Breaking Down Childcare in Colorado: What It Costs, What to Expect, and What No One Tells You

If you’ve ever tried to find childcare in Colorado, you know it’s basically the Hunger Games out here, may the odds be ever in your favor.

As a full-time working mom of two, I’ve navigated the twists, turns, and (let’s be honest) emotional breakdowns of choosing care for my kids. Between cost, availability, time off, and the constant “what if they’re sick again?” anxiety, it’s a lot.

Whether you’re pregnant and planning ahead, in the trenches of infancy or toddlerhood, or considering a switch, here’s a real breakdown of your options in Colorado, the costs, pros, cons, and things no one warns you about.

At-Home Daycare

Cost: $250–$350/week per child

Pros:

• Smaller group settings

• Often more flexibility with drop-off/pick-up

• Feels a little more personal and nurturing

Cons:

• Up to 7 weeks off per year — and yes, you still pay

• Closed for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and mystery personal days

• No backup care when the provider is sick or takes vacation

Mom Truth: You might still be paying $1,400/month for care that’s closed every third Friday and every day it snows. Ask for their calendar and cancelation policy upfront!

Childcare Centers

Cost: $500+/week per child

Pros:

• Structured curriculum, meals included, more consistent hours

• Fewer closures than in-home care

• Easier for working parents with tight schedules

Cons:

• High cost, especially for infants

• Exposure to every virus known to man (and a few you didn’t know existed)

• Less individualized care

Mom Truth: Centers can be amazing, but also overwhelming, especially in the beginning. You’ll hear horror stories, see some serious separation anxiety, and question if you’re a terrible mom. (You're not.) Stock up on vitamin C, invest in a good nose sucker, and don’t be surprised if you have to take a day off the minute you go back to work.

Nanny

Cost: $20–$30/hour (plus payroll taxes, benefits, etc.)

Pros:

• Care in your home, your way

• Consistent routine, no pickups or drop-offs

• Can help with household tasks or sibling coverage

Cons:

• Most expensive hourly option

• You’re the employer — taxes, insurance, contracts, the works

• No coverage when they’re sick, late, or quit unexpectedly

Mom Truth: A nanny can be a lifesaver or a logistical nightmare. If you go this route, have strong backup care and maybe a backup for your backup. Even the best nanny is still human and they get sick, need time off, or might leave with short notice. (Yes, it’s as stressful as it sounds.) Reliable care is gold and sometimes feels just as rare.

Au Pair

Cost: ~$35,000/year all-in (includes agency fees, stipend, room & board, presents, education, cellphone bills, gym membership, car insurance, etc.)

Pros:

• Live-in care provides consistent support during busy weekday hours

• Cost-effective if you have multiple children

• Enriching cultural exchange for the whole family

• Built-in backup presence if something goes wrong, even off-duty, there’s comfort in another adult being home

Cons:

• Requires a private room and welcoming them as a true member of your family

• Strict Department of State rules: max 45 hours/week, no overtime, and set schedule requirements

• Hosting isn’t just logistical - it’s emotional, relational, and sometimes messy

• If it’s not a fit, rematching can be scary, time-consuming, and emotionally draining

Mom Truth: This is the path we’re in right now, and it’s been one of the most rewarding choices we’ve made. We don’t use our au pair for evenings or weekends, we believe in giving her true time off and space to enjoy her life here. But there’s comfort in knowing there’s another adult in the home if something goes sideways (because… kids).

What I didn’t expect to love so much was how deeply personal the experience would be. Our current au pair, Duda, feels like a little sister to me. I’ve loved learning about her culture, her family, sharing ours, and helping support her on what is often a young adult’s first time away from home.

Hosting isn’t for everyone. It requires clear communication, shared respect, and the willingness to live in community. But when it clicks? It’s not just childcare, it’s family.

Pro Mom Tip 1: Use Colorado Shines Before You Commit

Before choosing any childcare option, whether it’s a home daycare, a center, or something in between — check out Colorado Shines. It’s the state’s go-to site for finding licensed childcare providers, and it’s packed with info to help you make confident decisions.

With Colorado Shines, you can:

• Search for licensed childcare providers near you

• Review state quality ratings (Level 1–5)

• See each provider’s inspection history, complaints, and license status

• Compare things like age ranges served, hours, and availability

It’s a great first step to making sure your provider is safe, credible, and state-monitored.

Mom Tip: If a provider isn’t listed on Colorado Shines, they’re likely unlicensed. That doesn’t always mean bad, but it does mean fewer safeguards. When in doubt, ask a lot of questions and trust your gut.

Pro Mom Tip 2: Questions to Ask Any Childcare Provider

No matter how warm the vibes or cute the classroom, it’s essential to ask the right questions. You’re not just choosing a caregiver, you’re choosing a partner in your child’s safety, development, and daily life.

Here are smart, non-negotiable questions to ask:

Safety & Emergency

• What are your emergency protocols (fire, injury, natural disasters)?

• Are all caregivers CPR and First Aid certified?

• How is access to the building/home secured?

• Who else is allowed on-site or in the home during care hours?

Health & Illness

• What is your sick policy - when must a child stay home?

• How do you handle minor injuries or medical situations?

• What’s your approach to illness outbreaks (COVID, flu, RSV, etc.)?

• Do you have backup care options or closure policies when you are sick?

Daily Logistics

• What’s the daily routine/schedule?

• How do you handle meals, snacks, naps, and potty training?

• How is behavior managed or discipline approached?

• How do you communicate with parents (apps, daily reports, texts)?

Legal & Licensing

• Are you licensed (if applicable)?

• Can I review your parent handbook or policies?

• Do you carry liability insurance?

Mom Tip: Bring a notebook or use the Notes app on your phone, you’ll thank yourself later. And don’t be afraid to follow up. You’re not being “extra” you’re being thorough. This is your baby, and you have every right to ask all the questions.

Wrapping It Up: You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out

I know this can feel completely overwhelming. The costs, the waitlists, the questions, the guilt… it’s a lot. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably cried in front of a spreadsheet at least once trying to make it all work.

But here’s what I’ve learned: there’s no perfect childcare situation, only the one that works best for your family, your kids, and your sanity right now. And that might change as your kids grow, as your job shifts, or as life simply does what life does.

Give yourself the same grace you give everyone else. You're not failing because this is hard you're doing something really important, and you’re showing up every day for your kids in big and small ways.

So whether you choose an at-home daycare, a center, a nanny, or open your home to an au pair, know this: You’re a good mom. You’re making thoughtful choices. And you’re not alone.

Let’s keep having these conversations, sharing real experiences, and building the village we all need.