Little Mavericks and Mini Mavericks Learning Centers

Little Mavs received notice from CO Childcare Licensing Division that it has achieved a Level 3 Colorado Shines Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) score effective 2/1/22. The QRIS standards and indicators are based on research-based program standards (i.e., national accreditation, Head Start Performance, and other applicable national early childhood standards) and on Colorado’s Child Care Licensing Rules and Regulations and Colorado’s Quality Standards for Early Childhood Care and Education. This rating speaks highly of the performance of Little Mavs and the support of the families needed to achieve Level 3 rating.

Child care is available year-round for children of Colorado Mesa University students, faculty, and staff, plus community, in that priority order, on a first-come-first-serve basis. Mini Mavs serves infants six weeks old up to three years of age. Little Mavs serves children ages two through six years. Summer, Friday, and school district non-contact day programs are also available for children in Kindergarten up to 12 years old and are open to the community.

At Little Mavericks Learning Center, we understand that children who come to our program are individuals with different learning styles and various levels of development. Little Mavs provides experiences that enrich each child's cognitive, social, emotional, physical and creative development through play-based activities. Each child has the opportunity to create and explore their environment and learn problem-solving skills while developing personal interaction skills. These all help build a foundation for future academics.

Parents are always invited to become involved in their child's activities at Little Mavs. Parents are encouraged to participate in classroom activities and come along on field trips. Lesson plans are posted so parents can provide positive support for new experiences at home. Parents can feel confident that their children are receiving quality care while they are attending class or working. A professional educator is working daily with the children to monitor academic and developmental progress, as a partner with the parents, in meeting a child's individual needs and interests.

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday
6:45 am - 5:30 pm

Contact Information

Cindy Lawton, Operations Director and Director of Little Mavs
970.248.1318

Michelle Moore, Director of Mini Mavs
970.248.1998

[email protected]

1704 N. 8th St.
Grand Junction, CO, 81501

Educator working with some of our little Mavs

"Daycare" used to be a term widely used when referring to facilities that cared for children during the day while parents were at work. In fact the history of the development of "day nurseries" goes all the way back to the late 19th century when it was found that there was a need for providing safe care for children of mothers who were compelled to work due to the rising level of poverty. Thus began the history of caring for children outside of the home and within group settings. Over the years the terminology has continued to change from day nurseries to daycare to what is now widely used childcare and early learning centers. This change has come from the research and understanding of the impact the early years has on the child's overall development. We now understand that children are eager and ready to learn and the experiences they encounter everyday has a huge impact on the foundation of their learning. Our focus has shifted to the child and ensuring that we not only provide them a safe environment for the day while they are in our care, but to also provide them with activities and experiences that will support their growth and development.