The Best Daycare Centers in Watkins, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Watkins. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Watkins
Primrose School of Bennett
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Bennett offers a research-based Balanced Learning® curriculum that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate learning environments, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. Teachers implement a balanced approach to early education that focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and employs degreed early childhood educators who receive ongoing professional development. Parents appreciate the structured daily routines, regular communication through the Primrose app, and emphasis on social-emotional development.
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The Goddard School of Strasburg
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Strasburg provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that promotes academic, social, and emotional development. The facility features secure access, multiple age-specific classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Certified teachers implement developmentally appropriate curriculum that includes STEAM learning, language development, and social skills. The school emphasizes safety with comprehensive background checks, regular safety drills, and strict health protocols. Parents value the individualized attention, daily activity reports, and focus on preparing children for elementary school through structured learning activities and creative play.
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Parker Montessori
Parker Montessori Preschool
Parker Montessori offers authentic Montessori education in carefully prepared environments designed to foster independence and love of learning. The school features mixed-age classrooms, Montessori materials, and peaceful learning spaces that encourage exploration and discovery. AMI-trained guides observe and support each child's individual development through hands-on learning experiences. The curriculum covers practical life skills, sensorial development, language, mathematics, and cultural studies. Safety measures include secure facilities, comprehensive staff training, and maintained teacher-student ratios. Families appreciate the child-centered approach, peaceful classroom environments, and strong community atmosphere that respects each child's unique developmental timeline.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Watkins, CO
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Watkins, Colorado?
In Watkins and the surrounding rural areas of Arapahoe County, full-time daycare costs can vary significantly based on the type of care. A licensed in-home daycare typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,600 per month for an infant. Larger childcare centers, which are less common directly in Watkins but available in nearby communities like Bennett or Strasburg, often charge between $1,400 and $1,800 monthly. It's important to note that as a more rural community, options within Watkins city limits are limited, which can sometimes keep prices competitive among the few providers. Always inquire about what is included in the tuition, such as meals, snacks, and curriculum materials. Financial assistance may be available through the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) for qualifying families.
How do I verify that a daycare provider in Watkins is properly licensed and what are Colorado's key regulations?
All licensed childcare providers in Colorado are regulated by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). You can verify a provider's license, view their compliance history, and read any past inspection reports by using the official "Colorado Shines" licensee search tool on the CDEC website. Key regulations for Watkins providers include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:5 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers), background checks for all employees, health and safety training, and adherence to specific facility standards. Due to Watkins's rural nature, you may also encounter legally operating "license-exempt" providers (caring for relatives or only one other family's children), so it's crucial to ask about their licensing status upfront for your peace of mind and child's safety.
Are there long waitlists for daycare spots in Watkins, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, due to the limited number of providers in Watkins itself, waitlists are common, especially for infant care. It is strongly recommended that parents begin their search at least 6 to 9 months before their needed start date. For popular in-home providers or centers with strong local reputations, you may need to get on a list even earlier. Many parents in Watkins also expand their search to neighboring towns like Bennett, Strasburg, or even the eastern edges of Aurora, which may have more options but also come with their own waitlists and commuting considerations. Being flexible on your start date can improve your chances of securing a spot.
What unique factors should I consider when choosing a daycare in a rural community like Watkins?
Choosing daycare in Watkins involves several rural-specific considerations. First, assess the provider's emergency preparedness plan for severe weather (common on the Eastern Plains) and their protocol for transportation or field trips given the area's open roads. Second, inquire about their flexibility with early drop-off or late pickup, as longer commutes to jobs in Denver or Aurora are common for Watkins parents. Third, visit and observe the outdoor play area; a quality rural daycare should have safe, engaging outdoor space, which is a significant benefit of a country setting. Finally, consider the community vibe—small, in-home providers often offer a tight-knit, family-like environment, which can be a major advantage for your child's social development in a rural area.
What resources are available in Watkins to help me find and evaluate local childcare options?
The primary resource for finding licensed childcare is the **Colorado Shines** website and referral line. You can search by zip code (80137) to find providers in and around Watkins. Additionally, you can contact the **Arapahoe County Early Childhood Council** for local guidance and support. For more personalized, community-based recommendations, consider joining local Facebook groups like "Watkins, CO Community" or "Eastern Plains Parents" to ask for parent reviews and experiences. The Watkins Community Church and the local library can also be good sources of information on reputable home-based providers. Always schedule in-person tours to get a true feel for the environment and ask for references from current families.