Highlands Ranch Online? (Denver, Fort Collins, Loveland: fit in, rental, day care)

[movingtocolorado]

I currently live in The Woodlands Texas and we have an online directory that allows for classified posts, business directories, community events etc. Does anyone know if there is a similar site in HR or Littleton? I did find the HR home page but it doesn't even list preschools, let alone classifieds.

We are moving there next week (didn't have time to look around so we found a quick rental for a year) and need to find an electric dryer and stuff like that. Any ideas would be appreciated.

I am also looking for a comprehensive directory of all preschools in HR plus a good site for reviews. We are moving to the 80130 area. I drove by an Espree Child Center but can't find any reviews online or even a website for them. Also found the usual Primroses and Kindercares but I am looking for something that is not quite so "franchised" if possible. Looking for a good academics but also more of a Montessori child centered philosophy, instead of the focus on rules designed for franchise administrators. Thanks!

[sskkc]

Try craigslist for the dryer and other stuff you need to buy, and Yahoo Local for preschool listings.

[2bindenver]

There are many day care places. Try Creme de la Creme on Quebec & Park Meadows Drive.

There is no comprehensive directory for HR. Maybe we could start one when you get here.

[Mike from back east]

1. Tons of rental places if you need one short term.
2. Try putting a WANTED ad on the HR FREECYCLE group. Let them know you're coming and need a dryer. See:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Highla...nch_Freecycle/

Good luck.

You're gonna love Colorado.

s/Mike from back east

[ColoradoPro]

Preschool Directory for colorado - I just did a quick search on Google for "Colorado PreSchool directory" - There were only 2 listed for "Highlands Ranch", but there were quite a few if you expanded to the other local areas (Littleton and Englewood, and Parker --you should check out Parker Motessori ) - I would also suggest looking at some of the other listings that come up for "Colorado Preschool Directory".

[ColoradoPro]

http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdereval/...sDirectory.pdf - After a bit more digging I've uncovered this little gem from the Colorado Department of Education - if you don't mind doing a bit of reading, it's quite a comprehensive list of "private schools" (I don't think there's such thing as a public preschool), and the right column with have a PK if they have a preschool program. It doesn't have reviews on this .pdf, but I'm sure if you browsed through their site a little more you could probably find some reviews. Hope this all helps.

[rkb0305]

We moved to HR a month ago and my first priority was finding a preschool. Unfortunately, Douglas County Schools already had their enrollment and already has a wait list. All the schools associated with churches also are full and only have wait lists. It seems like Kindercare has bought out several centers in HR, so I didn't find a lot to choose from. The rec centers have preschools, but they weren't able to give me enough info to make me confortable sending my 4 year old there. We ended up at a local chain, Little People's Landing. He hasn't started yet, so I can't tell you how good it is.

[JacquelineWachovia]

Hi There!

I totally understand your concern in finding a good, reputable area for your kiddos. I am a single mother and wished I would have had more help with my daughter when she was little finding the right places. Here is a good link that will allow you to search your area and pick and choose. Let me know if this doesn't work I will be happy to get you some names of good academic child cares in the area if you would like more personal information and opinions.

Shop Parenthood Directory - Arts & Entertainment

[movingtocolorado]

Thanks everyone for your kind assistance and helpful suggestions. We have moved into our rental in Highlands Ranch and after doing research locally, was able to find one last spot in Lutheran Church's preschool that is working out wonderfully. We also received a magazine for new homeowners that features a comprehensive directory of preschools and schools in the area including Castle Rock, Parker etc. If anyone needs a list of schools, just let me know and I can mail you a copy of the list or just email the list for the area you need. There may also be a way to receive the magazine. I can find out.

Advice to anyone thinking of moving to Highlands Ranch from out of state: Make a trip out here before you choose HR over Littleton/Centennial/Englewood. We didn't have enough time to find a suitable rental in the latter three areas and ended up renting in Highlands Ranch. So far, we really don't care for the crowded and impersonal master planned community and are eager for our year lease to end. It's just that the streets are really long (few cul de sacs so it's tough with young children) and houses are stacked on top of each other. It's very claustrophobic and driving anywhere is stop and go in traffic and lights. It's strip mall after strip mall (it seems like this is the case everywhere now). Thank goodness we have one of the largest lots in HR! That is keeping me sane!! Also, we just moved from Texas and I am surprised that people are not as open and friendly as where I just came from. People for the most part keep to themselves and when you do chat with them, particularly the moms, I find they are very opininated and not afraid to share their negative opinions of you or how I should be doing things differently etc.! I have been here two short months and long to find some down to earth, laid back folks to hang out with. Diplomacy doesn't seem to fit into many peoples' "family values" here! I will have to check out the north side of town (Loveland/Fort Collins etc.) to see if that's a better match for me and my family.

Lastly, if you are moving to Highlands Ranch or the Denver area in general and either have a gifted/talented child or are thinking of testing to figure it out, please contact the school district for info on what they offer in terms of GT programming. Douglas County School District has GT programs but not in every school, so you really need to research in advance if this is something that you may need.

Those are my first impressions after being here for a couple of months! Maybe things will get better!! One never knows!! I may get used to living in a bee hive after all!!