The Best Daycare Centers in Monument, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Monument. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Monument
KinderCare at Monument
KinderCare Learning Companies
KinderCare at Monument offers a comprehensive early childhood education program with research-based curriculum including phonics, math, science, and social skills development. The center features highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials and maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios. Facilities include age-appropriate classrooms, secure entry systems, and outdoor play areas designed for different age groups. The center emphasizes safety with strict health protocols, secure check-in systems, and regular safety drills. Parents praise the consistent communication through daily reports and the center's focus on social-emotional development alongside academic readiness.
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Primrose School of Monument
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Monument follows the exclusive Balanced Learning® approach that blends teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a focus on character development and life skills. The curriculum includes literacy, math, science, social studies, and arts in a structured yet nurturing environment. Certified teachers implement the proprietary Harmony & Heart® music program and literacy-rich environment. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning spaces for each developmental stage. The school is renowned for its strong parent-teacher partnerships and comprehensive safety protocols including background-checked staff and emergency preparedness training.
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The Goddard School of Northern Colorado Springs
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just south of Monument in Colorado Springs, The Goddard School serves families throughout the Tri-Lakes area with its F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that promotes play-based learning and academic readiness. The school features state-certified teachers with ongoing professional development in early childhood education. The comprehensive curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and social development activities. The facility includes secure entry systems, multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, and bright, engaging classrooms. Safety is prioritized with strict health protocols, secured premises, and comprehensive staff training. The school maintains excellent communication with parents through daily activity reports and regular conferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Monument, CO
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare in Monument, CO, and what factors influence the price?
In Monument, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month, while toddler care is slightly lower, averaging $1,200 to $1,600 per month. These costs are influenced by several local factors, including the type of facility (in-home licensed daycare vs. larger childcare centers), the staff-to-child ratios, and the inclusion of extras like organic meals, structured preschool curriculum, or extended hours. Compared to nearby Colorado Springs, Monument's costs can be marginally higher due to its suburban community profile and potentially fewer high-capacity centers. It's important to ask what is included in tuition, such as diapers, wipes, and meals, as this can affect the overall value.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Monument, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Waitlists in Monument can be significant, especially for infant rooms, with waits of 6 to 12 months being common at the most sought-after centers. This is due to high demand from local families and a limited number of licensed facilities relative to the population. To secure a spot, parents are advised to get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, even during pregnancy. When contacting centers, be specific about your needed start date. Additionally, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in the Monument and nearby Palmer Lake areas, as they may have shorter wait times and offer a more home-like setting.
What are Colorado's state licensing requirements for childcare providers, and how can I verify a facility's compliance in Monument?
All childcare providers in Colorado caring for more than one unrelated child must be licensed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). Key requirements include background checks for all staff, health and safety training (including CPR/First Aid), annual professional development, and adherence to strict staff-to-child ratios based on age. To verify a Monument provider's license and compliance history, you can use the official "Colorado Shines" public search tool online. This database shows a provider's license status, any history of violations, and their quality rating (Level 1-5). Always visit a facility in person and ask to see their current license.
Are there any unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs available in the Monument area?
Yes, leveraging its proximity to the Pike National Forest and beautiful open spaces, Monument has a growing interest in nature-based early childhood programs. Some local in-home providers and smaller centers emphasize daily outdoor play and exploration, regardless of weather, following a "forest school" inspired model. Additionally, some standard daycare centers in Monument have exceptional outdoor play areas and incorporate regular nature walks. While a dedicated, full-time nature preschool is less common than in larger cities, inquiring about a program's outdoor philosophy and daily schedule is key. Exploring options in nearby Black Forest may also yield more specialized nature-focused programs.
What backup or emergency childcare options exist for parents in Monument when their regular provider is closed?
Planning for backup care is crucial in Monument, where many centers follow the Lewis-Palmer School District 38 calendar for major holidays and snow closures. Options include: 1) **Drop-in Centers:** Some facilities in nearby Colorado Springs offer daily drop-in care, though advance registration is often required. 2) **Nanny/Babysitter Networks:** Local Facebook groups (e.g., "Monument Moms") are active platforms to find vetted, occasional sitters. 3) **Care Co-ops:** Some parents form small, informal co-ops with neighbors or friends. 4) **Employer Resources:** Check if your employer offers a backup care benefit through a service like Bright Horizons. It's best to establish a relationship with a backup sitter or identify a drop-in center before an emergency arises.