Quality Child CAre

As a parent, grandparent or guardian, we know that you want only the best for your child’s growth and development.

Finding Child Care

Early Childhood Network is here to help you through the entire process of finding the best child care for your child(ren). We will help you assess your priorities and goals and provide you with a list of licensed child care providers that fit your needs. We will also give you the tools you need to successfully interview each licensed provider and a list of criteria to determine if a provider has created a healthy, safe, and developmentally stimulating environment.

Our services are FREE and confidential.

Types of Licensed Child Care

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Child Care Centers and Preschools

Care is provided in a setting similar to school where there may be many classrooms, and children are usually grouped by their age. Child Care Centers and Preschools are regulated by the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care.

Pros

Last minute closure due to provider illness is unlikely.
Frequently offers a child development or preschool curriculum.
Facility is inspected for health, safety and fire code compliance.

Cons

High turnover of staff can be common.
Some children may not adapt well to large group settings.
Usually does not have flexible hours.

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Family Home Child Care

Your child is cared for in a home (not a relative’s) that has been licensed by the state to provide child care. Family Home Child Care is regulated by the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care and must meet different licensing requirements depending on the type of facility.

Pros

Allows you to choose the individual who will care for your child.
Smaller group of children in a home-like environment.
May offer flexible hours.
May include a child development or preschool curriculum.

Cons

When individual is sick or on vacation, other plans for care will need to be made.
A single adult is usually alone with a group of children.

Family, Friends, & Neighbor Child Care

Family, Friends, Neighbor (FFN) Refers to the network of relatives, close friends, and neighbors who are involved with parents in the care and education of young children. Approximately 60% of children under the age of 5 are in some form of FFN care! Early Childhood Network (ECN) is here to support. We work alongside these providers with resources and training to expand their quality and education for these children.

Refer a Provider or Request Coaching

Paying for Child Care

Child Care is often one of the biggest expenses for parents of young children. If you are in a low-income household, you may qualify for financial aid.

For those of you in Garfield County who would like information on Early Head Start click Early Head Start application and information. You may also contact Michele Zon at mzon@earlylearningventures.org or call (970) 928-7111.

For information on the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program see the website.

For information on Colorado Works or TANF Programs click here.

A Guide to Help Parents Find and Choose Quality Child Care

To further assist you in finding high quality child care, please read the booklet from Qualistar: “Working Your Way Through The Child Care Maze”. It is a very comprehensive guide for parents. It includes 4 Steps to Finding Quality Child Care, a Health and Safety Checklist, a description of the various types of Child Care Providers, the benefits of Qualistar Ratings, and how to monitor your child’s success once enrolled in a Child Care Program.