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Licensed Daycare in Denver, Colorado

Q: How many licensed daycare centers are in Denver, Colorado?

Our directory lists 161 licensed childcare centers in Denver, Colorado, sourced from Colorado Department of Early Childhood — Licensing & Administration. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Denver?

Statewide averages in Colorado run roughly $1430/month for infants and $1080/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: What staff-to-child ratios apply in Denver daycares?

All licensed Colorado centers must meet the state minimum: 1:5 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Denver typically operate below these ceilings.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Denver?

Colorado families can apply for Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) (intake: (303) 866-5957). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

Each provider on this page is verified through the state's public child care licensing search. Cost figures are city-wide averages from CCAA reporting.

161

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$1,430/mo

Colorado avg infant

1:5

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Denver

ChildCare Aware reports the Colorado average full-time cost at $1,430/month for infant care and $1,080/month for preschool. City-level prices in Denver vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Colorado families may also qualify for Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) (intake: (303) 866-5957).

Full Colorado licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: Colorado Department of Early Childhood — Licensing & Administration
Infant ratio: 1:5
Toddler ratio: 1:5
Preschool ratio: 1:10
Avg capacity: 66 kids

ZIP codes covered

80238 30 80218 26 80204 23 80210 14 80205 12 80211 11 80206 11 80223 10

Program types in Denver

Montessori School

21 centers

Licensed Group Child Care Home

21 centers

Licensed Child Care Center

21 centers

Licensed Family Daycare Home

20 centers

Head Start Center

20 centers

Before & After School Care

20 centers

All Denver licensed centers

Page 4 of 11

D Preschool

Denver KinderCare #119

Denver

Preschool (2-5) Cap 35

D Head Start

Denver Learning Center #104

Denver

2 years - 12 years Cap 51

D Infant Care

Denver Little Angels #98

Denver

Preschool (2-5) Cap 108

D Montessori

Denver Little Scholars #83

Denver

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 16

D Licensed Center

Denver Panda Kids Academy #92

Denver

Infants & Toddlers Cap 57

D Group Care

Denver Precious Moments #86

Denver

School Age (5+) Cap 36

D Before/After School

Denver Smart Start Academy #97

Denver

School Age (5+) Cap 99

D Before/After School

Denver Stepping Stones #81

Denver

School Age (5+) Cap 24

D Montessori

Denver Sunflower Daycare #91

Denver

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 45

D Preschool

Denver Sunshine Daycare #111

Denver

Preschool (2-5) Cap 25

D Family Daycare

Denver Wonder Years #93

Denver

School Age (5+) Cap 98

E Montessori

Explorer Kids Centennial #209

Denver

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 20

E Montessori

Explorer Kids Thornton #165

Denver

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 58

E Montessori

Explorer Kids Westminster #187

Denver

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 70

F Infant Care

First Steps Centennial #192

Denver

Preschool (2-5) Cap 76

Each listing links to the full state-record details, including last inspection date if reported.

Common parent questions about licensing, ratios, and how to compare programs in this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Denver, Colorado?

Our directory lists 161 licensed childcare centers in Denver, Colorado, sourced from Colorado Department of Early Childhood — Licensing & Administration. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Denver?

Statewide averages in Colorado run roughly $1430/month for infants and $1080/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Denver daycares?

All licensed Colorado centers must meet the state minimum: 1:5 for infants, 1:5 for toddlers, and 1:10 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Denver typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Denver?

Colorado families can apply for Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) (intake: (303) 866-5957). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Denver daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official Colorado Department of Early Childhood — Licensing & Administration search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.