Find Child Care for Babies or Toddlers
The brains of babies and toddlers are growing fast, and quality child care prepares them for success in school and beyond.
Free & Personalized Support for Your Child Care Search
If you need help finding child care contact a child care navigator through the Colorado Shines Child Care Resource and Referral Line.
Call 877.338.2273 or email childcarereferrals@unitedwaydenver.org.
Research Child Care Programs
Search online through Colorado Shines for licensed child care programs in your community.
The Colorado Shines website also provides families with detailed reports and safety information on every licensed program in the state.
Is Your Provider Required to Have a License?
Some Colorado families choose a licensed child care program. Many other families opt for license-exempt care provided by a family member, friend, or neighbor (FFN), which can also be high-quality.
No matter what kind of child care you choose, all child care situations – even informal nanny shares – must follow state licensing rules.
Click below to find out if your child’s provider is required to have a child care license .
Safe Child Care Checklist
Once you’ve decided that a child care program or provider seems like a good fit for your family, it’s important to visit in person.
Download and print the child care checklist for the most important things to look for when you visit and questions to ask the provider.
Need Help Paying for Child Care?
The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) helps families afford quality child care and reduce the amount they pay for their child’s care.
CCCAP supports parents who are working, looking for work, or attending school.
Find out if you are eligible and how to apply.
Your Child Care Options
Friend, Family or Neighbor Care (FFN)
FFN care is not licensed but can also be high-quality. Families trust FFN providers to meet the needs of their child and care is provided in the child’s home, or the home of the caregiver.
Family Child Care Homes
Licensed child care programs that are located in a family home. These programs provide care for more than four children on a regular basis. Licensed child care family homes are monitored for health and safety by the State.
Child Care Centers
Licensed centers group children by age. Centers are larger and have more children enrolled. Centers have a director and multiple staff. Licensed centers are monitored for health and safety by the State.
Early Head Start
Early Head Start programs serve children, age 0 to 3, from lower income families. Programs may be located in centers, schools, or family homes. These programs must meet federal standards for health and safety.