The Best Daycare Centers in Windsor, CO
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Windsor. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Windsor
Primrose School of Windsor
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Windsor offers a nationally accredited Balanced Learning® approach that combines teacher-directed and child-initiated activities. Their curriculum focuses on character development, literacy, math, science, and social studies through hands-on learning experiences. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning spaces. Teachers hold early childhood education credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The center emphasizes parent communication through daily reports and regular conferences, with nutritious meals and snacks included in tuition.
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The Goddard School of Fort Collins
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just minutes from Windsor, The Goddard School serves families throughout northern Colorado with a play-based F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that promotes social, emotional, and academic development. The facility features secure keypad entry, CCTV monitoring, and age-specific classrooms with modern educational materials. Certified teachers implement STEAM-focused curriculum with daily enrichment activities including yoga, music, and Spanish. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and provides comprehensive progress reports to keep parents informed about developmental milestones.
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The Learning Experience - Fort Collins
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience in Fort Collins serves Windsor families with their proprietary L.E.A.P.® (Learning Experience Academic Program) curriculum that incorporates phonics, mathematics, and science through interactive technology and hands-on activities. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, indoor and outdoor play areas, and dedicated enrichment spaces. Their programs include early literacy development, character values education, and optional enrichment programs like soccer and dance. Teachers receive comprehensive training in early childhood development and maintain CPR/first aid certifications. The center offers flexible scheduling and provides all meals and snacks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Windsor, CO
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Windsor, Colorado?
In Windsor, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the type of facility and the child's age. For center-based care, you can expect to pay between $1,400 and $1,800 per month for an infant, and slightly less, around $1,200 to $1,600, for a toddler. Licensed in-home family childcare homes are often more affordable, typically ranging from $900 to $1,300 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Windsor and the broader Northern Colorado area have seen costs rise in recent years, so early budgeting and exploring potential financial assistance programs through the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) for qualifying families is recommended.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Windsor, and how can I secure a spot?
Waitlists for highly-rated daycare centers in Windsor can be significant, especially for infant rooms. It's not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. When contacting centers, ask specific questions: your exact position on the list, if a deposit is required to hold a spot (which is common), and how often they update the list. Consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in your neighborhood, as they may have shorter wait times and offer a more intimate setting. Registering with multiple providers is a standard strategy for parents in the Windsor area.
What are the state licensing requirements for childcare providers in Colorado, and how can I verify a Windsor provider's license?
All childcare providers in Colorado caring for more than one unrelated child must be licensed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). Key requirements include background checks for all staff, health and safety training (including CPR/First Aid), ongoing professional development, and adherence to strict ratios (e.g., 1:5 for infants, 1:7 for toddlers). To verify the license and compliance history of any center or family home in Windsor, use the official "Colorado Shines" public search tool online. This database shows a provider's license status, any history of violations, and their quality rating (Level 1-5). Always choose a licensed provider to ensure minimum health, safety, and supervision standards are met.
Are there any unique local programs or resources in Windsor to help parents find and pay for childcare?
Yes, Windsor parents have several local resources. The "Windsor Community Recreation Center" often hosts preschool and school-age programs that can complement childcare needs. For finding providers, the "Child Care Resource and Referral" service through the Early Childhood Council of Larimer County serves the Windsor area, offering free personalized referrals. For financial assistance, the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) is administered locally by the Weld County Department of Human Services for Windsor residents. Additionally, some larger employers in the region, like those in the manufacturing or tech sectors, may offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or partnerships with specific centers. Checking with your HR department is advised.
What should I look for during a tour of a daycare facility in Windsor, and are there any local safety considerations?
During a tour, observe the cleanliness, child engagement, and staff interactions. Ask about their emergency procedures, especially for severe weather common to Northern Colorado, like tornadoes or winter storms. Inquire about their outdoor play policy given Windsor's variable climate and air quality days from regional fires. Check that the facility is secure, with controlled access doors. Specifically, ask about their sick policy and how they handle common childhood illnesses to prevent outbreaks. A quality Windsor provider should be able to detail their communication with parents, their curriculum (even for infants), and their staff turnover rate—low turnover is a key indicator of a positive work environment and consistent care for your child. Trust your instincts about the overall feel of the environment.