Find a UPK Child care provider
Changing to different wording:
High-quality child care and preschool can take place in many locations – not just a center or school.
Family child care homes operate from the provider’s home and offer child care and preschool programs in a small-group setting.
Many families choose to have their child in home-based programs until their child enters kindergarten. The benefits include close relationships with the provider, attending the same program as younger siblings, and flexible hours that meet families’ needs.
Did you know? Many home-based providers participate in Universal Preschool Colorado!
Family child care homes are licensed and monitored for safety by the State of Colorado.
Benefits of Family Child Care Homes
Small Group Sizes
Family child care home providers usually care for 6 to 8 children at a time. This allows the provider to spend more time with each child. Research shows that small group sizes have a positive impact on child development and safety.
Calmer, Comfortable Environment
Family child care homes provide a warm and welcoming environment that is often calmer than child care centers. This can make the transition for a child easier as they leave their own home for a child care setting.
Consistent Caregiver
In family child care homes, children are cared for by the same provider every day and build strong relationships, which supports healthy development.
Flexible Hours
Family child care homes are often able to offer families more flexible hours than traditional child care centers, including nights and weekends.
Mixed-Age Groups
In families with multiple children, family child care homes allow for children to be cared for in the same setting as their siblings.
Benefits of using a headstart Program
Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, and family well-being services to low-income children and families, offering benefits such as improved school readiness, better social skills, and increased access to health care for children. For parents and families, Head Start supports increased stability, positive parent-child relationships, and improved long-term educational and economic outcome
To qualify for Head Start, your child’s family income must generally be at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or your family must be receiving public assistance such as SNAP or SSI. Programs may also consider housing costs when determining eligibility, or families with a child with a disability, or whose child is in foster care, may also qualify. You can apply for Head Start by contacting the local program nearest to you, as they can provide the necessary forms and guidance.
The primary way to qualify is if your family’s total gross income is at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size.
Other Eligibility Pathways: Disability and Foster Care
