How do I choose the right daycare in Boulder?

When choosing a daycare in Boulder, consider visiting facilities in person and checking: Licensing status with Colorado's regulatory agency Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Colorado) Safety measures and cleanliness Daily routines and educational curriculum Parent reviews and ratings Location and hours that fit your schedule

What types of daycare are available in Boulder?

Boulder offers several types of childcare facilities: Child Daycare & Preschools — 58 facilities Headstart Programs — 2 facilities Church Daycare — 4 facilities Before or After School Daycare — 34 facilities Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Before or After School Daycare in Boulder, Colorado (34 Results)

Q: What is the average cost of daycare in Colorado?

Daycare costs in Colorado typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Boulder for current pricing.

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Boulder

Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.

Alaya Preschool Kindergarten

4.8 score

5(20)

3340 19th St, Boulder, CO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 58 children

Parents consistently praise Alaya Preschool as a warm, nurturing community where children develop confidence, social skills, and emotional well-being. The school is highlighted for its extensive outdoor play areas, play-based learning approach, and exceptionally caring teachers who form genuine relationships with children and families.

Warm and nurturing environmentexceptional teachersoutdoor play timeplay-based curriculum

Meadowlark Preschool

4.79 score

5(19)

2650 Table Mesa Dr, Boulder, CO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children

Meadowlark Preschool receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the warm, nurturing environment and deeply caring, stable staff. Parents consistently highlight their children's enthusiasm for attending, strong academic preparation (particularly literacy), and the positive social-emotional development fostered by the multi-age classroom setting.

Caring and experienced teaching staff with low turnoverwarm and welcoming atmospherechildren excited to attendstrong early literacy emphasis

Sunrise Early Learning Center

4.78 score

5(18)

4215 Grinnell Ave, Boulder, CO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 22 children

Sunrise Early Learning Center receives perfect 5/5 ratings from all parents. They consistently praise the caring, experienced staff (particularly Melissa, Nick, and Julie) for creating a nurturing, play-based learning environment where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Parents highlight the strong sense of community, thoughtful curriculum with monthly themes, and excellent communication.

Experienced and caring staffplay-based learning approachsocial-emotional skill developmentengaging monthly curriculum themes

Snow Lion School INC

4.77 score

5(17)

2580 Iris Ave, Boulder, CO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 49 children

Snow Lion School is a highly regarded contemplative preschool in Boulder with a 5/5 rating across all reviews. Parents consistently praise the warm, compassionate staff, nurturing environment, and child-centered approach that fosters confidence, creativity, and character development. The school emphasizes outdoor play, community building, and respect for individual learning styles.

Warm and attentive staffstrong understanding of child developmentnurturing environmentbuilds community among families

New Horizons Cooperative Preschool

4.77 score

5(17)

1825 Upland Ave, Boulder, CO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 20 children

Parents consistently praise New Horizons as an exceptional, community-focused cooperative preschool that emphasizes play-based learning, diversity, and social-emotional development. The school is noted for its affordable pricing, dedicated teachers, outdoor activities, and inclusive environment that serves families from various backgrounds. Multiple long-term parents report lasting friendships and believe the school provides an ideal foundation for their children's growth.

Community-oriented cooperative modelplay-based learning approachdiversity and multiculturalismaffordable pricing

Boulder Bilingual Childcare INC.

4.75 score

5(15)

2700 29th St, Boulder, CO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 52 children

Boulder Bilingual Childcare is a family-run center in Boulder that receives universal praise from parents for its warm, nurturing environment and bilingual Spanish-English education. Parents consistently highlight the owner's commitment to homemade, nutritious meals, the genuine care and affection staff show to all children, and the strong sense of community. Children are reported to thrive academically and emotionally, with notable gains in Spanish language skills and school readiness.

Warm and caring staff who treat children like family membersbilingual Spanish-English educationhomemade nutritious meals prepared fresh dailywell-maintained facility with outdoor playgrounds

Children'S House Preschool

4.58 score

5(7)

3370 Iris Walk Ct, Boulder, CO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 25 children

Children's House Preschool in Boulder receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise the highly trained teachers, engaging curriculum centered on storytelling and themes, and inclusive approach to diversity and accessibility. Parents report their children have thrived emotionally and developmentally, with strong communication through StoryPark and a warm, nurturing environment.

Highly trained teachers with early childhood education degreescaring and dedicated staffengaging monthly storybook curriculum with themesexcellent teacher-student ratio

Patience Montessori

4.58 score

4.9(9)

3600 Hazelwood Ct, Boulder, CO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 64 children

Patience Montessori in Boulder receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 4-5 stars. Parents highlight the kind and caring staff, Montessori approach, strong child development outcomes, and supportive community environment.

Excellent and kind teacherssafe locationlarge on-site playgroundsmall class sizes

Dream Makers

4.55 score

5(6)

1345 28th St, Boulder, CO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 15 children

Dream Makers is a highly-regarded preschool in Boulder where parents report exceptional teacher care and attention to individual child development. Multiple parents note their children thrived academically and socially, with strong language and developmental gains. Parents consistently praise the nurturing environment, creative activities, and the lasting positive impact on their children's love of learning.

Caring and skilled teachersindividualized attention to each childcreative and well-planned activitiesbalance of structured and unstructured play

Our School Preschool

4.5 score

5(5)

776 Cherryvale Rd, Boulder, CO · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 17 children

Parents consistently praise Our School Preschool for its play-based curriculum, experienced teachers (Megan and Jim), and focus on child development. The cooperative structure allows parent involvement and community building. Children are reported to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically in this creative, well-resourced environment.

Experienced and knowledgeable teachersplay-based learningfree play opportunitiesnatural materials and creative supplies

Before or After School Daycare in Boulder, Colorado

There are 34 before or after school daycare in Boulder, Colorado, making up 35% of the 98 total childcare facilities in the city. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Boulder, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.

Frequently asked questions

There are 34 before or after school daycares in Boulder, Colorado, out of 98 total childcare facilities in the city. Browse our directory to compare options and find the right fit for your child.

When choosing a daycare in Boulder, consider visiting facilities in person and checking:

Licensing status with Colorado's regulatory agency
Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Colorado)
Safety measures and cleanliness
Daily routines and educational curriculum
Parent reviews and ratings
Location and hours that fit your schedule

Boulder offers several types of childcare facilities:

Child Daycare & Preschools — 58 facilities
Headstart Programs — 2 facilities
Church Daycare — 4 facilities
Before or After School Daycare — 34 facilities

Each type serves different needs — center-based facilities typically offer structured programs, while head start programs are federally funded for low-income families.

Daycare costs in Colorado typically range from $200 to $400 per week for full-time care, depending on the child's age, facility type, and location within the state. Infant care tends to be more expensive due to lower staff-to-child ratio requirements. Contact individual facilities in Boulder for current pricing.

Yes, daycare centers in Boulder must be licensed by Colorado's childcare licensing agency. Licensed facilities are required to meet standards for safety, health, staff qualifications, and staff-to-child ratios. You can verify a facility's license status through your state's licensing database.

34 Before or After School Daycare in Boulder, Colorado

Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Boulder

Top Rated

Cherryvale Day Camp

First Presbyterian Preschool Of Boulder

Rocky Mountain Day Camp

Ymca Bv Mapleton Branch

Boulder Valley Sch Dist Teen Parent

Map

Daycare types in Boulder

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