Licensed Daycare in Fort Collins, Colorado
179 licensed daycares in Fort Collins, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Colorado licensing records.
Fort Collins listings updated May 2026 from official Colorado records.
Daycare in Fort Collins: what parents should know
Fort Collins has 179 licensed childcare providers in our directory, with Child Care Center the most common type (about 32% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current Colorado license at indexing time, sourced from Colorado Department of Early Childhood — Licensing & Administration.
For age coverage, 3 centers in Fort Collins report infant care (roughly 2% — infant slots are the scarcest and fill fastest, so start early), and 20 offer preschool programs for ages 3–5. 4 are Head Start programs, free for income-eligible families.
Licensed care in Fort Collins spans 6+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 25% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
In total, Fort Collins providers are approved for approximately 11,946 child slots — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Fort Collins childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Fort Collins
ChildCare Aware reports the Colorado average full-time cost at $1,430/month for infant care and $1,080/month for preschool. City-level prices in Fort Collins vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.
The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Colorado families may also qualify for Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) (intake: (303) 866-5957).
Full Colorado licensing & cost overviewQuick facts
- State regulator
- Colorado Department of Early Childhood — Licensing & Administration
- Infant ratio
- 1:5
- Toddler ratio
- 1:5
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg capacity
- 66 kids
Largest licensed centers in Fort Collins
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Fort Collins licensed centers
Page 5 of 12Open a listing for the full state-registry record — capacity, age range, contact info, and license issue date.
Common parent questions about licensing, ratios, and how to compare programs in this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Fort Collins, Colorado?
What's the average daycare cost in Fort Collins?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Fort Collins daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Fort Collins?
How do I verify a Fort Collins daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Fort Collins
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programColorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(303) 866-5957 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Colorado Department of Early Childhood — Licensing & Administration.
Official license searchChildcare resources for Fort Collins
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Fort Collins, Colorado are compiled from official Colorado Department of Early Childhood — Licensing & Administration licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 179 Licensed Centers in Fort Collins
Free, no signup, verified directly with Colorado Department of Early Childhood — Licensing & Administration.