Announcement: Universal Preschool Colorado family applications are now open. Click here for more information.

Raising CO Kids Guide
What Kind of Child Care
Finding Support:
What Kind of Child Care is Right for Me and My Child? In Colorado you have many options for finding a child care program that fits the needs of your family and your child. Deciding the best option will depend on many factors like location, price, and the quality of the program. Colorado has resources to help you make the best informed choice.
What types of programs are available?
When it comes to choosing a child care program, you have options. There are so many choices that it can be intimidating to try and find the right program for your child. The good news is that Colorado has resources to help you make this important decision. The state of Colorado licenses child care programs to make sure they meet health and safety requirements. Licensed child care programs are monitored every year. This section has information on the different kinds of licensed child care programs. It also has information about programs that don’t have to get a child care license. These programs are called “license-exempt."
How do I decide which program is right for my child?
  • Colorado Shines provides parents research and helps parents find licensed, quality child care and preschool programs. Colorado Shines has each program’s location, hours, licensing status, and, most importantly, the Colorado Shines rating. To find quality programs near you, follow this step-by-step guide:
    • Decide what kind of care you need. The choices include preschool, family child care home, or Head Start.
    • Search for a quality child care program online or call the Colorado Shines Child Care Referral Line at Mile High United Way at 1.877.338.2273 for help finding a program.
    • Find out if you qualify for financial assistance.
    • Visit your top programs in person. Look at the environment. Watch the interactions between the professionals and the children. Ask lots of questions! Tip: Use this checklist when you visit programs. It includes a list of things to look for and the most important questions to ask. Make sure that:
      • Current license is posted and visible
      • Equipment is clean and in good repair
      • Electrical outlets are covered
      • Emergency route and emergency numbers are posted
      • The doors are locked and visitors are required to sign in
      • All toys are clean and in good condition
      • Playground has safe surfaces, is fenced, and has areas of sun and shade
    • Check references and records for your top programs. Ask for references from families who are currently using the program and families who have used the program in the past. Ask for contact information for families who have used the program in the past. Review the programs’ licensing records and Colorado Shines quality rating using the Colorado Shines search tool. Tip: Each program’s quality rating, licensing history, and monitoring reports are included in the program’s search results in the Colorado Shines search tool.
    • Choose a program. Confirm your child’s start date. If there is a waitlist, make sure to contact other programs you like to check availability. If necessary, add your child’s name to more than one program waitlist. This will help ensure a spot becomes open sooner. Many programs that care for infants and toddlers fill up quickly. Make sure you start your child care search early!
    • Stay involved. You are your child’s most important teacher! Staying involved both in your child’s program and at home will help your child thrive!
I’m interested in the Colorado Preschool Program for my child. Am I eligible?

CPP is a state-funded, district-run, preschool program. CPP is intended to serve preschool-aged children who are at risk of starting elementary school unprepared due to individual or family factors. Eligibility determination and the enrollment process are coordinated at a local level. To find out about CPP options in your community, use the Family Contact Directory to find the school district representative who can help you.

Child and family qualifying factors must be present in a child’s life in order for a child to be fit for CPP. These factors are determined by the legislature and are not based on income alone. Learn more about legislated eligibility criteria.

Contact A Child Care Resource & Referral Agency
Child Care Resource and Referral agencies work to connect you with quality early learning programs, like child care and preschool, valuable local resources, and tips for choosing a child care facility.

For assistance in finding quality child care, call the Colorado Shines Child Care Referral Line at Mile High United Way at 1-877-338-2273 (CARE). A trained referral specialist will help you locate programs specific to your needs.

Universal Preschool (UPK) Colorado
Universal Preschool (UPK) Colorado allows families to choose the right setting for their child, whether it is in a licensed community-based, school-based or home-based preschool setting. Families of children in the year before they are eligible for kindergarten, and qualifying 3-year-olds, are able to apply for UPK Colorado.
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Contact Us

Raising Colorado Kids Guide is brought to you by the Colorado Office of Early Childhood.

For general help, call 1-800-799-5876 or email  cdhs_oec_communications@state.co.us

Contact Us

Raising Colorado Kids Guide is brought to you by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood..

For general help, call 1-800-799-5876 or email  cdec_communications@state.co.us

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