Child Care
The Arapahoe Community College Child Development Center is an NAEYC-accredited child development center providing full-day, high-quality care and education for children 18 months to kindergarten entry. The Child Development Center (CDC) is also utilized as an observation / practicum site for students enrolled in ACC programs.
Conveniently located on the ACC Littleton Campus, the CDC provides an affordable childcare option for ACC students, staff and faculty, and community members.
“Childhood is not a race to see how quickly a child can read, write and count. It is a small window of time to learn and develop at the pace that is right for each individual child.”
-Magda Gerber
About the Child Development Center
Hours
Monday - Thursday
7:30am - 4:30pm
The CDC offers 3 full-day options:
- 2 days - Tuesday, Thursday
- 3 days - Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
- 5 days - Monday - Friday
Child care services are arranged each semester on a first come, first served basis, with priority given to those currently enrolled. A continuous enrollment option is also available. We typically have a waitlist started a few months before each semester so early registration is recommended.
The CDC offers ONLY full-day childcare. No drop-in or partial days are offered. Child care service and schedule accommodations are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.
We are open 7:30am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday. To support the play, work, meal, and rest times of the children, we ask that children arrive by 9:00am and are picked up after 3:30pm.
CDC Details
How to Enroll
Due to COVID-19, we are offering modified and shortened tours. You will be asked to wear a mask, complete a health questionnaire, and record your temperature before starting the tour. If any signs of illness are present, we will reschedule the tour.
Procedure for Enrollment
- Schedule a tour of the CDC by calling 303.797.5678
- Complete and return the waitlist form
- Attend an on-site tour and orientation / enrollment interview
- Identify and discuss your child’s needs including a health plan, Individual Family Service Plan, or Individual Education Plan when appropriate
- Completion of in-take forms
- Payment of registration fee
- After placement has been made in a classroom, a contract will be signed
- Registration fee is required to guarantee the spot
Inclement Weather Closures
The Center will be closed anytime Arapahoe Community College is closed due to severe weather or emergency. If ACC decides to close, a notice will be made on our announcements line (303.797.4222), on our website, and on ACC Social Media platforms (Facebook, Twitter). We also notify local radio and TV stations. You can also sign up for alerts through our ACCAlert App.
The Facility
The CDC is located on the Littleton Campus within the North Building. Secured access to both the building and classrooms will help ensure your child’s safety. The CDC is currently utilizing 3 classrooms serving children ages 18 months to kindergarten entry. Each classroom has bathroom access, touchless children’s sinks, well-equipped learning centers, and observation rooms for parent and student use.
Children can enjoy the outdoors in one of 2 playgrounds designed and designated for the age of the child. Both playgrounds provide climbing equipment, tricycles/wheeled toys, sandboxes, garden/herb areas, and grass and shade trees. In addition to the playgrounds, children have access to a secured natural area right outside their classroom doors. This space is ideal for art and sensory exploration, picnics, outdoor story time, and relaxing in nature. If the weather is not conducive to outdoor play, children can stretch their muscles and engage in gross motor activities in the indoor gym / activity room.
Our facility also includes a kitchen prep area, staff work room, administrative offices, the Early Childhood Education department, and 2 adult learning classrooms.
Childcare drop-off parking spots are conveniently located in Lot B in front of our entrance on the East side of the building.
Staff
The Child Development Center teachers are highly qualified, caring individuals who enjoy children and are dedicated early childhood education professionals. The CDC also provides placement for ACC students and interns.
We believe in lifelong learning and staying current on early childhood research. Therefore, all teachers at the CDC exceed the licensing requirement of 15 hours of professional development per year.
Teachers are trained in Standard Precautions, Pediatric CPR and First Aid, and Medication Administration. All staff has passed background checks.
Classroom teaching teams meet weekly to lesson plan, prep for upcoming activities, and share ideas. Once a month, the entire staff meets for training and professional development opportunities and to create, discuss, and implement a center quality improvement plan.
Meals and Snacks
Parents provide a nut-free nutritional lunch for their children. We refrigerate lunches upon arrival. Meals and snacks must meet current USDA child and adult care food program meal pattern requirements.
The center provides an afternoon snack. Monthly snack menus are posted in the newsletter and at the entrance of the CDC.
