When choosing a daycare center for your little ones, the decision can be overwhelming. The proper care environment ensures your kids are safe, but also helps support their emotional, social, and educational development. Two standout options for parents in Almont, CO, are Busy Bees Drop-In Childcare in Longmont and Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center in Centennial. These two facilities cater to slightly different needs, and this guide will help you understand their offerings so you can make an informed choice.
Table of Contents
Busy Bees Drop-In Childcare
1. Overview
Busy Bees Drop-In Childcare is a flexible, drop-in daycare option for children 12 months to 11 years old. It’s perfect for families with unpredictable schedules.
2. Flexible Scheduling
Unlike traditional daycare, where full-time enrollment is often mandatory, Busy Bees lets parents pay only for the necessary hours of care. This makes it an excellent option for part-time working parents, work-from-home caregivers, or families who occasionally need supplemental care. Busy Bees also offers weekend “date night” childcare, allowing parents to unwind.
3. Pricing
Busy Bees is priced at $18/hour per child, with a 20% sibling discount when multiple children attend together. Their pay-per-hour structure ensures parents don’t have to commit to fixed tuition, making it highly cost-effective for those needing short-term care solutions.
4. Programs and Support
Busy Bees participate in the Universal Preschool (UPK) program and accept the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program for Families (CCAP), making it an accessible choice for qualifying families. Unfortunately, availability for these assistance programs fluctuates, so check their website for current openings.
5. Who It’s Ideal For
Busy Bees is excellent for parents with inconsistent schedules who need flexible, high-quality childcare on a part-time or drop-in basis. It’s also a go-to choice for supplemental care, like after-school hours or date nights.
Discover more about Busy Bees here: Busy Bees Drop-In Childcare.
Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center
1. Overview
Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center is a Christian-based early learning facility that provides care for children aged 18 months to 7 years old by October of the school year. Unlike drop-in care, it focuses on regular attendance, fostering long-term holistic development in an educational setting.
2. Mission and Partnership
The center emphasizes collaboration with families and the church, aiming to provide excellent early childhood education and spiritual guidance in a loving Christian environment.
3. Structured Learning Programs
Bethany Busy Bee’s programs focus on both personal and academic growth. Children participate in activities that support their emotional, intellectual, physical, and social development. From weekly Bible stories to interactive math and science projects, kids benefit from a well-rounded curriculum.
4. ADA Compliance and Inclusivity
The center is fully ADA-compliant and welcomes children with special needs. Teachers and staff work closely with parents to ensure all students are supported with reasonable accommodations tailored to their unique requirements.
5. Enrichment Opportunities
Bethany Busy Bee goes beyond traditional learning with various enriching activities, including visits from the Littleton Fire Department, vision screenings, its annual Fall Festival, and performances by Merry Andrew Afoot—a celebrated educational entertainer.
6. Enrollment Details for 2025-2026
As of March 18, 2025, Bethany Busy Bee is accepting applications for the next school year. They offer morning half-day programs and optional “Lunch Bunch” extended-stay programs for children 2.5 years and older.
7. Who It’s Ideal For
Bethany Busy Bee is perfect for parents seeking a faith-based, structured early education program focusing on holistic child development. It’s especially suited for families who value a strong partnership between educators, parents, and the community.
Learn more about Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center here: Bethany Busy Bee.
Comparing Key Features
| Feature | Busy Bees Drop-In Childcare | Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center |
|---|---|---|
| Age Range | 12 months – 11 years | 18 months – 7 years (by October of school year) |
| Schedule | Flexible, drop-in care | Set schedule with half-day and extended options |
| Cost | $18/hour, 20% sibling discount | Tuition varies; extended care costs extra |
| Programs | UPK, CCAP | Faith-based education, ADA compliant |
| Extra Activities | Weekend “date nights” | Fall Festival, visits from speakers and performers |
| Ideal For | Parents needing flexible, part-time care | Families seeking structured Christian education |
FAQs About Daycare Options in Almont, CO
1. How do both facilities handle special needs children?
Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center is ADA-compliant and works with parents to make reasonable accommodations for children with unique needs. While not specifically tailored for children with special needs, Busy Bees Drop-In Childcare provides a welcoming, child-centered environment that can serve a wide range of families.
2. What is the enrollment process for each center?
Busy Bees offers easy enrollment for their drop-in services without long-term commitments. Before securing a spot, parents interested in Bethany Busy Bee must complete a registration form and meet eligibility requirements, such as age cutoffs.
3. Are there religious requirements for attending Bethany Busy Bee?
No, Bethany Busy Bee welcomes families from all backgrounds. While they offer faith-based education, enrollment is open to any child within the eligible age range, regardless of religious affiliation.
4. How flexible are the schedules for each daycare?
Busy Bees offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing families to drop in for care as needed. On the other hand, Bethany Busy Bee operates on a fixed schedule but provides optional extended care services, such as Lunch Bunch.
5. Which daycare is better for older children?
Busy Bees is a better option for older children (up to 11 years old) due to its extended age range and ability to provide supplemental care. Bethany Busy Bee focuses on early childhood education for kids 7 and under.
Picking the Right Daycare
The choice between Busy Bees Drop-In Childcare and Bethany Busy Bee Early Learning Center depends on your family’s needs. Busy Bees might be the perfect fit for flexibility and occasional care. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional approach with a faith-based curriculum, Bethany Busy Bee offers an incredible learning environment for young minds.
Whatever you decide, both centers prioritize your child’s well-being and development. Take the next step—schedule a visit to one of these daycares today and see firsthand how they can meet your family’s needs!