Enrichment Cottage

Any unexpired routine medication, prescription or non-prescription (over the counter), must be administered only with a current written order of a health care provider with prescriptive authority and with written parental consent. Home remedies, homeopathic medication, vitamins, and supplements must not be administered to children in child care.

Rule 2.220.A. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 21, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 5, 2026.

The time a child arrives and leaves the center each day must be recorded. Staff members must complete written attendance verification periodically throughout the day, including during transitions.

Rule 2.223.A.2. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 21, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 5, 2026.

Swaddling of infants must only be allowed with a health care plan completed and signed by the child’s health care provider.

Rule 2.223.C.11. CDEC’s category: Infant Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 21, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 5, 2026.

Mattresses for cribs and futons must have a properly fitted, clean sheet.

Rule 2.223.C.2.a. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 21, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 5, 2026.

All sleep/rest equipment must be safe, sturdy, and free from hazards including, but not limited to broken or loose slats, torn mattress, chipping paint or loose screws.

Rule 2.223.C.5. CDEC’s category: Infant Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 21, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 5, 2026.

Glitter must not be used with children under three (3) years of age.

Rule 2.229.F. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 21, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 5, 2026.

If using a crib is not designed for emergency evacuation, the crib must be reinforced with a kit manufactured for this purpose.

Rule 2.229.J. CDEC’s category: Infant Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 21, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 5, 2026.

Toys, toy parts, furnishings, equipment, and any materials accessible to children under than three (3) years of age must not be a choke hazard or able to be inhaled. Any area of the facility accessible to children less than three (3) years of age must be free of any choke or inhalation hazards.

Rule 2.229.L. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 21, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 5, 2026.

Indoor and outdoor equipment, materials, and furnishings must be sturdy, safe, and free of hazards.

Rule 2.230.B. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 21, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 5, 2026.

All climbing equipment eighteen (18) inches or higher must have resilient surfacing of at least six (6) inches in the use zone surrounding the equipment.

Rule 2.230.C.1.a. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 21, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 5, 2026.

All staff at the center must demonstrate knowledgeable decision-making, judgment, and concern for the proper care and well-being of children.

Rule 2.212.A. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 7, 2025.

All staff must complete a pre-service building and physical premises safety training prior to working with children. The training must include identification of and protection from hazards that can cause bodily injury such as electrical hazards, bodies of water, vehicular traffic handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of biological contaminants.

Rule 2.213.A. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 7, 2025.

All staff must complete a Department-approved standard precautions training prior to working with children. This training must be renewed annually and will be counted towards ongoing professional development.

Rule 2.213.B. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 7, 2025.

Within ninety (90) calendar days of employment, all staff required to register with the Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (listed in rule section 2.208(D)) must complete the Department-approved training course: Introduction to the Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education Programs. This course is required once and will be counted towards ongoing professional development.

Rule 2.213.H. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 29, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 7, 2025.

Within ninety (90) calendar days of employment, all staff required to register with the Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (listed in rule section 2.208(D)) must complete the Department-approved Recognizing the Impact of Bias on Early Childhood Professionals training or other Department-approved training on implicit bias. This course is required once and will be counted towards ongoing professional development.

Rule 2.213.I. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 29, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 7, 2025.

All staff must have at least one (1) hour of child development training within ninety (90) days of employment. This training must include the major domains (cognitive, social, emotional, physical development and approaches to learning). This training is required once and will count toward ongoing training requirements if taken after the date of hire.

Rule 2.213.L. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 29, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 7, 2025.

The infant program staff aide must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, must have completed eight (8) hours of orientation as listed above at the infant program, and must work under the direct supervision of an infant early childhood teacher.

Rule 2.216.B.1.d. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 7, 2025.

Staff to Child Ratios by ages of children and number of staff- 6 weeks to 18 months (infants):1 staff member to 5 infants; 12 months to 36 months: 1 staff member to 5 toddlers; 24 months to 36 months: 1 staff member to 7 toddlers; 2-1/2 years to 3 years:1 staff member to 8 children; 3 years to 4 years: 1 staff member to 10 children; 4 years to 5 years: 1 staff member to 12 children; 5 years and older: 1 staff member to 15 children; Mixed-age group 2-1/2 yrs to 6 yrs: 1 staff member to 10 children.

