Short-Term Child Care & Respite in Colorado Springs for Visiting Families
Visiting Colorado Springs and Need Child Care?
Whether you’re visiting family, relocating temporarily, attending a conference, or supporting a loved one, finding trusted short-term child care in Colorado Springs can feel overwhelming.
Parents want peace of mind knowing their child is in a safe, nurturing, and structured environment — even if care is only needed for a few days or weeks.
At Zach’s Place, we provide flexible short-term child care and respite services designed to support families during transitional moments.
Flexible Child Care for Temporary Needs
Life doesn’t always follow a long-term schedule. Families may need child care because of:
- Military relocation or temporary assignment
- Visiting relatives or extended stays
- Medical appointments or procedures
- Conferences or work travel
- Emergency or unexpected situations
- Caregiver support needs
Our team works with families to provide flexible scheduling options when short-term support is needed.
Inclusive Care for Children of All Abilities
Zach’s Place welcomes children ages 2.5–18, including both typically developing children and those with developmental disabilities.
Our structured environment includes:
- Supervised play and social interaction
- Creative activities and learning experiences
- Outdoor time and physical movement
- Age-appropriate life skills development
Children quickly feel welcomed and supported — even if their stay is temporary.
Respite Care for Traveling Families
If you’re caring for a child with special needs while visiting Colorado Springs, respite care can provide essential support.
Our licensed staff understand how to create a calm, engaging environment that allows caregivers time to rest, attend appointments, or manage travel logistics with confidence.
A Trusted Community Partner
Established in 1998, Zach’s Place is a licensed nonprofit child care and respite program serving families across the Pikes Peak Region.
Families appreciate:
- Compassionate, trained educators
- A safe and welcoming facility
- Clear communication
- Flexible enrollment options
Planning a Visit? Contact Us
If you’ll be in Colorado Springs and need short-term child care or respite support, we encourage you to reach out in advance.
We’ll help you understand availability, enrollment, and scheduling options so your visit can be smooth and stress-free.
FAQs about SKSF Child Care in Colorado Springs
Respite care is planned, temporary care specifically designed to give caregivers of individuals with disabilities a break from their caregiving responsibilities. Unlike general child care, respite care is provided by staff trained in supporting individuals with a range of developmental and physical disabilities — and is specifically intended to support the sustainability of family caregiving. At Zach’s Place, respite care and child care exist side by side, and children in both settings receive the same high-quality, inclusive experience.
Yes. Zach’s Place is a licensed Universal Pre-K (UPK) provider. Eligible families can receive up to 15 hours of free, high-quality preschool per week in the year before kindergarten. Some families qualify for additional hours depending on income and other factors. Contact us to check your eligibility.
Our team will provide a checklist during the enrollment process, which may include health records, emergency contacts, and any necessary care plans. Preparing these in advance helps ensure a smooth transition for your child.
Yes. We provide licensed respite care services for children of all abilities, including those with developmental disabilities. Visiting families can inquire about short-term respite options to support travel or caregiver needs.
Zach’s Place serves children ages 2.5 through 18, making us one of the few child care and respite programs in the Colorado Springs area that supports children across such a broad age range. This includes school-age children who need care before and after the school day as well as children who require specialized support during those hours.
Childcare providers often encounter barriers like negative attitudes towards disabilities, limited access to adequately trained staff, and coordination difficulties between early intervention specialists and childcare teams. These challenges can hinder the creation of truly inclusive environments that effectively support children with diverse needs in Colorado Springs.
Most experts recommend starting a structured preschool or kindergarten readiness program at age 3 or 4. In Colorado, the Universal Pre-K (UPK) program is specifically designed for children in the year before kindergarten — typically age 4. Children with developmental needs or IEPs may access services earlier. Contact us to discuss the best timing for your child.
To overcome inclusion barriers, childcare providers should engage in ongoing staff training focused on inclusive practices, develop strong partnerships with families to tailor individualized supports, and collaborate closely with early intervention specialists. These strategies enhance providers’ ability to create supportive, adaptable environments that meet the unique needs of children with disabilities within Colorado Springs inclusive child care programs.
How can I choose the right special needs child care or respite service provider in Colorado Springs?
When selecting a provider in Colorado Springs, consider factors such as licensing status, staff qualifications, program offerings tailored to your child’s specific needs, and the availability of personalized care plans. Evaluating providers like Zach’s Place at The Laurie Hillyard Family Center can ensure high-quality care that supports your child’s development effectively.
Inclusive child care programs in Colorado Springs are supported by key laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Head Start Act. These legislations ensure equal access to education and childcare services for children with disabilities and mandate the establishment and maintenance of inclusive practices within local childcare settings.
