Summer Child Care Programs in Colorado Springs
The last school bell of the year brings a wave of excitement for kids — and a wave of logistical questions for parents. Who’s going to watch the kids? Will they be safe, engaged, and growing? And how do families with children who have disabilities find care that can actually meet their needs over a 10-week stretch?
At Zach’s Place at the Laurie Hillyard Family Center, summer is some of our busiest and most meaningful work of the year. We’ve been providing summer child care in Colorado Springs for more than 25 years, serving children of all abilities in a program built around real enrichment, genuine fun, and the individual support each child deserves.
Here’s what families in Colorado Springs need to know about summer care at Zach’s Place.
Why Summer Child Care Matters
It’s tempting to think of summer as a break from structured programming. But research on “summer slide” — the well-documented loss of academic and developmental skills during unstructured summer months — tells a different story. Children who stay engaged over the summer show better outcomes in the fall, particularly in areas like reading, math, and social-emotional development.
For children with disabilities, the stakes can be even higher. The routines, relationships, and skill-building that have been carefully developed throughout the school year can erode quickly without consistent structured support. A quality summer program keeps those gains in place and builds on them.
At the same time, summer should feel like summer. Our goal isn’t to run school in July — it’s to create an environment where kids are active, connected, and genuinely enjoying themselves while still growing.
What’s Included in Summer Care at Zach’s Place
Outdoor Adventures Across Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is one of the most spectacular cities in the country to spend a summer. Our summer program takes full advantage of it. Children in our summer care have opportunities to:
- Hike and explore local parks like the Garden of the Gods
- Visit the North Pole Amusement Park
- Interact with animals at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
- Swim at the YMCA
- Enjoy nature walks and community outings throughout the Pikes Peak region
These aren’t just fun field trips — they’re intentional community integration experiences that build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging in the wider world.
Life Skills and Independence
Summer is a great time to focus on the practical skills that help children function more independently at home and in their community. Our summer programming includes intentional life-skills activities such as:
- Meal preparation and healthy eating habits
- Personal hygiene and self-care routines
- Community outings — visiting stores, restaurants, and public spaces
- Housekeeping and basic organization
For families of children with disabilities, summer at Zach’s Place represents real progress — not just time filled.
Creative and Recreational Activities
Every week includes a mix of arts and crafts, music, storytelling, and creative play. We encourage children to express themselves, try new things, and develop confidence in their own abilities. These activities are fully inclusive — adapted as needed so every child can participate and thrive.
The Gardens Grow Program
During the summer, children at Zach’s Place have the opportunity to participate in the SKSF Gardens Grow program — a therapeutic and educational garden experience designed to enhance well-being, build new skills, and connect children with nature. Through hands-on gardening and a tailored weekly curriculum, kids develop confidence, learn healthy habits, and discover the satisfaction of growing something with their own hands.
Bee+Positive Pollinator Program
Our Bee+Positive program gives children a hands-on introduction to honeybees, pollinators, and the natural world. This innovative initiative — launched through generous grant support — combines real-world science with curriculum-based learning and outdoor exploration. It’s a summer highlight for many of the children we serve.
Summer Care for Children with Disabilities in Colorado Springs
Zach’s Place is the only licensed child care facility in the Pikes Peak Region that specializes in care for youth with disabilities, ages 2.5 through 18. During the summer, that expertise matters more than ever.
Our trained staff provide individualized support throughout the summer program. We maintain a Registered Nurse on staff, work from individual care plans developed in partnership with each family, and coordinate with families to ensure continuity with any school-year IEP goals or therapeutic objectives.
Whether your child has a developmental disability, a behavioral health challenge, a physical disability, or complex medical needs, our team has the training and the commitment to support them well.
An Inclusive Summer Program That Benefits Every Child
One of the things that makes Zach’s Place different is that we serve children of all abilities together in the same program. Neurotypical children and children with disabilities play, explore, and learn side by side.
The research on inclusive environments is clear: all children benefit. Typically developing children grow in empathy, social awareness, and adaptability. Children with disabilities gain confidence, communication skills, and a sense of belonging. When families choose Zach’s Place for summer child care, they’re choosing an environment that makes every child a better version of themselves.
Flexible Scheduling for Working Families
We know summer schedules are unpredictable. Families deal with school holidays, camp schedules, family travel, and work demands that don’t slow down just because school is out.
Zach’s Place offers:
- Full-day summer care, Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Before- and after-program care to accommodate early arrivals and late pickups
- Flexible scheduling — we work with families to find arrangements that fit
- Short-term or occasional care for families who need coverage on specific days
If you need summer respite care — a few days a week or the full summer — we can make it work.
Affordable Summer Child Care in Colorado Springs
Quality summer care shouldn’t be out of reach. Zach’s Place operates on a sliding fee scale based on household income, making our summer program significantly more affordable than most private child care options in Colorado Springs. Rates can be as low as $9 per hour, and no child is ever turned away due to an inability to pay.
When you enroll your child at Zach’s Place, your fees also help fund care for families who couldn’t otherwise afford it — the Get Care, Give Care principle that has guided our mission since 1998. You’re not just investing in your own child. You’re investing in the whole community.
Reserve Your Child’s Spot for Summer at Zach’s Place
Summer spots fill up quickly. If you’re looking for summer child care in Colorado Springs — for a child with disabilities, a typically developing child, or both — the best time to reach out is now.
Call us at 719-447-8983 or visit sksfcolorado.org to learn more about our summer program and start the enrollment process. We’d love to show you around and help you find the summer care arrangement that works best for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages does the Zach’s Place summer program serve?
Our summer child care program serves children ages 2.5 through 18. We welcome both children with disabilities and typically developing children in our inclusive summer program.
When does summer care at Zach’s Place run?
Our summer program runs throughout the summer break period, Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Contact us for specific dates for the upcoming summer session.
What activities are included in summer care?
Summer programming at Zach’s Place includes outdoor community outings (parks, zoo, pool, amusement park), arts and crafts, music, the Gardens Grow gardening program, the Bee+Positive pollinator program, life-skills activities, and structured socialization. Activities are inclusive and adapted for children of all abilities.
Does Zach’s Place provide summer care for children with complex needs?
Yes. Zach’s Place specializes in care for children with disabilities and has staff trained to support a wide range of needs. We maintain a Registered Nurse on staff, develop individual care plans, and coordinate closely with families throughout the summer.
How do I enroll my child for summer care at Zach’s Place?
Start by visiting sksfcolorado.org or calling 719-447-8983 to schedule a tour. You’ll complete an application, provide current shot records and a physical, and participate in an intake assessment during your site visit. We recommend reaching out early — summer spots fill up fast.
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FAQs about SKSF Child Care in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs offers a variety of special needs child care services including licensed childcare for children with disabilities, inclusive childcare settings, and specialized programs such as those provided by Special Kids Special Families (SKSF) and The Resource Exchange (TRE). These services cater to neurodivergent children and focus on individualized attention and skill development.
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.
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.
Yes. Many parents choose inclusive preschool because it helps children build emotional intelligence, adaptability, and strong social skills. Children learn patience, leadership, and collaboration by interacting with classmates of different abilities — preparing them for real-world environments.
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.
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.
Zach’s Place serves children ages 2.5 to 18 in various programs. Our preschool programming focuses on early childhood development and kindergarten readiness for preschool-aged children.
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.
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 specifically designed and staffed to support children with a wide range of developmental needs, including autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities. We are the only licensed child care facility in the Pikes Peak Region that specializes in care for children with disabilities alongside their typically developing peers. Our team works with each family to understand their child’s individual needs before enrollment.
