Drop-in and part-time childcare in Centennial

Need care for a day, or just a few days a week? We take drop-in children when a classroom has space, and we offer part-time schedules at both campuses.

Visit a campus

Drop-in care when space allows
Part-time schedules
Open 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
Two campuses in Centennial

Preschoolers drawing together on a big sheet of paper — Drop-in careWhen space allows

Drop-in care

For a day off school, a work trip, or when your usual care falls through.

Available when a classroom has space for your child's age
Call the campus first to check that day
Smoky Hill campus: (720) 987-1177
Arapahoe campus: (303) 638-7272
Open Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
Fresh breakfast and lunch cooked in our own kitchen

Part-time childcare

Pick the days that fit your week.

Choose the days you need each week
Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
Tuition depends on your child's age and schedule
See your options to get the exact rate

See your options

What every day includes

Childcare and preschool

6 weeks to 5 years · Both campuses

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
Tuition: Tuition by age See your options to get the exact rate for your child's age.

Caring teachers, Creative Curriculum with hands-on projects, enrichment classes included in tuition, and fresh meals cooked in our own kitchen.

Open Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
Fresh breakfast and lunch cooked in our own kitchen
Creative Curriculum with project-based learning
Enrichment classes and world languages included in tuition
Weekly classes in visual and musical arts, science, STEAM projects, and fitness and sports
Classrooms designed for each age group
Free Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) for 4-year-olds

See your options

Help paying for care

We accept Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK), local childcare assistance, and military childcare fee assistance.

Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK)
Free preschool hours for 4-year-olds.
Local childcare assistance
County-based help paying for care (CCCAP).
Military childcare programs
Fee assistance through Child Care Aware of America and the military branches.

Two campuses in Centennial

Call the campus closer to you to check space, or come take a tour.

Smoky Hill campus

Childcare and preschool, 6 weeks to 5 years, and free Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK)

20901 E Smoky Hill Rd, Centennial, CO 80015 · Map and directions

At South Picadilly Street and East Smoky Hill Road, near Southlands, on the Centennial and Aurora border.

Sunny classrooms designed for each age group
A commercial kitchen for fresh breakfast and lunch every day
Touchless entry that opens only from a parent's phone app
Shaded outdoor playground

Call or text: (720) 987-1177

Visit the Smoky Hill campus

Arapahoe campus

Childcare from 6 weeks, preschool, elementary, middle school, and homeschool

11002 E Arapahoe Pl, Centennial, CO 80112 · Map and directions

In Centennial near I-25 and Arapahoe Road, by the Denver Tech Center. Easy to reach from Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, and the southern suburbs.

Teaching kitchen
Indoor gym and indoor playground
STEM lab
Visual arts studio and performing arts room
Tech lab and library
Bowling lane, space room, and movie theater
Outdoor playground, basketball and tennis courts, and a garden courtyard

Childcare, call or text: (303) 638-7272School, call or text: (720) 989-0704

Visit the Arapahoe campus (childcare)

Looking for full-time care?

When you need care every day, ask about a full-time spot.

See childcare and preschool, or free preschool (UPK) for 4-year-olds.

What childcare families say

4.7Average family rating on Google and Yelp

“I am not sure any other place I know emphasizes science for 3 year olds!! My son LOVES Miss Christal and comes home daily talking about his science lessons that she plans for them DAILY. She is the absolute best. It has made school fun for him and seeing him want to be a scientist at home melts my heart!!”
Kaitlyn E. · Google review
“Really enjoy this daycare!! Never look elsewhere. The kids get a great education and I intend on having my son here through 8th grade! … Larisa, the owner, is outstanding and only wants the best staff.”
Ben A. · Google review
“My son has been at Novastar for 3 months and he absolutely loves going every day. The teachers they hire have a real passion for taking care of children like they were their own and make sure to provide feedback to parents/guardians as well as adhere to any requests given to them. … Additionally, Novastar uses the Procare app which provides parents/guardians with daily updates on feedings, napping and activities which has given my husband and I a lot of reassurance knowing how our son is being cared for. We have been very happy with Novastar and have recommended it to several other friends with little ones.”
Kim N. · Google review
“We have been a part of the Novastar family for 4 years now, between my 2 kids. … I could not be happier with the care we have received. … Christal is supportive and caring, but also provides structure and learning in the classroom. My daughter is constantly reciting lessons and content she learned at school when she is home. … Larisa, the owner and director, has done a lot of wonderful things with the center over the past couple years. From what I have seen and heard, she works with families, as well as her staff and their families, to try and create a supportive community.”
Allison L. · Google review
“I am so happy with Novastar. Ms. Angie and Ms. Neris are amazing, they care for my daughter as if she was their own. The facility is always clean and organized. It has made my transition back to work so much easier. If I could give 10 stars I would!”
Aliah E. · Google review
“We've been here for about 2 years and love it! The staff and teachers are wonderful and know everyone by name. I feel very confident my kids are safe and in the best hands. The communication has exceeded my expectations and my kids are learning so much from everyone. It's the perfect location for us (just a few miles from the house) and very convenient for pick up and drop off. Not to mention they have covered playgrounds for my kids who burn easily in the Colorado sun! Highly recommend this affordable daycare.”
Margaret S. · Yelp review
“It is a good center, and I know that my daughter has been in good hands.Ms. Christal and Ms. Linda are very loving, attentive and respectful! They are always willing to help, inform you and advise you on all aspects related to the education of children.”
Brenda C. · Google review
“My son has been going here for a little over a week and comes home so tired from playing and having fun. He is only 3 months old and they take good care of him. I love how they send me pics and updates throughout the day on their app.”
Jessalynn L. · Google review
“My 10 month old son goes here and the staff is amazing! I love getting updates with pictures through their app and they are overall a great facility ❤️”
Jessica L. · Google review
“It’s such an excellent daycare, I choose it for my baby , the place is so beautiful , clean and colourful.”
Enas A. · Google review

