Yellow Jacket, CO

The Children's Kiva Montessori School is a highly-regarded Montessori program serving the broader Southwest Colorado region, including Yellow Jacket families. As an authentic Montessori school, they focus on child-directed learning in prepared environments with specialized Montessori materials. Their certified Montessori teachers guide children through hands-on learning experiences that foster independence, critical thinking, and social-emotional development. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and emphasizes outdoor education, with garden programs and nature exploration. They serve children from preschool through elementary grades and have built a strong reputation for academic preparation and whole-child development in the rural Southwest Colorado community.

Kid's World Early Learning Center is a comprehensive childcare facility serving Cortez and surrounding communities including Yellow Jacket. They offer full-spectrum care from infants through school-age children with age-appropriate curricula aligned with Colorado Early Learning Guidelines. The center features structured learning environments with dedicated spaces for different age groups, including secure infant rooms, toddler exploration areas, and preschool learning centers. Their qualified early childhood educators implement play-based learning approaches while incorporating literacy, math, and science concepts. The facility includes both indoor and outdoor play areas, provides nutritious meals and snacks, and maintains strong safety protocols including secure entry systems and regular safety drills.

First Step Daycare & Preschool is a family-owned center known for its nurturing environment and strong educational foundation. Serving the Montezuma County area including Yellow Jacket, they emphasize creating a home-like atmosphere while implementing structured early learning curricula. Their program focuses on school readiness through a balanced approach of structured academic activities and free play. Qualified early childhood teachers provide individualized attention with low child-to-staff ratios. The center features developmentally appropriate learning centers, outdoor playgrounds with age-appropriate equipment, and comprehensive safety measures including background-checked staff and secure facilities. They're particularly noted for their flexible scheduling options and strong parent communication practices.