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
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.
A preschool day includes structured learning, creative expression through art and music, outdoor play, life-skills development, and social engagement. Activities are designed to support cognitive, emotional, and physical development in a nurturing environment.
Families can contact Zach’s Place directly through our website or call our office to schedule a tour. We encourage parents to visit and experience our inclusive preschool environment firsthand.
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.
Children in inclusive classrooms consistently develop stronger communication skills, greater empathy, and better social adaptability than peers in non-inclusive settings. At Zach’s Place, neurotypical children learn to collaborate with peers of different abilities, which builds the flexibility and perspective-taking that are proven predictors of long-term social and academic success.
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.
Absolutely. Zach’s Place is an inclusive child care center that welcomes children of all abilities. Neurotypical children benefit from learning alongside peers with diverse needs — gaining empathy, communication skills, and a broader perspective on the world from an early age.
Specialized child care and respite services enhance socialization and skill development for neurodivergent children while providing parents with necessary breaks to reduce burnout. These services promote mental health stability within families by offering individualized attention from trained caregivers in supportive environments throughout 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.













