Boulder’s lack of licensed daycare a growing concern

In 1994, Sheri Sullivan and her sister, Shelly, started the Little People’s Playhouse in Boulder. It was a licensed child care center available to up to 12 children age two weeks and up. 

Sullivan prided herself on providing a consistent program with nutritious meals, learning opportunities and a yard to play in. She and her sister ran the day care with dedication and compassion. “It was a wonderful job and we loved it,” said Sheri.

But it was also a business — and that was problematic. Child care isn’t cheap, Sheri pointed out, and her clients were not consistent. The Playhouse closed in 1999 — in large part, Sheri said, because parents did not consistently pay their bills.