The Best Daycare Centers in Morrison, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Morrison. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Morrison
The Goddard School of Evergreen
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Evergreen offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with play-based development. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and maintain low student-teacher ratios. The facility features secure entry systems, modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and comprehensive safety protocols. They emphasize STEAM learning, social-emotional development, and individualized learning plans with regular progress reports. The school serves families throughout the mountain communities including Morrison with flexible scheduling options and nutritious meal programs.
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Primrose School of West Littleton
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of West Littleton provides Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from master's-level educated teachers. Their research-based curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, and science while maintaining small class sizes for personalized attention. The state-of-the-art facility includes secure keypad entry, CCTV monitoring, sanitization stations, and age-separated playgrounds with safety surfaces. They offer exclusive Harmony & Heart® music program and gardening activities. Serving the Morrison area with before/after school care and transportation options, they maintain excellent parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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Mount Vernon Country Day School
Independent
Mount Vernon Country Day School offers a nature-inspired educational environment with comprehensive early childhood programs serving Morrison and surrounding mountain communities. Their curriculum blends Montessori principles with Reggio Emilia approaches, emphasizing hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and creative expression. Certified teachers with extensive early childhood credentials provide individualized attention in small classroom settings. The campus features secure facilities, natural playgrounds, organic gardens, and dedicated art/music studios. They prioritize safety with strict health protocols, emergency preparedness training, and secure check-in systems. The school maintains strong parent partnerships through regular communication and community events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Morrison, CO
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Morrison, Colorado?
In Morrison and the surrounding Jefferson County area, daycare costs vary based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,600 and $2,200 per month for full-time care at a licensed center. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $1,300 to $1,800 per month. In-home licensed family childcare homes in Morrison often offer slightly lower rates, generally between $1,100 and $1,600 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that as a mountain foothills community, Morrison has fewer providers than larger Denver suburbs, which can sometimes impact pricing and availability.
How do I verify a childcare provider's license and inspection history in Morrison?
All licensed childcare providers in Morrison, Colorado, are regulated by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) and the Colorado Office of Early Childhood. You can verify a provider's license and view their compliance history through the official "Colorado Shines" website and portal. This public database allows you to search by provider name or location to see their license status, any reported violations, and their quality rating (Level 1-5). You can also contact the Jefferson County Human Services department for local referrals and information. Always ask a provider for their license number and confirm it is active. Unlicensed care is illegal for more than four unrelated children, so verification is a critical first step for your child's safety.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Morrison, and how can I navigate them?
Yes, due to the limited number of dedicated daycare centers within Morrison's town limits, waitlists are common, especially for infant care. Popular centers and preschools may have waitlists of 6 to 12 months. To navigate this, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Get on multiple waitlists (even for facilities in nearby towns like Evergreen, Littleton, or Lakewood), and be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee, which is typical in Colorado. Regularly follow up with providers every few months to express continued interest. Also, consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes, which may have shorter wait times and offer a more home-like setting in the Morrison community.
What unique outdoor or nature-based childcare programs are available in the Morrison area?
Morrison's location at the gateway to the Rocky Mountains fosters several childcare options with an outdoor emphasis. Some local providers and nearby centers participate in the "Colorado Shines" quality framework, which may include nature-based learning. Look for programs that incorporate regular outdoor play and exploration in nearby parks like Bear Creek Lake Park or along the Morrison foothills. While specific "forest school" models are more common in larger nearby cities, many Morrison providers take advantage of the natural environment. When touring, ask about daily outdoor time, weather policies, and if they have certifications like "Nature Explore Classroom." Some family childcare providers in residential areas may also offer more flexible, backyard-based outdoor play.
What resources are available in Morrison for finding and comparing childcare options?
The primary resource for Jefferson County, including Morrison, is the "Jefferson County Child Care Resource and Referral" service, often accessed through the Colorado Shines website or the local Jeffco Human Services department. They offer personalized referrals based on your zip code, child's age, hours needed, and budget. Additionally, the "Morrison Community" Facebook group and other local parent networks on social media are invaluable for getting firsthand recommendations and learning about smaller, in-home providers. For comparing quality, always reference the Colorado Shines rating (a Level 3-5 indicates a higher-quality program). Due to Morrison's small size, be prepared to also research options in adjacent ZIP codes in unincorporated Jefferson County for a complete view of available care.
Childcare Insights for Morrison
Finding the right childcare is one of the most significant decisions a family makes, blending practical logistics with the deep desire to find a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment for your child. For parents in Morrison, Colorado, the search for the "best daycares near me" comes with its own unique set of considerations, balancing our small-town community feel with access to the resources of the broader Denver foothills region. The journey can feel overwhelming, but focusing on a few key local factors can help guide you to a wonderful fit for your family.
Morrison itself offers a handful of dedicated home-based and smaller center options that often provide a tight-knit, family-oriented atmosphere. These can be perfect for parents who value a consistent, personalized setting where caregivers truly become part of your child's extended village. Given our location, many of these providers incorporate the natural beauty surrounding us into daily activities, whether it’s outdoor play with views of the iconic red rocks or nature walks that feel like a natural extension of our backyard. When exploring these options, don’t hesitate to ask about their outdoor time policies and how they handle our variable Colorado weather, from sunny skies to sudden afternoon showers or snow.
Many Morrison families also look to the nearby communities for additional choices, expanding the search to areas like Evergreen, Lakewood, and Golden. This commute is a common part of life here, and factoring in travel time along routes like Highway 285 or Bear Creek Canyon is a crucial practical step. A daycare that might be a perfect fit logistically if you commute to Denver could be very different from one that works best if you work from home in Morrison. Visiting during what would be your typical drop-off or pick-up time can give you a real sense of the travel involved.
Regardless of the specific location, the cornerstone of your search should always be licensing and accreditation. The State of Colorado’s Department of Early Childhood maintains detailed licensing records and any history of violations, which are public information you can and should review. Look for programs that are not just licensed, but may also pursue additional accreditations like those from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which signal a commitment to high-quality standards. In our community, word-of-mouth recommendations are incredibly powerful. Take time to talk to other parents at the Morrison Town Hall, the local park, or after school programs; their firsthand experiences are often the most valuable insights you can get.
Ultimately, the "best" daycare is the one where you feel a genuine sense of trust and connection. Schedule tours, observe how teachers interact with the children, and notice if the students seem engaged and happy. Trust your instincts as a parent. The right place will not only care for your child but will support their curiosity and growth, giving you peace of mind as you go about your day in our beautiful corner of Colorado. Your search is an investment in your child’s daily world, and here in Morrison, you have the opportunity to find a program that reflects the warmth and unique character of our community.