What is the average cost of daycare in Colorado?
What is the average cost of daycare in Colorado?
$950 – $2,800 average cost per month (infant)
$750 – $2,600 average cost per month (toddler)
Average cost of daycare in Colorado
Choosing the best daycare is essential for ensuring your child's safety and fostering their development. However, the selection process can be complex. With childcare costs among the highest in the nation, they represent a major financial burden for Colorado families.
The average cost of daycare in Colorado ranges from $750 to $2,800 per month or $9,000 to $33,600 per year, depending on the facility, your child's age, and whether your child attends full-time or part-time. The cost of childcare in Colorado also varies significantly based on location, with rates in urban areas like Denver often running higher than the statewide average.
| Child's age | Average cost per month* | Average cost per year* |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $950 – $2,800 | $11,400 – $33,600 |
| Toddler | $750 – $2,600 | $9,000 – $31,200 |
*For full-day care
Cost of daycare in Colorado for infants
Most daycare centers classify children under 18 months old as infants. The average cost of daycare for an infant in Colorado is $950 to $2,800 per month for full-day care five days per week. Costs are lower for half-day care or fewer days per week.
The table below shows the typical cost of infant childcare for various schedules.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month (Full-day care) |
Average cost per month (Half-day care) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days per week | $950 – $2,800 | $800 – $1,400 |
| 3 days per week | $700 – $1,700 | $600 – $1,200 |
| 2 days per week | $500 – $1,400 | $400 – $900 |
Cost of childcare in Colorado for toddlers
For toddlers aged 18 to 36 months, the average cost of daycare in Colorado is $750 to $2,600 per month for five days per week of full-day care, with lower costs for fewer days or half-day care.
The table below shows the average cost of childcare for toddlers for various schedules.
| Daycare schedule | Average cost per month (Full-day care) |
Average cost per month (Half-day care) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 days per week | $750 – $2,600 | $650 – $1,200 |
| 3 days per week | $600 – $1,600 | $500 – $1,100 |
| 2 days per week | $450 – $1,200 | $400 – $850 |
What affects the cost of daycare in Colorado?
Colorado daycare costs vary significantly by location, and prices in urban areas like Denver and Boulder are typically much higher than in rural ones. In addition to location, these other factors affect the cost:
In-home daycare vs. center: In-home daycares typically charge less than dedicated daycare centers but provide fewer amenities, and caregivers may have fewer professional credentials or less experience and training.
Child's age: As shown above, daycare costs are higher for infants than for toddlers.
Supply fees: Some facilities include supplies in their rates, while others require parents to provide the items or pay extra fees, particularly for essential items like meals and diapers.
Late pickup fees: Daycare centers typically charge fees ranging from $1 to $5 per minute for late pickups.
Meals: Some daycares provide meals as part of the base fee, while other daycare centers charge an extra fee. Be sure to ask the daycare director if their fee includes meals.
Discounts: Many daycare centers offer discounts for families enrolling multiple siblings or if you pay monthly or annually instead of weekly.
Daycare vs. other childcare options
Other childcare options usually cost more than daycare, but they may offer more flexibility to better suit your needs and schedule:
A full-time nanny costs $2,300 to $4,300 per month.
A babysitter costs $2,200 to $3,400 per month.
An au pair costs $1,400 to $2,100 per month.
Daycare assistance in Colorado
Colorado offers two options for financial assistance to help cover the cost of child care:
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) helps eligible families find and pay for daycare.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides assistance to eligible families with children.
Residents in Denver can also apply for preschool tuition assistance from the Denver Preschool Program (DPP).
FAQs about childcare in Colorado
Do daycare centers need to be licensed in Colorado?
Daycare centers and in-home daycare providers in Colorado need to be licensed if they look after more than four children total or more than two children under age 2, unless all the children are related to the provider. Check our Daycare License Lookup guide to confirm the daycare has a valid license, has no violations, and has passed all inspections.
Does foster care pay for daycare in Colorado?
Foster families in Colorado are eligible for a stipend to help cover the cost of the child's basic needs, such as food, clothing, and childcare. The stipend may cover all or only a portion of the daycare cost, depending on which daycare you choose. Foster families may also qualify for childcare assistance through the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP).
When are daycares open in Colorado?
Daycare centers in Colorado are typically open Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, with closures for holidays. However, the schedule varies depending on the daycare provider. Some centers don't open until 7:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM, and others open earlier or stay open later.
To avoid paying fees for late pickups, be sure to confirm the schedule for the daycare center you choose.
Finding the best daycare near you
When evaluating daycare centers in Colorado, follow these steps to help you choose the best provider for your child:
Read reviews of daycares near you on TrustedCare and Google.
Visit the daycare in person to evaluate the facility and staff.
Confirm the daycare center is clean, safe, and in good condition.
Ask about staff qualifications, staff-to-child ratios, operating hours, and supplies and services included.
Meet with the staff to make sure they're kind, friendly, and empathetic.
Confirm the daycare center is licensed, has passed all inspections, and has no violations.
Get a contract in writing before your child's first day.
Questions to ask childcare providers
Ask these important questions when visiting local daycare centers:
How long has your daycare center been open?
What is the staff-to-child ratio?
What are your hours of operation?
Are you closed on holidays, and if so, which ones?
What qualifications and certifications do the staff members have?
Do your staff members have CPR and first aid training?
What meals and snacks do you provide?
Do your rates include any other supplies?
How much outside playtime do the children get?
What other enrichment activities do you offer?
How often do your staff members send pictures or updates?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.