The Best Daycare Centers in Ordway, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ordway. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ordway
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center is Ordway's premier local childcare facility, offering comprehensive early childhood education programs in a nurturing, small-town environment. The center features a play-based learning curriculum that incorporates Colorado Early Learning Standards, with certified early childhood educators providing individualized attention. Their facility includes secure indoor learning spaces, age-appropriate outdoor playgrounds, and a structured daily schedule that balances educational activities with creative play. The center is known for its strong parent-teacher communication, nutritious meal programs, and emphasis on social-emotional development. Safety features include secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for all staff, and regular safety drills.
Daycare Services:
La Junta Early Learning Center
Otero County Early Childhood Council
Located just 15 miles from Ordway in La Junta, this highly-regarded early learning center serves families throughout Crowley and Otero Counties. The center employs state-licensed early childhood educators and follows a research-based curriculum that emphasizes literacy development, STEM exploration, and social skills. Their comprehensive approach includes developmental screenings, individualized learning plans, and family support services. The facility features modern classrooms, specialized learning centers, and secure outdoor play areas. The center maintains excellent teacher-to-child ratios and offers inclusive programming for children with diverse needs, making it a popular choice for families seeking high-quality early education in the region.
Daycare Services:
Pueblo Community College Child Development Center
Pueblo Community College
As part of Pueblo Community College's early childhood education program, this center offers exceptional childcare services to community families while serving as a training facility for future early childhood professionals. The center implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum that blends play-based learning with academic preparation, guided by master-level early childhood educators. Their unique model provides children with exposure to innovative teaching methods and the latest educational research. The facility includes observation rooms, specialized learning environments, and extensive educational resources. While located in Pueblo (approximately 45 minutes from Ordway), many families from surrounding rural communities choose this center for its exceptional educational quality, highly qualified staff, and comprehensive programming that includes parent education workshops and community resources.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ordway, CO
What are the typical costs for daycare or preschool in Ordway, Colorado, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Ordway and the surrounding Crowley County area, daycare costs are generally lower than in larger Colorado cities, but options are more limited. For a licensed in-home daycare, you might expect to pay between $25-$35 per day per child. A center-based preschool program, if available, could range from $100-$150 per week. It's important to note that due to the rural nature of the community, there are fewer providers, which can sometimes keep prices competitive but also lead to waitlists. For financial assistance, Colorado's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is available to qualifying families based on income and need. You can apply through the Crowley County Department of Human Services. Additionally, some local providers may offer sibling discounts.
How can I verify if a daycare or childcare provider in Ordway is properly licensed and what should I look for during a visit?
All childcare providers in Colorado caring for more than one unrelated family must be licensed by the Colorado Office of Early Childhood. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any violations by using the "Child Care Licensing Search" tool on the Colorado Department of Early Childhood's website. When visiting a potential daycare in Ordway, ask to see their license. During the tour, look for key local factors: a safe, clean environment, age-appropriate toys, a clear emergency plan for severe weather (common in the Eastern Plains), and secure outdoor play areas. Given the small-town setting, ask about their policies for field trips or outings within the community. Personal recommendations from other Ordway parents are also invaluable.
Are there any licensed childcare centers in Ordway, or is care primarily provided through in-home family daycares?
Due to Ordway's small population (approximately 1,000 residents), childcare is primarily provided through licensed family childcare homes. There are typically no large, center-based daycare facilities within the town limits. Families often rely on a network of trusted in-home providers. For more structured preschool or center-based options, parents may need to look in nearby larger towns like Pueblo (about an hour's drive) or La Junta (about 40 minutes away). This makes it crucial to plan ahead, as the number of slots in local Ordway in-home daycares is very limited. Connecting with other parents through community boards at the Ordway Post Office or the Crowley County School can help you discover available providers.
What is the typical waitlist situation for daycare in Ordway, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Given the limited number of providers in a rural community like Ordway, waitlists can be common and lengthy. It is highly recommended to begin your search as early as possible—ideally 6 to 12 months before you need care, especially if you require care for an infant or toddler, as slots for younger children are the most scarce. Many in-home providers in Ordway may only have capacity for 4-6 children total. Contact providers directly to inquire about their current availability and waitlist procedures. Being flexible with your start date and having a backup plan, such as a family member or a provider in a neighboring town, is a practical strategy for parents in this area.
Does the Crowley County School District in Ordway offer any public preschool or before/after-school care programs?
Yes, the Crowley County School District offers important resources. The district typically provides a state-funded Colorado Preschool Program (CPP) for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, which is often housed at the elementary school. Eligibility is based on factors like income, developmental needs, or family circumstances. For school-age children, the district may offer a before- and after-school program, though the availability and hours can vary year-to-year based on funding and staffing. It's essential to contact Crowley County School District directly at the start of the summer to inquire about enrollment for the upcoming school year. These school-based programs are often the most structured and affordable options available within the town.
Childcare Insights for Ordway
Finding the right childcare is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and for parents in Ordway, Colorado, the search for a nurturing "family day care near me" comes with its own unique considerations. In our close-knit community, family childcare homes offer a special blend of personalized care and a home-like environment that can feel like an extension of your own family. These small, licensed settings, often run by a dedicated caregiver in their residence, provide a wonderful alternative for parents seeking a flexible, family-centered approach for their little ones right here in Crowley County.
When beginning your search in Ordway, word-of-mouth remains a powerful tool. Start by chatting with neighbors at the park or fellow parents after church. Our small-town connections often lead to the most trusted recommendations. You can also utilize the official Colorado Shines website, a state resource that allows you to search for licensed family childcare homes by zip code, read about their quality ratings, and view inspection histories. This is a crucial step to ensure any provider you consider meets Colorado's health, safety, and educational standards. Remember to factor in the rhythms of our agricultural community; some providers may have more flexible hours during planting or harvest seasons, which can be a significant advantage for local farming families.
Visiting a potential family daycare is essential. When you schedule a tour, pay close attention to how the provider interacts with the children already in their care. Look for a safe, clean, and stimulating environment with spaces for play, rest, and meals. Don't hesitate to ask specific questions about their daily routine, their philosophy on discipline and learning, and how they handle emergencies. Given Ordway's location, inquire about their policy on outdoor play in our varying weather and how they incorporate the local culture—perhaps through stories about our region or simple activities that connect children to the community around them. It’s also wise to discuss practicalities like their schedule for closures, their plan for sick days, and how they communicate with parents throughout the day.
Trusting your instincts is paramount. You want a caregiver whose values align with your own and who makes both you and your child feel comfortable and secure. A good provider in Ordway will welcome your questions and be transparent about their practices. They understand the trust you are placing in them and will partner with you to support your child's growth. Finding the right family daycare here means finding a supportive ally in parenting, someone who will help your child thrive within the warm, familiar context of our town. Taking the time to research, visit, and connect will lead you to a caring home away from home, providing peace of mind as you go about your day in our wonderful community.