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 a licensed child care program, contact the Colorado Shines Child Care Resource and Referral Line at 877.338.2273 or by email childcarereferrals@unitedwaydenver.org.
This service can help families find licensed child care programs, including child care centers, home-based programs and, for families that qualify, Early Head Start/Head Start programs.
Safe Child Care Checklist
Once you’ve decided that a program or provider seems like a good fit for your family, it’s important to visit and talk to the provider 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.
Informal Child Care
Some child care situations are license-exempt, which means the provider is not required to have a license. License-exempt child care can include care provided by a family member, friend, neighbor or nanny.
These providers are still required to follow state laws designed to keep children safe.
Licensed Child Care in a Family Home
Licensed family child care homes are a great option for families looking for high-quality child care that offers more flexible hours, mixed age groups (so siblings can stay together), and a calmer environment.
Learn more about this child care option and find a program near you.
Is Your Provider Required to Have a License?
Many Colorado families choose license-exempt child care provided by a family member, friend, or neighbor (FFN). This type of care can be high-quality, and license-exempt providers are still required to follow Colorado laws.
However, since license-exempt providers are not monitored by the state the way licensed programs are, it’s up to families to ensure their children are in a safe, nurturing environment.
Colorado’s child care licensing rules are designed to keep children safe. Click below to find out if your child’s provider is required to have a license .
Click here to download the PDF in Spanish.
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)
CCCAP helps Colorado families afford quality child care and supports parents who are working, looking for work, or attending school.
CCCAP in Jefferson County is currently on an enrollment freeze. Click here for more information.
For more information about CCCAP in Clear Creek County:
Contact Tracy Troia via email at Tracy.Troia@state.co.us or by phone at (303) 679-2364
For more information about CCCAP in Gilpin County:
Contact David.Josselyn@state.co.us or by phone at (303)582-5444 ext. 7204
DID YOU KNOW?
Residents of Gilpin and Clear Creek Counties enrolled in CCCAP can choose the provider of their choice to care for their child, including a family member!
Contact your county CCCAP office (see above) and ask about the “CCCAP Qualified Exempt” program.
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.
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We are committed to continuing to improve the support we provide to families, and we welcome any feedback or suggestions you may have.