Colorado Kids Love Being Outside

If We Can’t Bring Children To The Mountains,
Let’s Bring The Mountains To Children

Colorado Kids Love Being Outside

If We Can’t Bring Children To The Mountains, Let’s Bring The Mountains To Children

PRESCHOOL & CHILD CARE CENTER SERVING CENTENNIAL & PARKER, CO

In 2008, Jessica Lloyd started a daycare with 1 employee and 3 students. After 12 years, Jessica and her son Steve had a vision for the future: they recognized the need to create more outdoor learning experiences for children. This inspired the creation of Rocky Mountain Preschool, a family-owned early education program designed to provide important outdoor experiences to children in a safe and nurturing environment.

- Steve & Jessica Lloyd

Mother & Son, Owners

Jessica:

I grew up on a farm in Moses Lake, Washington. I remember making mud pies in the driveway, changing sprinklers twice a day, and climbing trees to chase the teenage hired hands. As a young girl, I learned the importance of hard work, dependability, common sense, and adventure.
Steve

Steve:

My earliest memory is of sitting in the basket of my dad’s aluminum bicycle and feeling the wind on my face. I remember jumping in the drain ditch with my older brother after a storm and covering myself in mud. I remember exploring the creek behind my house in the Black Hills of South Dakota. I would try to catch tadpoles, watch bugs skim across the water, and swing from a tire hanging from a tree.

These early memories instilled in us a passion for giving children the chance to learn outdoors. Children are active learners. They acquire knowledge by doing. There is more to do outdoors – more space, more sensory materials, more unpredictability, and more open-ended tasks in which the outcomes haven’t been predetermined by adult planners. We believe every learning domain available to children in a classroom should also be available to them outside.

You’ll find us frequently on-site, taking a personal interest in your child. We are dedicated to providing high-quality care and education for children in a nurturing, exciting, and fun environment!

Come and join the family, 

- Steve & Jessica

early memories instilled passion

Frequently asked questions

Preschool focuses on early childhood education and school readiness through structured learning, social development, and play-based instruction, while daycare primarily provides supervision and care. At Rocky Mountain Preschool, we blend both—offering full-day care with a strong educational foundation that prepares children emotionally, socially, and academically. We also place a strong emphasis on outdoor learning, giving children daily opportunities to explore, play, and learn in nature, which supports physical development, creativity, and overall well-being.

Childcare costs in Colorado vary by age, schedule, and location. On average, tuition can range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars per month. Families are encouraged to contact us directly for current tuition rates, as pricing depends on program type, age group, and availability.

Bilingual education supports cognitive development, improves problem-solving skills, and enhances cultural awareness. Early exposure to multiple languages can also strengthen memory, boost confidence, and support long-term academic success.

Early literacy builds the foundation for reading, writing, and communication. Introducing literacy skills at a young age helps children develop vocabulary, comprehension, and a lifelong love of learning—all essential for future academic success.

A quality preschool should have trained and caring teachers, small class sizes, safe and engaging environments, and a developmentally appropriate curriculum. Clear communication with families and consistent daily routines are also important. In Colorado, families can look to a preschool’s Colorado Shines rating as an indicator of quality—four- and five-star programs meet higher standards in areas like curriculum, teacher qualifications, and family partnerships. At Rocky Mountain Preschool, our schools hold 4 -5 star Colorado Shines ratings, reflecting our ongoing commitment to high-quality early childhood education.

Most children are ready for preschool when they show interest in playing with peers, following simple routines, and exploring independently. Readiness is about emotional and social development—not academic skills—and every child progresses at their own pace. Even if a child isn’t fully ready yet, we do our best to support that transition with patience, consistency, and lots of reassurance. It’s very common for there to be an adjustment period of about 2–3 weeks, which may include some tears at drop-off. During that time, our caregivers provide constant comfort, structure, and encouragement to help children feel safe and confident. We work closely with families to make the transition as smooth and positive as possible—for both the child and the parent.