Rule 2.217.A.14. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 7, 2025.

Maximum Group Size for Children by Ages of children and maximum group size: 6 weeks to 18 months:10 infants,12 months to 36 months:10 toddlers, 24 months to 36 months: 14 toddlers, 2-1/2 years to 3 years: 16 children, 3 years to 4 years: 20 children, 4 years to 5 years: 24 children, 5 years and older: 30 children, Mixed age group 2-1/2 to 6 years of age: 20 children.

Rule 2.217.A.15. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 7, 2025.

Any unexpired routine medication, prescription or non-prescription (over the counter), must be administered only with a current written order of a health care provider with prescriptive authority and with written parental consent. Home remedies, homeopathic medication, vitamins, and supplements must not be administered to children in child care.

Rule 2.220.A. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 7, 2025.

All children must be under the direct supervision at all times of a qualified adult who has been assigned the responsibility to supervise

Rule 2.223.A.1. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 7, 2025.

Mattresses for cribs and futons must have a properly fitted, clean sheet.

Rule 2.223.C.2.a. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 7, 2025.

All meals and snacks provided by the center must meet current United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meal pattern guidance and requirements published by the USDA Food Nutrition Service at https://www.cacfp.org/meal-pattern-guidance/ (April 2016) and 7 C.F.R. sections 210.10 and 226.20 (July 1, 2022), herein incorporated by reference. No later editions or amendments are incorporated These regulations are available at no cost from the USDA Food Nutrition Service at https://www.ecfr.gov. These regulations are also available for public inspection and copying at the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, 710 S. Ash St., Bldg. C, Denver, CO 80246, during regular business hours. and be offered at suitable intervals not more than three (3) hours apart. Children who are at the center for more than four (4) hours, day or evening, must be offered a meal. Arrangements must be made for feeding children who are in care before 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

Rule 2.224.A.1. CDEC’s category: Meals/Snacks/Activities. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 7, 2025.

Foods offered shall be age appropriate and not pose a choking hazard.

Rule 2.224.A.5. CDEC’s category: Meals/Snacks/Activities. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 7, 2025.

Items labeled “keep out of reach of children” must be inaccessible to children.

Rule 2.229.C. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 7, 2025.

Indoor and outdoor equipment, materials, and furnishings must be sturdy, safe, and free of hazards.

Rule 2.230.B. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 7, 2025.

All climbing equipment eighteen (18) inches or higher must have resilient surfacing of at least six (6) inches in the use zone surrounding the equipment.

Rule 2.230.C.1.a. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 7, 2025.

Every five (5) years, all child abuse and neglect inquiry background checks must be renewed by resubmitting an inquiry form and current fee to the Department for processing. An updated clearance letter or verification of the submission of the inquiry form must be obtained before five (5) years from the date reflected on the current clearance letter.

Rule 2.120.I. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 24, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 2025.

Criminal background check requests must be successfully completed prior to an individual caring for children or allowing the individual unsupervised access to children in child care centers (less than 24-hour care), school-age child care facilities, family child care homes, and qualified exempt provider homes.

Rule 2.121.D.4.a. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 24, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 2025.

Each licensed child care facility shall maintain records as required by the Department pertaining to the admission, progress, health, and discharge of children in care at the facility. All information regarding children and their families shall be kept confidential.

Rule 2.129.A.3. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 24, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 2025.

For every fifteen (15) or fewer toddlers, there must be at least one (1) staff member in the toddler program at all times who has a current Department-approved first aid and safety certificate that includes (CPR) for all ages of children.

Rule 2.216.C.3. CDEC’s category: Toddler Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 24, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 2025.

There must be assigned at least one (1) qualified early childhood teacher supervising each group of children unless otherwise specified in rules. A director may be the assigned teacher for one (1) group of children.

Rule 2.217.A.7. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 24, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 2025.

Indoor and outdoor equipment, materials, and furnishings must be sturdy, safe, and free of hazards.

Rule 2.230.B. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 24, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 2025.

