The Best Daycare Centers in Two Buttes, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Two Buttes. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Two Buttes
Little Sprouts Learning Center
Independent
Little Sprouts Learning Center is a highly-regarded childcare facility serving Southeast Colorado families, including those from Two Buttes. They employ a comprehensive early childhood education curriculum that focuses on developmental milestones through play-based learning. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood credentials, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes nutritious meal service, outdoor play areas, and structured educational activities that prepare children for kindergarten. The center maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and emphasizes individualized attention for each child's developmental needs.
Daycare Services:
ABC Child Development Center
ABC Child Development Centers
ABC Child Development Center provides quality early childhood education serving families throughout Baca County, including Two Buttes residents. Their curriculum combines structured learning with creative exploration, focusing on literacy, math readiness, and social-emotional development. The center features certified early childhood educators, secure facilities with monitored access, and developmentally appropriate classrooms. They offer full-day programs with enrichment activities including music, art, and physical education. The center is known for its strong parent communication and community involvement, with regular progress updates and family engagement events.
Daycare Services:
Lamar Early Childhood Center
Lamar School District RE-2
Lamar Early Childhood Center operates as part of the Lamar School District, serving children from throughout the region including Two Buttes. This public preschool program employs licensed teachers with specialized early childhood education degrees and follows Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines. The center offers comprehensive early childhood services including developmental screenings, individualized learning plans, and family support services. Their research-based curriculum emphasizes school readiness through literacy development, social skills, and cognitive growth. The facility includes specialized learning centers, safe outdoor play areas, and integrated technology for enhanced learning experiences.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Two Buttes, CO
What are the main types of licensed childcare options available in Two Buttes, Colorado?
In Two Buttes and the surrounding Baca County area, licensed childcare options are primarily Family Child Care Homes (FCCHs), which are small, home-based programs. Due to the rural nature of the community, there are no large childcare centers in Two Buttes itself. Some families may also utilize legally exempt providers or arrange informal care with neighbors or relatives. For more structured preschool programs, parents often need to look toward larger towns like Springfield or Lamar, approximately 30-45 minutes away. All licensed providers in Colorado are regulated by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) and must meet state standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, and health protocols.
How can I find and verify licensed childcare providers in or near Two Buttes?
The most reliable resource is the official Colorado Shines website, a searchable database of all licensed and quality-rated early care and education programs. You can filter by location (using Two Buttes or zip code 81084), age of child, and type of care. Given the limited local options, expanding your search to a 30-mile radius is advisable. Additionally, you can contact the Baca County Public Health Department or the local school district for community referrals. Always verify a provider's current license status and any quality rating (Colorado Shines Level 1-5) through the CDEC before enrolling.
What is the typical cost for daycare in Two Buttes, and is there any financial assistance available?
Costs for home-based daycare in Two Buttes are generally lower than urban averages but can vary significantly based on the provider, hours, and the child's age. You might expect to pay between $25 to $40 per day for full-time care. However, availability is the primary challenge over cost. For financial assistance, Colorado's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps eligible low-income families pay for childcare. Applications are processed through the Baca County Department of Human Services. Also, explore the Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) program, which provides free, part-time preschool for eligible 4-year-olds, though you may need to find a participating provider in a neighboring town.
Are there long waitlists for childcare in Two Buttes, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, due to the very limited number of providers in this rural area, waitlists are common and can be lengthy. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search during pregnancy or at least 6-12 months before their needed start date. Many home-based providers in small communities have very limited capacity (often 6 children or fewer, including their own), so spots fill quickly and turnover is low. Be prepared to get on multiple waitlists, even with providers in nearby communities like Pritchett or Walsh, and maintain regular, polite contact to express your continued interest.
What specific questions should I ask a potential in-home daycare provider in Two Buttes given our rural setting?
Beyond standard questions about licensing, curriculum, and discipline, ask specific questions tailored to rural life: What is your plan for emergency medical response given the distance to the nearest hospital? How do you handle severe weather, like blizzards or tornadoes, common to the Eastern Plains? What are your policies on farm/animal safety if your property includes livestock? Is transportation provided for school-age children to and from the Two Buttes school? How flexible are you with hours for parents who may have long commutes to work in agriculture or other industries? Also, inquire about backup care arrangements, as a single provider being ill can create a major crisis for working parents in an area with no alternative centers.