“I am not sure any other place I know emphasizes science for 3 year olds!! My son LOVES Miss Christal and comes home daily talking about his science lessons that she plans for them DAILY. She is the absolute best. It has made school fun for him and seeing him want to be a scientist at home melts my heart!!”
Kaitlyn E. · Google review
“Really enjoy this daycare!! Never look elsewhere. The kids get a great education and I intend on having my son here through 8th grade! … Larisa, the owner, is outstanding and only wants the best staff.”
Ben A. · Google review
“My son has been at Novastar for 3 months and he absolutely loves going every day. The teachers they hire have a real passion for taking care of children like they were their own and make sure to provide feedback to parents/guardians as well as adhere to any requests given to them. … Additionally, Novastar uses the Procare app which provides parents/guardians with daily updates on feedings, napping and activities which has given my husband and I a lot of reassurance knowing how our son is being cared for. We have been very happy with Novastar and have recommended it to several other friends with little ones.”
Kim N. · Google review
“We have been a part of the Novastar family for 4 years now, between my 2 kids. … I could not be happier with the care we have received. … Christal is supportive and caring, but also provides structure and learning in the classroom. My daughter is constantly reciting lessons and content she learned at school when she is home. … Larisa, the owner and director, has done a lot of wonderful things with the center over the past couple years. From what I have seen and heard, she works with families, as well as her staff and their families, to try and create a supportive community.”
Allison L. · Google review
“I am so happy with Novastar. Ms. Angie and Ms. Neris are amazing, they care for my daughter as if she was their own. The facility is always clean and organized. It has made my transition back to work so much easier. If I could give 10 stars I would!”
Aliah E. · Google review
“We've been here for about 2 years and love it! The staff and teachers are wonderful and know everyone by name. I feel very confident my kids are safe and in the best hands. The communication has exceeded my expectations and my kids are learning so much from everyone. It's the perfect location for us (just a few miles from the house) and very convenient for pick up and drop off. Not to mention they have covered playgrounds for my kids who burn easily in the Colorado sun! Highly recommend this affordable daycare.”
Margaret S. · Yelp review
“It is a good center, and I know that my daughter has been in good hands.Ms. Christal and Ms. Linda are very loving, attentive and respectful! They are always willing to help, inform you and advise you on all aspects related to the education of children.”
Brenda C. · Google review
“My son has been going here for a little over a week and comes home so tired from playing and having fun. He is only 3 months old and they take good care of him. I love how they send me pics and updates throughout the day on their app.”
Jessalynn L. · Google review
“My 10 month old son goes here and the staff is amazing! I love getting updates with pictures through their app and they are overall a great facility ❤️”
Jessica L. · Google review
“It’s such an excellent daycare, I choose it for my baby , the place is so beautiful , clean and colourful.”
Enas A. · Google review

Founder named Colorado Small Business Person of the Year, 2025, by the U.S. SBA
Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) provider
Accepts local childcare assistance
State-licensed childcare
Candidate for Cognia accreditation

Drop-in and part-time questions

Don’t see your question? Our admissions team can answer it on a quick call.

See your options

Do you offer drop-in childcare?

Yes, when a classroom has space. Space changes day to day, so please call the campus before you come to check for that day.

How do I book a drop-in day?

Call the campus closer to you: the Smoky Hill campus at (720) 987-1177, or the Arapahoe campus at (303) 638-7272. We'll check space for your child's age and walk you through what we need before the first visit.

Do you have part-time childcare?

Yes. Tell us which days you need, and we'll find the right schedule. See your options to get the rate for your child's age, or call either campus.

What ages do you take?

Infants (6 weeks to 12 months), toddlers (1 to 3 years), and preschoolers (3 to 5 years).

What are your hours?

Both campuses are open Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Are meals included?

We cook fresh breakfast and lunch every day in our own kitchen.

Do you accept local childcare assistance or military childcare assistance?

Yes. We accept Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK), local childcare assistance (CCCAP), and military childcare fee assistance.

Drop-in and part-time childcare in Centennial

Drop-in care

Part-time childcare

What every day includes

Childcare and preschool

Help paying for care

Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK)

Local childcare assistance

Military childcare programs

Two campuses in Centennial

Smoky Hill campus

Arapahoe campus

Looking for full-time care?

What childcare families say

Drop-in and part-time questions