Start Planning Early for your New Baby

Congratulations, a baby will soon join your family! As you prepare for the baby's arrival, there is so much to think about and plan for! If you will go back to work or school after the baby is born, one of the most important things to plan for is child care. Start looking for child care now ‒ even before your baby is born. Some program waitlists are 18 months long! When you plan for child care during pregnancy, it makes going back to work or school easier when the time comes. Not sure where to start? We’re here to help!

Colorado Shines helps you find and research quality child care programs so you can find the best fit for your family.

• Search for child care and learn about each program’s licensing and monitoring history using the Colorado Shines search, call 1-877-338-2273, or text ‘child care referral’ to 898-211
• Visit each program you are interested in and ask lots of questions. Use the checklist as a guide to what to look for and key questions to ask
• Get on the waitlist if necessary

There is a lot to think about when it comes to choosing care for your child, including location and cost. But the program’s safety and quality are the most important considerations! Research shows that quality child care and preschool programs help children prepare for kindergarten and success in school. Colorado Shines helps you select quality, licensed care by giving you information and a rating system that you can trust.