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Licensed Daycare in Colorado

Search 3,133 verified daycare and childcare centers across Colorado, sourced directly from Colorado Department of Early Childhood — Licensing & Administration . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

3,133
Licensed Centers
$1,430/mo
Avg Infant Care
$1,080/mo
Avg Preschool
1:5
Infant Ratio

Colorado Childcare Licensing

In Colorado, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood — Licensing & Administration. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.

Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:5 for infants under 12 months, 1:5 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.

Verify a license at Colorado Department of Early Childhood — Licensing & Administration

Quick licensing facts

Regulator
Colorado Department of Early Childhood — Licensing & Administration
Infant ratio
1:5
Toddler ratio
1:5
Preschool ratio
1:10
Avg infant cost
$1,430/mo
Avg preschool cost
$1,080/mo
Financial help

Colorado Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits

Colorado families can apply for Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.

Local intake line: (303) 866-5957

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Daycare in Colorado — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in Colorado is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the Colorado Department of Early Childhood — Licensing & Administration database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool at https://www.colorado.gov/apps/dhs/childcareproviderlookup.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Colorado?
State minimums in Colorado are roughly 1:5 infants, 1:5 toddlers, and 1:10 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in Colorado?
Full-time infant care averages about $1430/month; preschool runs around $1080/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like Denver trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in Colorado?
Yes. The primary state program is Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), reachable at (303) 866-5957. Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Colorado daycare?
File a complaint with the Colorado Department of Early Childhood — Licensing & Administration via their website. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 3,133 Licensed Colorado Centers

Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.