All climbing equipment eighteen (18) inches or higher must have resilient surfacing of at least six (6) inches in the use zone surrounding the equipment.

Rule 2.230.C.1.a. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 24, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 2025.

Prior to caring for children, all staff must complete a State Department-approved training in emergency and disaster preparedness. For seasonal children’s resident camp programs, operating no more than 90 days per calendar year, at least one on site director must be trained in the State Department-approved training

Rule 7.701.100.A.. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

An operator of a licensed facility, guest child care facility as defined in Section 26-6-102 (16), C.R.S., or an exempt family child care home provider must submit a request to determine if an operator, applicant for employment or current employee has been found responsible for a confirmed report of child abuse or neglect in the State Department’s automated system (Trails).

Rule 7.701.32.A.. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

Each applicant listed below must submit to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) a complete set of fingerprints taken by a qualified law enforcement agency or any third party vendor approved by CBI including county departments of human or social services that use fingerprint machines pursuant to Section 19-3-406(1)(C),(2), C.R.S., to obtain any fingerprint criminal history record held by the CBI and FBI. If a third party takes the individual?s fingerprints, the fingerprints may be electronically captured using CBI?s approved LiveScan equipment. Payment of the fee for the criminal record check is the responsibility of the individual being checked, identified as follows:

Rule 7.701.33.A.1. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

Criminal background check requests must be submitted and successfully completed prior to an individual caring for children or allowing the individual unsupervised access to children in child care centers (less than 24-hour care), school-aged child care facilities, family child care homes, and qualified exempt provider homes.

Rule 7.701.33.D.4.a.. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

An “infant program” provides care for children between the ages of 6 weeks and 18 months.

Rule 7.702.1.B.3. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

At the time of enrollment, and upon amendments to policies and procedures, the center must give the parent(s)/guardian(s) the center?s policies and procedures and provide the opportunity to ask questions. Written copies must be available either electronically or in hard copy. The center must obtain a signed document stating that the parent(s)/guardian(s) have received the policies and procedures, and by signing the policies and procedures document, the parent(s)/guardian(s) agree to follow, accept the conditions of, and give authorization and approval for the activities described in the policies and procedures.

Rule 7.702.31.A. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

An admission record must be completed for each child prior to or at the time of the child’s admission. This record must be updated annually and when changes occur. The admission record must include:

Rule 7.702.34.A. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

The admission record must include: A dated, written authorization for emergency medical care signed and updated annually by the parent(s)/guardian(s). The authorization must be notarized if required by the local hospital, clinic, or emergency health care facility.

Rule 7.702.34.A.7. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

The admission record must include: Written authorization, obtained in advance of the event from a parent/guardian, for a child to participate in field trips or special activities, whether scheduled or unscheduled, whether walking or riding in an approved vehicle.

Rule 7.702.34.A.8. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

A record must be maintained, either written or electronic, for each staff member that includes the following:

Rule 7.702.35.A. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

All staff must complete a pre-service Building and Physical Premises Safety training prior to working with children. The training must include identification of and protection from hazards that can cause bodily injury such as electrical hazards, bodies of water, vehicular traffic handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of biological contaminants.

Rule 7.702.42.A. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

All staff must complete a Department-approved Standard Precautions training that meets current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements prior to working with children. This training must be renewed annually and will be counted towards ongoing professional development.

Rule 7.702.42.B. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

Within thirty (30) calendar days of employment, all employees caring for children, not required by rule to be certified in First Aid and CPR, must complete the Department-approved Introduction to First Aid and CPR module. The module must be renewed every two (2) years.

Rule 7.702.42.F. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

Within thirty (30) calendar days of employment, all employees and regular volunteers must be trained using a Department-approved training about child abuse prevention, which includes common symptoms and signs of child abuse, how to report, where to report, and when to report suspected or known child abuse or neglect. This training must be renewed annually.

Rule 7.702.42.G. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

Children of the Director or of staff members who attend the center and other children on the premises for supervision and care must be counted against the licensed capacity in the appropriate age groups.

