bright and engaging classrooms, and age-appropriate playgrounds. All lead teachers have early childhood education degrees or credentials, and the school maintains rigorous health and safety protocols including regular sanitation and health screenings. Parents receive daily updates and photos through the Primrose Schools app.
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Children's Courtyard of Greeley
Children's Courtyard
Children's Courtyard in Greeley provides comprehensive early education programs serving families from Milliken and surrounding communities. Their curriculum focuses on school readiness through hands-on learning experiences in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The center features secure facilities with keypad entry, age-separated playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers in each classroom. Their Grow Fit® initiative promotes healthy nutrition and physical activity. Teachers participate in ongoing professional development and the center maintains state-mandated teacher-to-child ratios. The program includes regular parent-teacher conferences and digital daily reports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Milliken, CO
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Milliken, CO?
In Milliken, the cost for full-time daycare can vary based on the type of facility and the child's age. For center-based care, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month for an infant, and slightly less, around $1,000 to $1,400 per month, for a toddler. Home-based daycare (licensed family childcare homes) often offers a more affordable range, typically from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These costs are generally in line with the broader Northern Colorado region but can be slightly lower than in larger cities like Fort Collins or Greeley. It's important to ask what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, diapers, and curriculum materials, as these can affect the overall value.
How do I verify that a daycare in Milliken is properly licensed and what are Colorado's key regulations?
All childcare providers in Colorado must be licensed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations through the official "Colorado Shines" website or by contacting the CDEC directly. Key state regulations for Milliken providers include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:5 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers), background checks for all employees, health and safety training, and regular facility inspections. Many Milliken providers also participate in the Colorado Shines quality rating system, which can give you further insight into their program's quality beyond basic licensing.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Milliken, and when should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for infant and toddler spots at popular daycare centers in Milliken, especially given the town's growth and limited number of large facilities. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move start their search 6 to 12 months before they need care. For immediate or short-term needs, exploring licensed family childcare homes in residential neighborhoods may offer more availability. Contacting providers directly to ask about their current waitlist length and policy (e.g., if a deposit is required to hold a spot) is a crucial step in your planning process.
What types of childcare options are most commonly available in Milliken?
Milliken offers a mix of childcare options to suit different family needs. The most common types are: 1. **Licensed Childcare Centers:** These are larger facilities, often with structured curricula and multiple classrooms. Milliken has a few of these, sometimes affiliated with churches or community organizations. 2. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes:** These are small, home-based operations offering care for a smaller group of children, often providing a more home-like environment. These are plentiful in Milliken's residential areas. 3. **Preschool Programs:** Many options are part-time (e.g., mornings only) for children ages 3-5, often focusing on school readiness. 4. **School-Age Programs:** Offered through the Milliken RE-5J School District or local rec centers for before and after-school care. Given Milliken's size, family childcare homes are a particularly significant part of the local childcare ecosystem.
Are there any local resources or programs in Milliken to help parents find and afford childcare?
Yes, there are several key resources. First, the **Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)**, administered through Weld County, provides financial aid to eligible low-income families. You can apply through the Weld County Department of Human Services. For finding providers, the statewide resource **"Colorado Shines Child Care Search"** is an invaluable tool to filter by location, age, and quality rating. Locally, connecting with other parents through community Facebook groups (e.g., "Milliken Community" pages) can yield personal recommendations and leads on home-based care openings. Additionally, the **Milliken Recreation Department** may offer information on school-age and summer programs that can supplement childcare needs.