Daycare in Colorado

Browse 4,594 licensed daycare centers and family childcare homes across Colorado.

Calculate Colorado CostsChoosing Guide

Average Daycare Costs in Colorado

Infant (0-12 months)
$350/week
~$18,200/year
Toddler (1-2 years)
$300/week
~$15,600/year
Preschool (3-5 years)
$275/week
~$14,300/year

* Costs vary by location, facility type, and program. These are state averages for full-time care.

Browse by County

Select a county to view licensed daycare providers in that area.

El Paso County
551
Arapahoe County
500
Jefferson County
486
Denver County
465
Adams County
353
Larimer County
314
Douglas County
313
Weld County
307
Boulder County
293
Pueblo County
127
Mesa County
116
Garfield County
62
Broomfield County
59
Eagle County
54
La Plata County
45
Summit County
39
Routt County
33
Teller County
27
Morgan County
25
Montrose County
22
Show all 64 counties
Grand County
22
Logan County
22
Pitkin County
21
Delta County
21
Fremont County
21
Gunnison County
20
Elbert County
18
Chaffee County
18
Montezuma County
17
Park County
16
Rio Grande County
13
Yuma County
13
San Miguel County
13
Alamosa County
13
Otero County
12
Archuleta County
11
Kit Carson County
10
Washington County
9
Clear Creek County
9
Prowers County
9
Las Animas County
8
Moffat County
7
Cheyenne County
7
Phillips County
7
Rio Blanco County
6
Ouray County
6
Saguache County
5
Lincoln County
5
Baca County
5
Conejos County
4
Huerfano County
4
Custer County
4
Sedgwick County
3
Lake County
3
Costilla County
3
Hinsdale County
3
Bent County
3
Gilpin County
3
Mineral County
2
Kiowa County
2
Dolores County
2
Jackson County
1
San Juan County
1
Crowley County
1

Verify Provider Licenses

Check any provider's licensing status with Colorado's official database.

Verify License

Types of Daycare in Colorado

Licensed Daycare Centers

Commercial facilities licensed by Colorado to provide group childcare. Centers must meet state standards for safety, staff qualifications, and child-to-staff ratios.

  • • State-licensed and inspected
  • • Structured educational programs
  • • Multiple age-appropriate classrooms
  • • Full-time and part-time options

Family Childcare Homes

Licensed providers who care for children in their home. Colorado regulates home-based providers to ensure safe environments and appropriate care.

  • • Home-like environment
  • • Smaller group sizes
  • • Often more flexible schedules
  • • Mixed age groups

Colorado Licensing Agency

Department of Early Childhood

303-866-5958
Verify a LicenseAgency Website

Required Staff Ratios

Age GroupColorado RequiresNAEYC Recommends
Infants1:51:3
Toddlers1:51:4
Preschool1:101:8
School Age1:151:10

Childcare Assistance

Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)

Administered by: County DSS

Income Eligibility

185% of Federal Poverty Level

Wait List:Varies by county. Apply through your county.
Apply for Assistance

Quality Rating System

Colorado Shines

Colorado uses a 5-level quality rating system. Look for rated providers for assurance of quality.

Find rated providers

State Pre-K Program

Colorado Preschool Program (CPP)

Who qualifies: 3 and 4-year-olds

Income: At-risk criteria

Learn more about Pre-K

Things to Know About Colorado Childcare

  • •Colorado has some of the highest childcare costs in the nation, particularly in Denver and ski resort areas.
  • •Universal preschool is expanding statewide.

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