Childcare Options by Age: Choosing Childcare In Denver

Childcare options range from a neighbor down the block to a fully licensed childcare center that provides meals, enrichment activities, preschool curriculum and extended-day care. Choosing what’s best for your child and your family takes time–and your needs and preferences may shift as your child grows. 

ChildCare Aware provides detailed descriptions of various childcare options. While not all of these options are available in every area, our Find Quality Childcare Tool helps Denver families locate childcare options that are specific to your needs, ages of children, preferred zip codes and more. 

As you decide what childcare options are best for your family, use our guide below to understand the types of childcare and resources available to make your search easier (and less expensive). 

Types of Childcare Options Available

Many families plan for their childcare needs before they have children while others start scrambling for care when their parental leave is nearing its end. Either way, knowing the basics behind childcare options and terminology will save time, reduce stress and set you up for success. 

Parents.com offers a nice breakdown of the various terminology to describe young children. HealthyChildren.org also provides an ages and stages overview and ProCare’s “Daycare Age Ranges: Understanding the Differences” gives a nice breakdown of caregiver-to-children ratios and developmental milestones at each age range.   

When exploring childcare options by age, here are some general considerations: 

Infant childcare: Infants are often defined as newborns to 1-year-olds. Infants do best with a caregiver who is only caring for a few other children and usually only 1-2 other infants. In-home childcare providers; family, friends and neighbors (FFN); center-based childcare; and nannies are all types of childcare for infants. Read about the differences between a daycare and preschool in our blog post, “What is the Difference Between Daycare and School?” 

Toddler childcare: Children ages 1 to 3 years old are often referred to as toddlers. Like infants, toddlers can thrive in many types of childcare options, including in-home childcare and daycares; family, friends and neighbors (FFN); center-based childcare; and nannies or babysitters. Toddlers begin to develop social and emotional skills by interacting with other children, so early childhood education-focused care providers, playgroups, hands-on classes, like music, soccer or art, can help them develop skills and confidence. Read about the differences between a daycare and preschool in our blog post, “What is the Difference Between Daycare and School?” and why choosing one over the other might be better for your family and your goals. 

Preschool-aged childcare: Young children ages 3-5 are often described as preschool-aged children, although some 2-year-olds also benefit from early childhood education. Childcare options for preschoolers often include either formal or informal preschool curriculum as well as traditional childcare that extends beyond the learning hours. While some families may choose to have a specially-trained nanny provide preschool-appropriate education and childcare, most families opt for an in-home preschool provider, school-based preschool provider or center-based childcare and preschool. Learn more about the types of preschools in our blog post, « Tous les établissements préscolaires ne se valent pas : comparaison des différents types d’établissements préscolaires. »

Notre Comment choisir une école maternelle tool can be helpful as you compare childcare and preschool options. 

Childcare Options Resources

Once you have landed on the type of childcare option that’s right for your family, our Ressources pour la petite enfance destinées aux familles de Denver offers additional information and resources to help on your journey. And, our Guide to Lowering Your Preschool Costs helps Denver families save on your child’s early education costs. 

To stay updated about additional childcare options and ways to lower your childcare costs, follow our newsroom for regular blog posts. And, sign up for our monthly newsletter, Family Dispatch, for tips, resources and more right to your inbox.