Childcare in Denver: Costs, Schedules and Enrollment

Choose care around the hours you need

Write down your earliest drop-off, latest pickup, required weekdays and start date before contacting providers. Include travel time between care and work. For school-based care, ask who handles the handoff between the classroom and the program, and who takes responsibility if your child misses that handoff.

DPS distinguishes preschool wraparound care from school-age care: Little Links serves children ages 3–5, while Discovery Link serves ages 5–12. Check the program at your child's school rather than assuming a school enrollment includes before- or after-school care. [2]

For an infant or toddler, ask a center or home provider about care for your child's age, feeding and nap routines, and the proposed start date. For a nanny or sitter, describe the children, hours, transportation and household duties in writing. Ask about references, screening, first-aid training and backup coverage; compare caregivers against the same job description.

Compare the full cost of your schedule

DPS publishes 2026–2027 Discovery Link scheduled fees of $13 for morning care, $20 for afternoon care, $30 for early-release care and $55 for a school-year camp day. It charges tuition per student, per scheduled day. School-year registration costs $55 per student, with an $80 family maximum; DPS makes the fee non-refundable and non-transferable. [1]

Drop-in attendance costs more than a scheduled session: DPS lists $16 for morning care, $24 for afternoon care, $36 for early-release care and $70 for a school-year camp day. Staff approve drop-ins according to space, staffing and site approval. Do not use a drop-in request as confirmed backup care. [1]

Ask private providers to quote the same weekdays and hours, then list deposits, meals, transportation, absence charges and notice requirements beside tuition. For care at home, ask the caregiver to identify extra charges and the terms for cancellations or schedule changes. Compare the total commitment before paying a deposit.

Complete enrollment and reserve attendance

Discovery Link requires families to choose the correct school, program and season, submit registration, and select attendance dates after approval. Families need a new registration request for each season, including summer. The enrollment page gives two review estimates, up to one week in its registration steps and up to 48 hours in its attendance checklist. Allow a week when planning and confirm approval before relying on care. [1]

Families must add or remove attendance by 4:00 PM on the preceding DPS business day. For Monday care, use Friday at 4:00 PM unless a holiday or district closure requires an earlier business-day deadline. DPS charges families for reserved days unless they remove them before the deadline, so check your care calendar when work plans change. [1]

Ask the site to confirm closing time and arrange an authorized backup pickup person. DPS says many programs close at 6:00 PM and lists a late-pickup charge of $1 per minute per family beginning at 6:01 PM. Confirm the hours of your selected session before planning pickup. [1]

Check preschool funding and remaining paid hours

Colorado's April 2026 Universal Preschool bulletin describes direct enrollment through providers and says applications for the 2026–2027 program year remain open through May 15, 2027. It advises families to speak with providers before submitting selections, check their Family Portal dashboard, and contact their Local Coordinating Organization if they need help finding a provider. An application deadline does not confirm an available seat. [3]

The state's March bulletin describes a universal 15-hour preschool award and says some eligible children may qualify for up to 30 total tuition-free preschool hours. Families must upload qualifying information and supporting documents for verification. Ask the provider to confirm your child's award, the weekly schedule it covers and the price of additional care before setting your budget. [4]

During a visit, ask how staff handle allergies, medication, toileting, naps, behavior concerns and authorized pickup. Request the provider's licensing information and ask how you can review its current status and inspection history. Ask who will care for your child on the first day and how staff will communicate with you during the transition.

DPS Discovery Link scheduled school-year fees

Match the arrangement to your care gap

Your hiring checklist

1. List your child's age, school, start date, care days and pickup deadline.
2. Confirm an opening for the exact schedule before paying a deposit.
3. Request a written cost breakdown and cancellation policy.
4. Ask for licensing information, screening details and references relevant to the arrangement.
5. Discuss allergies, medication, feeding, toileting and sleep routines.
6. Confirm classroom handoffs, transportation and authorized pickup people.
7. Arrange backup care and ask about closures and caregiver absences.
8. Keep enrollment approval, attendance reservations and payment records together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Discovery Link approval guarantee care on the days I need?

Approval and attendance reservations are separate. After approval, families must select individual dates. DPS says same-day care may be unavailable and staff approve drop-ins according to space, staffing and site approval. [1]

Can I still pursue Universal Preschool for 2026–2027?

The state's April 2026 bulletin says applications remain open through May 15, 2027 and describes enrollment through providers. Speak with a provider about availability, complete the required steps and check your Family Portal dashboard. [3]

Will preschool funding cover my full workday?

Confirm your child's award and schedule with the provider. Colorado's March bulletin describes 15 universal hours and up to 30 total tuition-free preschool hours for some eligible children. Ask for the cost of care outside the approved hours. [4]

Are these fees a guide to private daycare or nanny prices?

The published fees apply to DPS Discovery Link school-year sessions. They do not establish private daycare or nanny prices. Request quotes for your child's age, required hours and duties before comparing those options. [1]