Rule 7.702.46.A.12. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

Staff to Child Ratios by AGES OF CHILDREN and NUMBER OF STAFF 6 weeks to 18 months (infants): 1 staff member to 5 infants 12 months to 36 months: 1 staff member to 5 toddlers 24 months to 36 months: 1 staff member to 7 toddlers 2-1/2 years to 3 years: 1 staff member to 8 children 3 years to 4 years: 1 staff member to 10 children 4 years to 5 years: 1 staff member to 12 children 5 years and older: 1 staff member to 15 children Mixed-age group 2-1/2 yrs to 6 yrs: 1 staff member to 10 children

Rule 7.702.46.A.14. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

Maximum Group Size for Children by AGES OF CHILDREN and MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 6 weeks to 18 months: 10 infants 12 months to 36 months: 10 toddlers 24 months to 36 months: 14 toddlers 2-1/2 years to 3 years: 16 children 3 years to 4 years: 20 children 4 years to 5 years: 24 children 5 years and older: 30 Children Mixed age group 2-1/2 to 6 years of age: 20 Children

Rule 7.702.46.A.15. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

The licensed room capacity must not be exceeded at any time.

Rule 7.702.46.A.15.d. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

The center must accept and care only for children of the ages for which it has been licensed. At no time shall the number of children in attendance exceed the number for which the center has been licensed.

Rule 7.702.5.A. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

At the time of admission, the parent(s)/guardian(s) must provide for each child entering the center: Documentation of school-required immunization status or Certificate of Medical or Nonmedical Exemption, is required by the Colorado Board of Health. Up-to-date school-required immunizations must be documented as specified on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Certificate of Immunization or on an “approved alternate” Certificate of Immunization. Colorado law requires proof of immunization status or exemption be provided prior to or on the first day of admission.

Rule 7.702.51.A.2.a. CDEC’s category: Child Records. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

At the time of admission, the parent(s)/guardian(s) must provide for each child entering the center: Within thirty (30) calendar days of admission, and within thirty (30) calendar days following the expiration date of a previous health statement, the parent(s)/guardian(s) of each child must submit a statement of the child?s current health status or written verification of a scheduled appointment with a health care provider. The statement of the child?s current health status must be signed and dated by a health care provider who has seen the child within the last twelve (12) months, or within the last six (6) months for children less than two and one-half (2½) years of age. The statement must include when the next visit is required by the health care provider. All health statements must be kept at the center.

Rule 7.702.51.A.2.b. CDEC’s category: Child Records. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

All children must be under the direct supervision at all times of a qualified adult who has been assigned the responsibility to supervise

Rule 7.702.62.A.1. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

The time a child arrives and leaves the center each day must be recorded. Staff members must complete written attendance verification periodically throughout the day, including during transitions.

Rule 7.702.62.A.2. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

Drivers must complete a minimum of four (4) hours of Department-approved driver training. The Department?s approval will be based on the review of a training curriculum that includes at a minimum: behind the wheel training; participant transport attendance procedures including taking attendance at the destination; managing behavioral issues; loading and unloading procedures; daily vehicle inspection procedure; proper tire inflation; emergency equipment and how to use it; accident procedures; passenger illness procedures; procedures for backing up; and vehicle evacuation.

Rule 7.702.66.C.9. CDEC’s category: Transportation. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

Toys, toy parts, furnishings, equipment, and any materials accessible to children under than three (3) years of age must not be a choke hazard or able to be inhaled. Any area of the facility accessible to children less than three (3) years of age must be free of any choke or inhalation hazards.

Rule 7.702.71.L. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

Indoor and outdoor equipment, materials, and furnishings must be sturdy, safe, and free of hazards.

Rule 7.702.72.B. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

If the infant program is in the same building as a facility caring for children of other ages, the infant program must be physically separated in different rooms by walls no less than eight (8) feet and full doors.

Rule 7.702.81.B.1. CDEC’s category: Infant Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

If the toddler program is in the same building as a facility caring for children of other ages, the toddler program must be physically separated in different rooms by walls no less than eight (8) feet and full doors.

Rule 7.702.81.C.1. CDEC’s category: Toddler Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

Kitchens, including all hazardous items, must be inaccessible to children at all times.

Rule 7.702.91.K. CDEC’s category: Building Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.