The Best Daycare Centers in Peyton, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Peyton. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Peyton
The Goddard School of Falcon
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Falcon offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic readiness, social development, and creative expression. Their state-of-the-art facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. All teachers are highly qualified with degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and maintain low student-to-teacher ratios. The curriculum includes STEAM learning, literacy development, and character education, with daily communication provided to parents through the Goddard Connect app.
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Discovery Canyon Campus Learning Center
Discovery Canyon Campus
Located within the acclaimed Discovery Canyon Campus, this learning center provides comprehensive childcare with an educational focus that aligns with the campus's International Baccalaureate program. The center features developmentally appropriate classrooms, secure facilities, and access to campus amenities. Their curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based learning, language development, and social-emotional growth. Staff includes certified early childhood educators with specialized training in child development. The center maintains excellent safety records and offers nutritious meal programs with organic options.
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The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy
The Sunshine House
The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy offers a research-based curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten and beyond. Their comprehensive program includes phonics-based literacy, mathematics, science exploration, and character development. The facility features secure keypad entry, video monitoring, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center provides daily updates through parent communication apps and maintains excellent health and safety protocols, including rigorous cleaning procedures and health screenings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Peyton, CO
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Peyton, CO?
In Peyton and the surrounding El Paso County area, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of provider. For a licensed daycare center, you can expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,600 per month for infant care. For toddlers, the range is typically $1,000 to $1,400 per month. In-home licensed family childcare homes in Peyton often offer slightly lower rates, ranging from $800 to $1,200 monthly. These costs are generally lower than in Colorado Springs proper but have been rising. It's important to ask what is included in tuition (e.g., meals, snacks, curriculum). Colorado also offers the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) for qualifying families to help offset these expenses.
How long are waitlists for daycare centers in Peyton, and how can I improve my chances of securing a spot?
Due to high demand and limited providers in the Peyton area, waitlists for infant spots at reputable daycare centers and popular in-home providers can be substantial, often ranging from 6 to 12 months. For toddler and preschool rooms, waitlists may be shorter, around 3-6 months. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy, get on multiple lists (including providers in nearby Falcon or northern Colorado Springs), and follow up with a polite phone call or email every 2-3 months to confirm your active status. Some centers in the area may require a non-refundable waitlist fee. Being flexible with your desired start date can also help.
What are the key differences between a licensed family childcare home and a daycare center in Peyton?
In Peyton, parents typically choose between two main licensed options. Licensed Family Child Care Homes are run out of a provider's residence, often caring for a smaller, mixed-age group of up to 12 children (with specific ratios). They offer a home-like environment, potentially more flexible hours, and may be more affordable. Daycare Centers are commercial facilities, usually with more children divided into age-specific classrooms, a structured curriculum, multiple staff, and potentially more robust amenities. Centers must follow Colorado's strict licensing rules (Rules Regulating Child Care Centers), which cover everything from staff qualifications to playground safety. Both are regulated by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, but their environments and operational scales differ greatly.
Are there any state or local programs in Colorado that help with daycare costs for families in Peyton?
Yes, Colorado offers several key programs. The primary one is the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), administered by El Paso County. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and reason for care (work, school, etc.). You can apply through the El Paso County Department of Human Services. Additionally, the Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) program provides 15 hours per week of free, voluntary preschool in the year before kindergarten to all children, which can be used at participating licensed providers, including some daycare centers and preschools in the Peyton area. Always check with individual providers to confirm their participation in these programs.
What should I look for during a tour of a potential daycare provider in Peyton?
When touring a daycare in Peyton, go beyond the basics. First, verify their current license is posted and check for any history of violations via the Colorado Office of Early Childhood's online provider search. Observe staff-child interactions: are they engaged and responsive? Ask about staff turnover, a common industry challenge. Inquire about their emergency plans for severe weather common to the area (like hail or tornado watches) and their sick policy. Check the security of the facility—how do they control access? For outdoor play, ensure the space is safe and shaded, given Colorado's high altitude and sun exposure. Finally, ask for references from current parents, which can provide invaluable local insight.