Level 3
Daycare center
Margaret W. Carpenter Recreation Center
AgesSchool age
HoursNot listed
Tuition fromNot listed
State quality ratingLevel 3
Daycare centers in Thornton, CO
31 licensed programs · 21 with Google ratings
A daycare center is a licensed facility that cares for children in age-grouped classrooms, usually from six weeks old until kindergarten, for a full working day. Centers are inspected by the state, must meet staff-to-child ratios for every age group and carry a licensed capacity.
Level 2
Daycare center
New Horizon Academy
AgesInfant to toddler
HoursNot listed
Tuition fromNot listed
State quality ratingLevel 2
Level 1
Daycare center
Right At School
AgesNot listed
HoursNot listed
Tuition fromNot listed
State quality ratingLevel 1
Level 4
Daycare center
Thornton Community Center
AgesNot listed
HoursNot listed
Tuition fromNot listed
State quality ratingLevel 4
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Childcare in Thornton: what to know
How many licensed child care programs are in Thornton?
Thornton has 107 licensed programs on the Colorado register: 31 daycare centers, 8 licensed preschools, 47 home daycares and 21 before and after school programs.
Who licenses child care in Colorado?
Colorado Department of Early Childhood licenses and inspects child care centers, preschools and home daycares in Colorado. Every profile links to the state record. Licence data on this page was synced in September 2026.
What is Colorado Shines?
Colorado Shines rates licensed programs from Level 1 to Level 5. Level 1 means the program is licensed and in good standing. Levels 3 to 5 are awarded after an on-site assessment of staff training, learning environment, family partnerships and child health. 89 of 107 programs in Thornton hold a rating.
Why do home daycares show only a ZIP code?
A licensed home daycare is a private residence, and Colorado withholds the address from its public register. The listing shows the licence, capacity and ZIP code. The provider gives the address to families directly.
When should I join a daycare waitlist in Thornton?
Infant rooms fill first because the state allows the fewest babies per teacher. Ask each program how long its infant and toddler waitlists run and whether a deposit holds a place. Home daycares often have shorter waits than centers.
Help paying for care
Colorado families may qualify for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), and Universal Preschool Colorado funds part-time preschool hours for every four-year-old.
Show programs that accept subsidy →Nearby cities
Source: Colorado Licensed Child Care Facilities Report, Colorado Information Marketplace. Last synced September 2026. Ratings and review counts are from Google.