The Best Daycare Centers in Tabernash, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Tabernash. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Tabernash
Grand Elk Children's Center
East Grand School District
Grand Elk Children's Center operates as part of the East Grand School District, offering a comprehensive early childhood education program with licensed teachers and developmentally appropriate curriculum. The center focuses on school readiness through play-based learning, literacy development, and social-emotional skills. Features small class sizes, certified early childhood educators, and a structured learning environment that prepares children for kindergarten. The facility includes dedicated classrooms, outdoor play areas, and follows Colorado's early learning standards with emphasis on cognitive, physical, and social development.
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Little Bear Learning Center
Private Ownership
Little Bear Learning Center provides year-round childcare with a nature-inspired curriculum that incorporates outdoor exploration and environmental education. The center employs qualified early childhood professionals with low student-teacher ratios and emphasizes hands-on learning experiences. Features include age-appropriate learning centers, secure facilities with surveillance systems, nutritious meal programs, and extensive outdoor play spaces. The curriculum integrates STEM activities, literacy development, and creative arts while maintaining strong parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences.
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The Learning Center
Private Ownership
The Learning Center in Fraser offers a comprehensive early childhood program with a play-based educational approach that follows Colorado Early Learning Guidelines. The facility features dedicated infant rooms, toddler classrooms, and preschool spaces with certified teachers and structured developmental programs. Highlights include secure entry systems, modern learning materials, outdoor playgrounds, and enrichment activities like music and movement. The center focuses on individualized learning plans, social skills development, and kindergarten readiness through a balanced curriculum of academic preparation and creative exploration.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Tabernash, CO
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Tabernash, Colorado, and how do I verify a provider's license?
In Tabernash and the surrounding Grand County area, licensed childcare options primarily include licensed family childcare homes (caring for up to 8 children in a residence) and licensed childcare centers. Due to Tabernash's small, rural nature, family childcare homes are often the most common and accessible option. To verify a provider's license, you must use the Colorado Shines system, which is the state's quality rating and improvement system for licensed childcare. You can search for licensed providers by location, view their current license status, any history of violations, and their quality rating (Level 1-5). The Colorado Office of Early Childhood manages this database, and it's the most reliable source for ensuring a provider meets Colorado's health, safety, and developmental standards.
How far in advance should I start looking for and applying to daycare in Tabernash, and are waitlists common?
Given Tabernash's limited population and childcare slots, it is crucial to start your search as early as possible—ideally 6 to 12 months before you need care, especially for infant spots which are extremely scarce. Waitlists are very common and can be lengthy. Many families in Grand County find themselves on multiple waitlists. It's recommended to contact every potential provider, get on their lists even if the timing seems off, and check in periodically. Due to seasonal fluctuations with tourism and resort workers, availability might sometimes open up in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall), but planning far ahead is the best strategy.
What is the typical cost range for full-time childcare in Tabernash, and are there any local or state financial assistance programs?
In Tabernash and Grand County, childcare costs are relatively high, reflecting both the cost of living and limited supply. For full-time care, you can expect to pay approximately $1,200 to $1,800 per month for a preschool-aged child, with infant care often at the higher end of that range or slightly above. Financial assistance is available through the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), which is administered by the Grand County Department of Human Services. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (such as employment or education). Additionally, the universal preschool (UPK) program in Colorado provides 15 hours per week of free preschool in the year before kindergarten, which can be used at participating licensed providers, helping to offset costs for 4-year-olds.
Are there any unique considerations for childcare related to Tabernash's mountain location and climate?
Yes, parents should consider several factors unique to the mountain environment. First, inquire about the provider's policies and preparedness for winter weather, including delayed openings, closures during heavy snow, and safe transportation/pick-up procedures. Many providers will follow the East Grand School District's delay/closure announcements. Second, ask about outdoor time and safety. Quality programs will have children outside daily, so ensure they have appropriate cold-weather gear protocols and safe, enclosed outdoor spaces. Finally, given the remote nature, ask about their emergency plans for events like wildfires or power outages, and how they communicate with parents during such incidents. Proximity to your home or workplace is also more critical here due to potentially challenging road conditions.
What resources are available in Tabernash or Grand County to help me find and evaluate childcare options?
The primary local resource is the **Grand County Early Childhood Council**. They serve as a hub for family support and can provide referrals to licensed providers, information on CCCAP assistance, and guidance on early childhood development. They often maintain informal lists of available slots. Another key resource is the **Colorado Shines** website, where you can search by zip code (80478) and filter by type of care and age group. For more personalized help, you can contact the **Family Support Navigator** through the Grand County Department of Human Services. Networking through local community Facebook groups (e.g., "Grand County, CO Chatter") is also a practical, though unofficial, way to get personal recommendations and learn about smaller, in-home providers.