- Lunch - 11:30am
- Afternoon snack - 3:00pm
Early Education and Care
We believe young children learn best when engaged in self-initiated activities that encourage the child to create, compare, discover, explore, manipulate, and transform.
With that in mind, teachers prepare the learning environment with stimulating and challenging materials, activities, and experiences designed to support the development of the whole child. Teachers facilitate and guide learning through active participation with the children.
Learning centers, schedules, and playground setup ensure that all domains of learning are fully supported each day. Children have access to dramatic play, blocks / construction, science and math, art, library, mark making / writing center, games and puzzles, music and movement, sensory experiences, and computer / technology.
The Creative Curriculum® and Teaching Strategies Gold
The center utilizes the research-backed Creative Curriculum® as a base to design a learning program that is comprehensive and relevant to your child.
We use the Teaching Strategies Gold assessment tool to document and support your child’s development and inform teaching practices. Teaching Strategies Gold also allows us to partner with the Colorado public schools that use the same tool.
Child Care Costs
Monthly tuition is due at the beginning of the month prior to childcare services rendered.
ACC Students & Employees
Children 18 - 36 Months
- 2 Days per Week (Tuesday, Thursday) - $630 / month
- 3 Days per Week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) - $910 / month
- 5 Days per Week (Monday through Friday) - $1540 / month
Children 3 years – 6 years
- 2 Days per Week (Tuesday, Thursday) - $540 / month
- 3 Days per Week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) - $780 / month
- 5 Days per Week (Monday through Friday) - $1320 / month
Community Members
Children 18 - 36 Months
- 2 Days per Week (Tuesday, Thursday) - $675 / month
- 3 Days per Week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) - $975 / month
- 5 Days per Week (Monday through Friday) - $1650 / month
Children 3 years – 6 years
- 2 Days per Week (Tuesday, Thursday) - $585 / month
- 3 Days per Week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) - $845 / month
- 5 Days per Week (Monday through Friday) - $1430 / month
See Childcare Stipend Information section for grant information.
Child Care Stipend Information
To support families in accessing high-quality childcare, financial assistance can be provided to those who are eligible through the Buell Grant or CCAMPIS Stipend. If families meet the eligibility requirements, a portion of the total childcare cost will be paid. To be considered, applicants must meet the following requirements:
CCAMPIS Stipend
- Enrolled in at least 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters and 3 credit hours during the summer semester.
- Have completed FAFSA and are Pell-eligible.
- Possess at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and has completed 67% or more of cumulative attempted credit hours.
- Submit a one-page detailed essay addressing childcare needs and how a stipend would benefit the parents’ ability to achieve an education.
Buell Grant
- Determined low-income using the Colorado Self Sufficiency Standard or experiencing extenuating circumstances.
- Submit a one-page detailed essay addressing childcare needs and how a stipend would benefit the parents’ ability to access high-quality childcare.
Childcare tuition stipends are funded for one full semester at a time unless eligibility requirements are no longer met.
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program
Arapahoe Community College Child Development Center participates in the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program.
The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides financial assistance to eligible low-income families who need childcare to support their efforts toward self-sufficiency.
Eligible families may include:
- Those who are working, seeking employment, or are participating in training / education.
- Have a family income of less than the defined maximum in your county of residence.
Family Income Guidelines for CCCAP eligibility
Apply on the Colorado PEAK website
Learn more by visiting the Colorado PEAK website
Hours
Monday - Friday
7:30am - 4:30pm
Child Care Needs Survey
ACC’s Child Development Center and the Education Department would like your input! We have been given a grant to research and explore a Lab School Model at ACC’s Littleton Campus. A laboratory school is a college-affiliated program that centers on demonstrating exemplary early childhood education practices, preparing teachers of young children, and serving as a center for child study and research. This survey is intended to contribute to the development of a Lab School Model that reflects the ACC community by exploring the childcare needs of our students, employees, and community members.
Childcare Fees
The CDC charges an annual non-refundable registration fee of $100. Registration fee is due with enrollment forms.
Pay Tuition / Registration Fee
Licensing & Accreditation
The Arapahoe Community College Child Development Center is licensed by the Colorado Department of Human Services. The Center is also inspected by the Department of Health and Littleton Fire Department to ensure a safe, clean and healthy setting for your child. The Center exceeds the minimum standards these agencies require for staffing ratios, health, safety, nutrition, space, facilities, and staff training via our National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation.
