Montessori Academy of Colorado

Buildings must be kept in good repair and maintained in a safe condition.

Rule 2.237.B. CDEC’s category: Building Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 21, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 12, 2026.

Every five (5) years, requests for FBI criminal record checks must be renewed by completing the fingerprint process at an approved vendor. An updated clearance letter or verification of the submission of the request must be obtained prior to five (5) years from the date reflected on the current clearance letter.

Rule 2.121.D.5. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 19, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 5, 2026.

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 19, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 5, 2026.

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, defined in Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment rules located in 6 CCR 1009-2 rule section VI(A), (May 15, 2023), no later editions or amendments are incorporated. These regulations are available from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at no cost at www.sos.state.co.us/CCR. 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. Colorado law requires proof of immunization status or exemption be provided prior to or on the first day of admission.

Rule 2.219.B.1. CDEC’s category: Child Records. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 18, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 5, 2026.

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 2.219.B.2. CDEC’s category: Child Records. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 18, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 5, 2026.

Topical preparations such as petroleum jelly, diaper rash ointments, sunscreen, insect repellent, and other ointments may be administered to children with written authorization from the parent(s)/guardian(s). These preparations may not be applied to open wounds or broken skin unless there is a written order by the prescribing health care provider.

Rule 2.220.K. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 19, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 5, 2026.

For security purposes, a sign-in/sign-out sheet or other mechanism for parents/guardians, or staff if children are being transported, must be maintained daily by the center. It must include, for each child in care, the date, the child’s name, the time when the child arrived at and left the center, and the parent /guardian or staff member’s signature or other unique identifier. For children who are transported, parent(s)/guardian(s) must verify the accuracy of the sign-in/sign-out sheet at least weekly.

Rule 2.207.A. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 15, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 17, 2026.

When supplied for an individual child, the sunscreen must be labeled with the child’s first and last name.

Rule 2.221.C. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 15, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 17, 2026.

Guidance used at the center must be appropriate to the development of the child and is used as an opportunity to teach children social-emotional skills, such as self-regulation, problem-solving, and empathy for others.

Rule 2.225.A. CDEC’s category: Guidance. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 24, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 11, 2026.

Physical redirection may be used to keep a child from immediate imminent danger. The child must be immediately released once removed from imminent danger.

Rule 2.225.I. CDEC’s category: Guidance. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 24, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 11, 2026.

An operator of a licensed facility, guest child care facility as defined in section 26.5-5-303(10), 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 Department’s automated system (Trails).

Rule 2.120.A. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 26, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 6, 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 26, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 6, 2025.

Every five (5) years, requests for FBI criminal record checks must be renewed by completing the fingerprint process at an approved vendor. An updated clearance letter or verification of the submission of the request must be obtained prior to five (5) years from the date reflected on the current clearance letter.

Rule 2.121.D.5. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 26, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 6, 2025.

Staff working with infants less than twelve (12) months old must complete a Department-approved safe sleep training prior to working with infants less than twelve (12) months old. This training must be renewed annually and will be counted towards ongoing professional development.

Rule 2.213.C. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 26, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 6, 2025.

Staff working with children less than three (3) years of age must complete a Department-approved prevention of shaken baby/abusive head trauma training prior to working with children less than three (3) years of age. This training must be renewed every two (2) years and will be counted towards ongoing professional development.

Rule 2.213.D. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 26, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 6, 2025.

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 2.213.F. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 26, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 6, 2025.

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 2.219.B.2. CDEC’s category: Child Records. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 26, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 6, 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: Jun 26, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 6, 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: Jun 26, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 6, 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: Mar 7, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 8, 2025.

For an enrolled child with a newly identified special health care need, the center must obtain written instructions for providing services from the child’s parent(s)/guardian(s) and the health care provider. If the child with special health care needs does not have an existing individualized health care plan, the individualized health care plan and all associated medication(s) and/or equipment must be provided within thirty (30) calendar days of the child’s identified need.

Rule 2.218.C.4. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 7, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 8, 2025.

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 2.219.B.2. CDEC’s category: Child Records. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 7, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 8, 2025.

Centers must comply with the locally adopted fire code, including but not limited to the following: In every building or structure, exits must be arranged and maintained so as to provide free and unobstructed egress from all parts of the building or structure at all times when it is occupied. No lock or fastening to prevent free escape from the inside of any building can be installed. Only panic hardware or single-action hardware is permitted on a door or on a pair of doors. All door hardware must be within the reach of children.

Rule 2.238.C. CDEC’s category: Building Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 7, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 8, 2025.

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: Sep 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 2025.

In rooms used by children, all electrical outlets that are accessible to children must have protective covers, or safety outlets must be installed.

Rule 2.237.H. CDEC’s category: Indoor/Safety Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 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: Jul 22, 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: Jul 22, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 2025.

Every five (5) years, requests for FBI criminal record checks must be renewed by completing the fingerprint process at an approved vendor. An updated clearance letter or verification of the submission of the request must be obtained prior to five (5) years from the date reflected on the current clearance letter.

Rule 2.121.D.5. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 22, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 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: Jul 22, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 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: Jul 22, 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: Jul 22, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 2025.

Over-the-counter medication must be kept in the originally labeled container and be labeled with the child’s first and last name.

Rule 2.220.D. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 22, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 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: Jul 22, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 2025.

Staples must be inaccessible to children less than three (3) years of age.

Rule 2.229.D. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 22, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 2025.

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 2.233.C.1. CDEC’s category: Toddler Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 22, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 2025.

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: Aug 3, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 17, 2024.

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: Aug 3, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 17, 2024.

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

Rule 7.702.41.A. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 3, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 17, 2024.

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: Sep 3, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 17, 2024.

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: Sep 3, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 17, 2024.

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 childcare.

Rule 7.702.51.B.1. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 3, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 17, 2024.

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

Rule 7.702.62.C.11. CDEC’s category: Infant Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 3, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 17, 2024.

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

Rule 7.702.71.C. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 3, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 17, 2024.

Evacuation equipment must not block exit routes. Nothing may be stored in or under any evacuation equipment.

Rule 7.702.71.K. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 3, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 17, 2024.

When caring for children, staff must refrain from the personal use of electronics including, but not limited to, cell phones and portable electronic devices.

Rule 7.702.41.E. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 1, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 7, 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: Jun 1, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 7, 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: Jun 15, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 7, 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: Jun 1, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 7, 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: Jun 1, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 7, 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: Jan 26, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 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: Jan 26, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 2023.

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

Rule 7.702.71.C. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 26, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 2023.

In rooms used by children, all electrical outlets that are accessible to children must have protective covers, or safety outlets must be installed.

Rule 7.702.91.H. CDEC’s category: Indoor/Safety Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 26, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 2023.