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Winnie
Finding the perfect childcare solution for your family can be a daunting task. You have to consider a lot of factors such as the distance from home, whether you prefer center-based or in-home care, and most importantly, how much you can afford to pay. But don't worry, Winnie is here to help. With millions of families using Winnie to find local childcare and preschool programs, we've got you covered.
We also have insights into the childcare industry, including the average cost of care in Colorado. Our providers share their tuition costs with us, and we help families find high-quality daycare and preschool programs in their area.
How much does childcare cost in Colorado?
In-home childcare costs an average of $800 per month in Colorado for preschoolers. Parents of infants pay the most, with an average monthly cost of $1,100 (over $12,000 a year!).
The cost of center-based childcare increases to an average of $1,500 per month for infant care and around $1,000 per month for preschoolers. After-school care for school-age children can range from $150-$750 per month depending on the type of facility and hours used.
It is understandable for parents to be shocked by the cost breakdowns, but running a high-quality early childhood program comes at a cost.
Average childcare cost in Colorado by childcare type and age
| Age Group | Home-Based | Center-Based |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $1,100 per month | $1,500 per month |
| Preschool | $800 per month | $1,000 per month |
Average Cost of Child Care in Colorado by City
According to Winnie's provider data, we’re breaking down the average cost of childcare in Colorado by city. Childcare costs vary and are influenced by factors like location, age of the child, and type of care needed. Therefore, while these prices are not fixed, they can give you an idea of what to budget for daycare.
According to Winnie's provider data, full-time childcare in Denver costs an average of $1,393 monthly. The actual rate may vary based on your child's age and the hours they attend.
$1,012 is the average monthly price for full-time child care in Colorado Springs. This may vary depending on whether your child attends full-time or part-time and their age.
$1,533 is the average monthly price for full-time child care in Boulder. Don’t forget to factor in other expenses such as transportation, diapers, and formula.
Fort Collins is a beautiful city located in northern Colorado. $1,212 is the average monthly price for full-time child care in Fort Collins.
Aurora is a suburb of Denver and the third-largest city in Colorado. $1,107 is the average monthly price for full-time child care in Aurora.
Parents pay an average of $819 monthly for daycare and preschool programs in Pueblo.
Grand Junction is a city located on the western slope of Colorado. Parents in Grand Junction pay an average of $940 per month in childcare costs.
If your city isn’t listed here but you’d like to learn more about childcare costs in your area, you can search by zip code on Winnie.
Major expenses that childcare programs factor into their costs
Facilities: Renting or owning a space is a significant cost for daycare and preschool programs. They need to keep the space safe and up to state standards, so they often have expenses associated with renovating it to make it kid-friendly. Then there are monthly bills such as electricity, water, phone, and internet, which can pile up quickly.
Staffing: Staffing is another factor that goes into childcare costs. Daycare and preschool teachers are often required to hold specific credentials or even early childhood degrees to meet local licensing requirements. They should also be compensated according to their level of experience and education. Childcare programs need to adhere to adult-child ratios, so they need to have enough staff on board to run their programs safely.
Materials and furniture: Furniture and materials meant for young children need to be sturdy and long-lasting. High-quality materials are often expensive, as they are designed with safety in mind and meant to withstand wear and tear. There are also consumable items childcare programs need to keep in stock for meals, activities, and other aspects of their program.
There can also be hidden costs associated with childcare that parents should keep in mind
Registration fees or deposits: Many programs charge an application fee or require a deposit upon enrollment.
Food and materials: Some programs provide food, but others may require families to pack snacks and lunch for their children. Additionally, if you're looking for daycare for an infant, you will need to provide extra formula and/or breastmilk and possibly diapers.
Transportation costs: Will you drive, walk, or take public transportation? Do you need to factor in gas money?
Is childcare affordable in Colorado?
Childcare can be too expensive for many families in Colorado. The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) considers childcare unaffordable if it is more than 7% of a household's total income. For example, infant care for one child would take up 12% of a dual-income family's income and 35% of a single-earner's income.
Colorado families pay well above the national average for full-time child care. The national average price for full-time care in 2024 was $13,128/year (all care types/ages combined). In Colorado, the average is $16,716/year. That gap helps explain why many Colorado families exceed the HHS affordability benchmark of 7% of household income.
Are there options for subsidized childcare in Colorado?
While the cost of early education can be out of reach for some Colorado families, help is available. Colorado offers subsidized childcare options for families with certain income and eligibility requirements. One option is the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), which provides financial assistance to eligible families to help cover the cost of child care.
To qualify for CCCAP, families must meet income guidelines, and parents must be working, attending school, or participating in an approved job training program. CCCAP subsidies are paid directly to the childcare provider, and families may choose from a list of approved providers.
Another option for subsidized childcare in Colorado is Head Start, a federal program that provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income families.
Head Start programs are available in all 50 states and offer services to children from birth to age five. In Colorado, Head Start programs are administered by Community Action Agencies, which work to provide comprehensive support services to families in need. Head Start programs typically operate on a full-day, full-year schedule and offer various services, including early education, health screenings, nutritious meals, and parent involvement activities.
Colorado also offers free preschool through the Colorado Preschool Program and Universal Pre-Kindergarten.
Other ways to make childcare more affordable
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Look for scholarships or grants: Some preschool programs may offer scholarships or grants to families who qualify based on income or other factors. Check with individual programs to see if they offer financial aid.
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Consider part-time care: If you can work from home or have a flexible schedule, you may save money by enrolling your child in a part-time preschool program.
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Share care with other families: Consider sharing childcare costs with other families in your community. You could take turns watching each other's children or hire a nanny or babysitter to watch multiple children simultaneously.
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Look for tax breaks: You can claim a tax credit for childcare expenses on your federal income tax return. Check with a tax professional to see if you qualify.
For families who qualify, the state offers several forms of financial aid. You can apply for childcare assistance in Colorado to help reduce monthly costs through programs that support working parents and caregivers.
Colorado Childcare Costs FAQ
How much of your budget should go to daycare in Colorado?
Childcare is one of the biggest expenses for families in Colorado, often consuming a far greater share of income than experts consider affordable. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sets the affordability benchmark at 7% of household income, yet the typical Colorado family spends closer to 18%, and single parents with an infant in center-based care may devote as much as 45%. By comparison, financial planners generally suggest budgeting around 10% for childcare, which means most Colorado families are paying well above both national guidelines and practical budget targets. This affordability gap makes childcare in Colorado not just a line item, but a major financial strain that rivals or exceeds other essentials like housing, food, and healthcare.
Is childcare tax deductible in Colorado?
While childcare expenses in Colorado are not directly tax deductible, families can take advantage of several credits and savings tools to ease the burden. At the federal level, parents may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, and many employers also offer Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts that let families set aside up to $5,000 pre-tax for daycare or preschool.
Colorado also provides its own Child Care Contribution Tax Credit, which offers a 50% state tax credit for donations to licensed childcare organizations, though this incentive applies to charitable contributions rather than personal childcare expenses. Together, these programs don’t make daycare costs disappear, but they can significantly reduce the overall financial strain for Colorado families.
Are there free preschools in Colorado?
Colorado offers free preschool programs for qualifying four-year-olds through the Colorado Preschool Program (CPP). There are also some Head Start programs that offer free preschool to eligible families.
Compare the cost of daycare in Colorado against other states if you’re considering a move and want to be prepared! Costs can vary widely depending on location and program type, so do your research.
