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Finding Child Care

As a parent or guardian, you want the best for your child, especially when it comes to child care. Continue reading to find out how to locate child care.
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Finding Child Care

As a parent or guardian, you want the best for your child, especially when it comes to child care. In Colorado, you have many options for child care. How do you decide which one is best for your family and your child? You can start by considering different factors like location or price when deciding which provider is the best option. An equally important factor to consider is the quality of the child care provider or program. Colorado rates each program and provider on health and safety standards, staff and leadership experience and credentials, and family engagement. This quality and improvement rating system is known as Colorado Shines. Looking at the Colorado Shines rating of child care programs and providers you are considering can help you choose the best one for your family and your child.

To learn more about high-quality child care, child care provider options, how to locate providers, and how to be a good partner in your child’s education, explore the links below. 

Need additional, personalized support?

  • PHONE: Contact a Child Care Navigator at 1-877-338-CARE (2273). English and Spanish offered, Monday - Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • CHAT: You can also connect with Child Care Navigators via live webchat.
  • EMAIL: Send an email to childcarereferrals@unitedwaydenver.org

You are the expert on your family and child! We’re here to help you use that knowledge to select the best child care for your child! When you’re searching for child care, you’re also searching for the right type of care for your child. It might be preschool, a family child care home, a child care center, or Head Start. Colorado Shines helps you find and research quality child care programs. We show you each program’s Colorado Shines quality rating, licensing history, and monitoring reports to help you make the best decision for your family.

Once you have a list of programs, it’s time to go visit! Use our child care checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything. It includes a list of things to look for and the most important questions to ask. Ready to get started?

If you prefer to speak to someone, we’re just a phone call or a text away! The Colorado Shines Child Care Resource & Referral phone line can assist you in English or Spanish, Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm. Call 1-877-338-2273 or text ‘child care referral’ to 898-211.

Tip: You may qualify for financial assistance to help pay for child care. Visit the Apply for CCCAP page to learn more or contact your county department of human services.

Universal Preschool (UPK) Colorado
Universal Preschool (UPK) Colorado allows families to choose the right setting for their child, whether it is in a licensed community-based, school-based or home-based preschool setting. Families of children in the year before they are eligible for kindergarten, and qualifying 3-year-olds, are able to apply for UPK Colorado.
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Raising Colorado Kids Guide is brought to you by the Colorado Office of Early Childhood.

For general help, call 1-800-799-5876 or email  cdhs_oec_communications@state.co.us

Contact Us

Raising Colorado Kids is brought to you by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.

For general help, call 1-800-799-5876 or email  cdec_communications@state.co.us

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