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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 7 of 11

H Licensed Center

Happy Days Thornton Daycare #142

Denver

Infants & Toddlers Cap 20

H Before/After School

Highlands Ranch Bright Beginnings #205

Denver

School Age (5+) Cap 89

H Infant Care

Highlands Ranch Bright Futures Daycare #198

Denver

Preschool (2-5) Cap 85

H Preschool

Highlands Ranch Childcare Academy #195

Denver

Preschool (2-5) Cap 110

H Montessori

Highlands Ranch Children's Place #207

Denver

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 48

H Head Start

Highlands Ranch Discovery Preschool #212

Denver

2 years - 12 years Cap 114

H Licensed Center

Highlands Ranch Kids First Academy #200

Denver

Infants & Toddlers Cap 20

H Family Daycare

Highlands Ranch KinderSmile #233

Denver

School Age (5+) Cap 79

H Group Care

Highlands Ranch Learning Center #194

Denver

School Age (5+) Cap 38

H Head Start

Highlands Ranch Little Stars Daycare #196

Denver

2 years - 12 years Cap 31

H Licensed Center

Highlands Ranch Panda Kids Academy #224

Denver

Infants & Toddlers Cap 36

H Family Daycare

Highlands Ranch Playhouse Academy #193

Denver

School Age (5+) Cap 16

H Group Care

Highlands Ranch Precious Moments #218

Denver

School Age (5+) Cap 47

H Before/After School

Highlands Ranch Rainbow Learning Center #197

Denver

School Age (5+) Cap 39

H Montessori

Highlands Ranch Sunflower Daycare #223

Denver

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 45

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.