The Best Preschools in Lazear, CO
Discover 3 top-rated preschools and early learning centers in Lazear. Compare programs, read reviews, and find the perfect early childhood education for your child.
North Fork Montessori
North Fork Montessori School
North Fork Montessori offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 3-6, serving the North Fork Valley region including Lazear. The school features certified Montessori teachers, individualized learning plans, and a comprehensive early childhood curriculum focusing on practical life skills, sensorial development, language, and mathematics. Their mixed-age classrooms promote peer learning and social development in a carefully prepared environment designed to foster independence and natural curiosity.
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Imagination Station Early Learning Center
Imagination Station
Imagination Station provides high-quality early childhood education with a play-based curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and kindergarten readiness. Serving families throughout the North Fork Valley, the center features qualified early childhood educators, low student-teacher ratios, and a safe, nurturing environment. Their program includes structured learning activities, creative arts, outdoor play, and developmental assessments to track each child's progress.
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Paonia Early Learning Center
Delta County School District 50J
Paonia Early Learning Center operates as part of Delta County School District, providing comprehensive early childhood education services to families in Paonia and surrounding communities including Lazear. The center offers both typical peer models and specialized services, with certified early childhood educators and speech/language pathologists on staff. Their research-based curriculum focuses on literacy development, social skills, and school readiness through structured activities and play-based learning in an inclusive environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about preschools in Lazear, CO:
What are the typical costs for preschool in Lazear, Colorado, and are there any financial assistance programs available?
In Lazear and the surrounding North Fork Valley, preschool costs can vary widely, typically ranging from $400 to $800 per month for part-time programs. Colorado's universal preschool (UPK) program provides 15 hours per week of free preschool to all eligible 4-year-olds, which can be applied at many licensed providers. For additional financial assistance, local families can also explore the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) through the Delta County Department of Human Services.
How do I verify the quality and licensing of a preschool in Lazear?
All licensed preschools in Colorado are regulated by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). You can verify a provider's license, view inspection reports, and check for any violations through the official CDEC online licensing portal. Additionally, you can ask local providers if they participate in Colorado's quality rating system, Colorado Shines, which assesses programs on factors beyond basic licensing.
Given Lazear's rural setting, what types of preschool programs are commonly available?
Options in the Lazear area often include licensed home-based preschools, small center-based programs, and part-day offerings through community organizations. Some local programs may incorporate nature-based or agricultural themes reflective of the North Fork Valley's environment. Due to the rural location, transportation is rarely provided, so parents should consider proximity and their own schedules when choosing.
What is the enrollment timeline and process for preschools in this area?
Enrollment timelines can vary, but many Lazear-area preschools begin registration in early spring (February/March) for the following fall semester. A critical first step is to apply for Colorado's Universal Preschool (UPK) through the state portal, which opens in January, to secure your funding. It's highly recommended to contact local providers directly as soon as possible, as spots in small, rural programs are limited and can fill quickly.
Are there preschools in Lazear that offer flexible schedules to accommodate farming or seasonal work families?
Yes, understanding the local agricultural community, some home-based providers and smaller centers may offer flexible or customized scheduling, such as 2- or 3-day-a-week options. It's essential to discuss your family's specific needs directly with the provider during your initial visit. Some programs may also offer shorter, part-day sessions that can align with a parent's morning or afternoon availability.
Looking for More Options?
Explore preschools in other cities across Colorado or search our full directory of early learning centers nationwide.