What Type of Childcare Is Right for You?
Childcare can feel costly and stressful — but it doesn’t have to. Here’s a practical guide to help you find the right fit for your family, budget, and schedule.
💡 When evaluating your options, think about budget, schedule, length of time, ages of your children, and your main needs.
Understanding Your Options
Nanny
An individual who comes to your home and watches your child(ren) one-on-one. Great for personalized, flexible, in-home care where you set the schedule.
Nanny Share
Two or more families share one nanny, rotating host homes or using one location. Families split the cost — a great way to afford a nanny while socializing your kids. Each family must pay at least minimum wage for their city/state.
Daycare
A center where you drop your child off in a classroom-style setting with providers watching multiple children at once. More institutional, often more affordable than a nanny.
In-Home Daycare
Similar to a daycare center but hosted at the provider’s private residence. Often smaller and more personal than a traditional daycare — and increasingly popular in Denver.
Au Pair
An educated young person (18–26) from another country who lives in your home, providing up to 45 hours per week of childcare. Very flexible and one of the most affordable options if you have a guest room. ~$1,800/month including agency fees.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget
| Budget Range | Best Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under $10/hr | In-home daycare, traditional daycare, Au Pair | Au Pair is ~$10/hr including agency fees — great value if you have a guest room |
| $10–$15/hr | In-home daycares, traditional daycares, nanny shares | Good range for shared or center-based care |
| $15–$22/hr | Nanny shares, possibly a nanny | Depends on experience level and role expectations |
| $25–$35/hr | Part-time or full-time nanny | Most career nannies want $25+/hr minimum for recurring roles |
💡 Nanny shares are a great cost-saving option AND excellent for socializing young children. Socialization at a young age has proven benefits for mental, emotional, and physical growth.
When to Start Searching
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Daycare
Start as early as possible
Some daycares have waitlists of months to years. Get on the list ASAP — even before you’re pregnant if you can.
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In-Home Daycare
2–3 months ahead
More options are opening in Denver regularly, but good ones fill up quickly. Start 2–3 months before you need care.
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Nanny
3–4 months ahead
Gives you time to interview candidates, find the right fit, and reduces stress. The best candidates are hired fast.
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Nanny Share
3–4 months ahead
Best to find the right nanny first, then find a family to share with. Can also happen simultaneously — and leads to great long-term friendships!
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Au Pair
9–12 weeks ahead
Our partner can accommodate urgent requests, but the recommended lead time is 9–12 weeks before your start date.
Where to Find Help
🧒 Nanny & Nanny Share
PioCare is a great resource for nannies and nanny share options. We help connect families and find candidates to meet your needs — with a pay-what-you-can finders fee and no agency markups. View our Recurring Services page →
✈️ Au Pair
PioCare has a great connection to a trusted au pair program. Email us and we’ll make the introduction: piocarellc@gmail.com
🏫 Daycare & In-Home Daycare
Denver Early Childhood — a dedicated city/state department providing resources and support for families finding childcare.
Colorado Shines Free Search Tool — find licensed child care programs with quality ratings, licensing history, and monitoring reports. Or call the Child Care Resource and Referral line: 877-338-2273
Still Not Sure? Ask Maddy.
Choosing the right type of childcare is genuinely hard and every family is different. I’m happy to talk through your specific situation, budget, and schedule — no commitment required. Just reach out. 🤍