Childcare Center in Colorado Springs

Here at Saint Luke’s, we greatly value and believe that childhood is a sacred time in an individual’s life. It is our honor and joy to walk alongside each family we serve and steward the mind, heart, body, and spirit of their children! We understand the importance of finding a childcare center that you trust and know that the process of finding one can be overwhelming. In this blog, we will be sharing with you some key indicators of a healthy and thriving childcare center, so that as you research and visit various centers, you are equipped to make the best choice for your family. If you’re interested in learning more about our infant and childcare center in Colorado Springs, please click here to be taken to read more about our programs. 

What to Look for in Caregivers

The caregivers at a childcare center are going to be some of the most important people in your child’s life. Having full trust and confidence in their ability to engage with your child in ways that support your child’s emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing is crucial. 

Positive Traits in a Caregiver

• Kind and encouraging language

• Caregivers know each child’s name and personality

• Prompt response to child’s needs

• Individual attention in addition to group management 

• Genuine and nurturing interactions
  

Qualifications to Look for in a Caregiver

• Early childhood education / training

• Ongoing professional development

• CPR/First Aid certification

• CDA credential or degree

• Background checks conducted

  
  

Negative Traits in a Caregiver

• Caregivers are not engaged or seem detached

• Harsh or critical language

• Developmentally inappropriate language

• Children are dismissed or ignored

• No individual connection with each child 

Here at Saint Luke’s, we strive to offer the highest standards of infant and child care and early childhood education in Colorado Springs, in full compliance with the guidelines of the Colorado Department of Human Services. But more than that, we aim to create a community where faith and family flourish. We believe every child is a blessing and a bearer of God’s image. We are committed to nurturing them with love, joy, structure, and grace as they grow in knowledge, confidence, and faith. 

What to Look for in a Childcare Center Environment

Ensuring your child is entering into a clean and age appropriate environment sets them up for developmental success. When you are touring a childcare facility, we encourage you to observe the following.

Positive Traits of a Childcare Center Environment

• Age appropriate toys in clean and good condition

• Clean floors, surfaces, and bathrooms

• Outdoor play area is safe and enclosed

• Handwashing routines observed

• Cleaning supplies safely stored away from children

• Safety gates, outlet covers, and secured furniture

• Current license displayed

Negative Traits of a Childcare Center Environment

• Visible dirt, grime, or clutter

• Safety hazards

• Strong chemical or unpleasant odors

• Broken toys or equipment

• No visible license

Here at Saint Luke’s, we are diligent in maintaining a safe, clean, and healthy environment where our children can play, learn, and grow without hindrances. 

Do Childcare Centers Offer Education?

Inquiring about education opportunities for your child at the childcare center you’re curious about will give you a better understanding of the enrichment your child will experience.

Here at Saint Luke’s, learning is a joyful journey rooted in faith and guided by love. Using the Creative Curriculum as our foundation, we nurture each child’s natural curiosity through hands-on experiences that support growth in body, mind, and spirit. In our Christ-centered classrooms, children are invited to explore God’s world through play, storytelling, music, and creative expression. Every activity is thoughtfully designed to encourage discovery, build confidence, and lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning. We believe that families are a child’s first and most important teachers. That’s why we seek to partner closely with you — sharing in your child’s wonder, celebrating their milestones, and walking together in the light of Christ. 

Policies and Procedures to Look for in a Childcare Center

How a childcare center functions is incredibly important for your child’s safety and your peace of mind. Here are some policies and procedures we recommend you ask about and ensure are implemented at whichever center you choose. 

Proper Caregiver to Child Ratios

Ensuring a childcare center is diligent in properly staffing each room at their center is very important for your child receiving individual attention, better supervision, and safer care. 

• Infants: 1 caregiver to 4 children

• Toddlers (12-24 months): 1 caregiver to 5 children

• Twos (24-36 months): 1 caregiver to 7 children

• Preschool (3-5): 1 caregiver to 8, 10 and 12 depending on on group age of children

Meals and Feeding Infants

Be sure to inquire about how a childcare center handles meals, snacks, and also infant feeding. Some important things to look for:

• Children never forced to eat

• Nutritious foods offered at meal times

• Meals served in a positive social setting

• Water always available 

• Clean food preparations

Here at Saint Luke’s, we participate in the Colorado State Food Program. All of our meals and snacks comply with regulations regarding nutrition and portion size. Infants are fed according to the family’s guidelines. 

Caregiver Parent Communication

Open and honest communication is of high importance. We highly recommend that you observe the following when considering which childcare center to choose.

• Daily updates on child’s activities

• Regular parent-teacher conferences

• Prompt notification of concerns

• Parent input welcomed and valued

• Easy-to-reach staff

Here at Saint Luke’s, we value partnering closely with parents and believe transparent communication is incredibly important. When you join us, you will receive daily updates on your child and parent-teacher conferences in the fall and the spring. We also conduct an annual survey where we gather feedback from each family enrolled in our center. These reports are available to all enrolled families. 

Drop-off and Pick-up Procedures

One of the most important policies a center should have is a drop-off and pick-up policy. When you visit a childcare center, ask them these questions:

• How do you handle drop-off and pick-up security? 

• What's your policy on who can pick up my child?

• How do you prevent unauthorized individuals from taking a child?

• Are all entrances and exits secured during operating hours?

• Do you have security cameras? Where are they located?

Here at Saint Luke’s, we have a variety of procedures in place to protect your children from the moment they are dropped off to the moment they are picked up. 

Saint Luke’s Childcare Center Colorado Springs

We hope you feel empowered and equipped to research and tour childcare centers in your area with confidence. If you are at all interested in learning more about what sets Saint Luke’s apart from other infant care and childcare centers in Colorado Springs, click here to read more. If you’d like to speak with the director of our children’s center, please email director@stlukeskids.org