The Best Daycare Centers in Ward, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ward. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ward
The Goddard School of Boulder
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Boulder offers a play-based learning curriculum focused on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities and social-emotional development. Staffed by highly qualified teachers with early childhood education credentials, the center maintains low teacher-to-child ratios for personalized attention. Safety is prioritized with secure entry systems, regular drills, and sanitization protocols. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor play areas, and enrichment programs like music and yoga. Parent communication includes daily updates and progress tracking, contributing to high satisfaction in the Boulder County area, including families from Ward.
Daycare Services:
Primrose School of Boulder
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Boulder utilizes the Balanced Learning® curriculum, blending academic readiness with character development and life skills. The center employs experienced educators with backgrounds in early childhood development, and emphasizes small class sizes for individualized learning. Safety measures include keypad entry, CCTV monitoring, and strict hygiene practices. Facilities include modern classrooms, a dedicated playground, and spaces for arts and physical activities. The school promotes parent involvement through regular events and digital portfolios, earning strong reviews for its nurturing environment and comprehensive approach, serving families in Ward and surrounding communities.
Daycare Services:
Mountain Kids! Childcare
Independent
Mountain Kids! Childcare provides a nature-based curriculum that integrates outdoor exploration and environmental education, ideal for the mountainous region near Ward. The center features qualified teachers with training in early childhood education and wilderness safety, maintaining low ratios for personalized care. Safety protocols include secured facilities, emergency preparedness for mountain conditions, and organic meal programs. The rustic-style facility offers indoor learning centers and extensive outdoor play areas with gardens and natural landscapes. Parents appreciate the focus on holistic development and community values, with flexible scheduling options that accommodate families in rural areas like Ward.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ward, CO
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Ward, CO, given its small, mountain-town setting?
In Ward, a town with a population under 200, licensed childcare options are limited and primarily consist of licensed family childcare homes. These are small, home-based programs run by a qualified provider, typically caring for a mixed-age group of up to 12 children. Due to the rural setting, there are no large childcare centers in Ward itself. Many families in the area also utilize legally exempt options, such as nanny shares with other local families or trusted in-home caregivers, which are common in tight-knit mountain communities. For more structured center-based programs, parents often look in nearby towns like Nederland or Boulder, which involves a commute.
How can I verify the license and inspection history of a family childcare home in Ward, Colorado?
All licensed childcare providers in Colorado, including family homes in Ward, are regulated by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). You can verify a provider's license and review their compliance history through the official "Colorado Shines" website and portal. This public database shows the provider's current license status, their quality rating (if participating in the voluntary Colorado Shines rating system), and any substantiated complaints or licensing violations. It's crucial to check this for any provider you consider, as it provides transparency on health, safety, and program standards. You can also contact the CDEC Office of Early Childhood directly for information.
What is the typical cost range for full-time childcare in or near Ward, CO, and are there financial assistance programs?
For the few licensed family childcare homes in Ward, full-time care for an infant or toddler can range from approximately $1,200 to $1,800 per month, though prices can vary. Care in nearby Nederland or Boulder is often higher, sometimes exceeding $2,000 monthly for infant care. Colorado offers financial assistance through the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), administered by Boulder County. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and need (such as work or school attendance). Given the high cost of living in the Boulder County region, exploring CCCAP is highly recommended. Additionally, the universal preschool (UPK) program offers 15 hours per week of free preschool the year before kindergarten, which can offset costs for 4-year-olds.
Are waitlists common for childcare in Ward, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, due to the very limited number of providers in Ward itself, waitlists are extremely common and can be lengthy. It is not unusual for spots in a trusted local family childcare home to be filled years in advance, especially for infant care. Parents are strongly advised to begin their search during pregnancy, if possible. When contacting providers, be prepared to ask about their current waitlist length, the deposit required to hold a spot (if any), and their enrollment process. Expanding your search to include providers in Nederland, Rollinsville, or even the commuting corridors to Boulder is a practical necessity and should be started as early as possible.
What are some unique considerations for daycare in a high-altitude, rural community like Ward?
Childcare in Ward comes with specific environmental and logistical factors. Providers should have clear policies and preparedness for mountain weather, including safe transportation and outdoor play during variable conditions, snow closures, and power outages. Given the remote location, inquire about their emergency medical response plan, as transport to a major hospital requires a drive. Outdoor play and nature-based learning are often significant components of local programs, aligning with the community's culture. Also, consider the provider's flexibility with schedules, as parents working in Boulder or other towns may have long commutes affected by weather on mountain roads like Highway 72.