Our hours vary by location:
Willow Creek (Centennial): Open from 6:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the nursery opening at 7:00 a.m. and closing at 5:30 p.m.
Dove Valley (Parker): Open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the nursery opening at 7:00 a.m. and closing at 5:30 p.m. 

We follow Colorado state licensing requirements for teacher-to-child ratios, with each age group having its own state-mandated ratio, all of which we consistently maintain. Our goal is to have additional teachers available whenever possible, allowing us to provide extra support and keep classroom ratios even lower to ensure each child receives attentive supervision, individualized care, and meaningful engagement throughout the day.

Yes, we provide nutritious Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks that meet state guidelines. Menus are designed to support healthy growth and are mindful of common dietary needs and allergies.

Safety is a top priority. Our centers use secure entry systems, regular safety drills, staff background checks, ongoing training, and strict health and sanitation procedures to protect children and staff.

Enrollment requires a completed registration form, immunization records, and a general health appraisal confirming that your child is healthy and able to attend childcare. Our team will guide families through the process and help track required forms to make enrollment as smooth and stress-free as possible.

We accept Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP). Availability may vary by location and age group.

Families in Centennial and Parker choose Rocky Mountain Preschool for our experienced staff, engaging curriculum, safe and nurturing environments, and strong community connections. Our emphasis on outdoor learning and our Colorado Shines Level 4–5 ratings further reflect our commitment to high-quality early childhood education.

Our hours vary by location:
Willow Creek (Centennial): Open from 6:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the nursery opening at 7:00 a.m. and closing at 5:30 p.m.
Dove Valley (Parker): Open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the nursery opening at 7:00 a.m. and closing at 5:30 p.m.

Families can enroll by completing an online registration form and speaking with our enrollment team. We do require families to complete a tour before enrollment, and tours can be easily scheduled using the tour calendar on our website. We’re happy to walk you through availability, answer questions, and guide you through next steps after your visit.

Yes, we proudly serve families with locations in Centennial and Parker, Colorado.
8100 S Quebec St
Centennial CO, 80112

15390 Canyon Rim Dr.
Parker CO , 80134

We serve children from infancy (6 weeks) through preschool age (6 years), with programs designed to meet each stage of development.

Our teacher-to-student ratios meet or exceed Colorado licensing standards, with each age group having its own required ratio to support children at every developmental stage. We also strive to have additional staff on hand whenever possible to further lower ratios and provide extra support. During your tour, we’re happy to discuss age-specific ratios in more detail and answer any questions you may have.

Our centers are state-licensed and meet all Colorado Department of Early Childhood requirements. We proudly hold Colorado Shines Level 4–5 ratings, reflecting our commitment to high-quality care and curriculum. We also participate in ongoing quality improvement programs and are licensed breastfeeding-friendly locations, supporting families with infants and young children.

Be Part Of A Community Driven By Positive Values:

Lift where you stand:

Everyone matters and everyone is needed. We can move mountains together. It takes a village to raise a child.

boy and girl hikers

Adventure:

Help children develop a sense of wonder about the world. Empower children to explore and discover new likes and interests.

Do what is right:

Walk the walk and talk the talk. Do what you say you will do. Take responsibility for your actions.

Make your bed:

Strive for excellence in ordinary tasks. How you do one thing is how you do everything.

Think outside:

Innovation requires us to think differently than everybody else. Bring the outside in and take the inside out.

Nature-Based Learning Brings

Strength, Balance, Peace, & Fun!

How Old Is Your Child?

Infants

6 weeks - 15 months

Toddlers

12 Months - 30 Months

2 ½ Year-Olds

2 - 3 years

Preschool

3 - 4 years

Pre-K

4 - 5 years

Pre-K

4 - 5 years

Summer Camp

5 - 12 Years

Summer Camp

5 - 12 Years