Hearth Record

Ponderosa Elementary Preschool

A preschool program in Aurora, Colorado 80012

1885 S Lima ST, Aurora, Colorado 80012.

Colorado’s own record, on coloradoshines.com

Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. Colorado’s own record is on coloradoshines.com.

The short answer

Record last released by Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) on Nov 2, 2026.

The last 24 months 18 citations in 6 months of the last 46. Last cited Feb 2026. Every month

Each figure’s source sits beside it, in its section below.

What these words mean5
Inspection (survey)
A visit by state inspectors, often unannounced, who check a place against the rules it must meet. For nursing homes and other places Medicare pays, CMS calls these visits surveys: a standard survey of a nursing home comes at least every 15 months, and a complaint survey whenever a complaint calls for one. Source: CMS; 42 CFR 488.308.
Deficiency, citation, violation
What inspectors write up when a place didn’t meet a rule: the rule, what they saw, and when. CMS calls it a deficiency; states may say citation or violation. It is the inspectors’ finding, not a court’s, and the place is usually asked for a plan to correct it. Source: CMS, statement of deficiencies (Form CMS-2567); each state’s licensing agency.
Quality rating
Many states rate child care in a quality rating system that goes past the licensing rules, such as Texas Rising Star or Kentucky All STARS. Taking part is often voluntary, so a program with no rating hasn’t been rated low. Source: Each state’s quality rating system.
Licence status
Whether the state’s licence lets the place operate now, in the state’s own words: licensed, on probation (allowed to keep operating on conditions, after problems), provisional, pending or expired. Source: Each state’s licensing agency.
Capacity
The most people the licence or certification lets the place care for at once: residents, children, beds or apartments, as the state counts them. It isn’t how many are there now. Source: Each state’s licensing agency.

What did inspectors find?

CDEC’s file lists 7 inspections, investigations and complaints from Jan 1, 2023 to Oct 27, 2026, the latest on Feb 11, 2026 (Supervisory).

18 citations in all.

Where Colorado posts its reports: Colorado Shines.

Source:

Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Data request 2026-967, delivered Oct 28, 2026 and each month since: licensing inspections, complaints and Stage II investigations from Jan 1, 2023. Released Oct 28, 2026. CDEC sends the previous month’s records in the first week of each month; a person saves each file and loads it.

When those citations happened

18 citations in 6 months of the last 46. Last cited Feb 2026. The last 4 years, to Nov 5, 2026.

18 citations by month over the last 4 years. Each cell is one month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
2023 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
2024 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
2025 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
2026 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOct

Hover or focus a month to read it.

No visit on record Visited, nothing cited A stronger orange is more serious, on its source’s own levels, read onto four bands: from the least serious it publishes to the most
Source:

Hearth Record drew this from the dates and levels in the source’s own records.

Each citation, in its source’s words

Grouped by visit, newest first, with the level its source gave it.

Source:

Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Data request 2026-967, delivered Oct 28, 2026 and each month since: licensing inspections, complaints and Stage II investigations from Jan 1, 2023. Released Oct 28, 2026. CDEC sends the previous month’s records in the first week of each month; a person saves each file and loads it.

Feb 11, 2026: supervisory (case 254030)4 citations
  • At all times during the operating hours of the facility, except for foster care homes, the facility/agency must post the current child care license in a prominent and conspicuous location easily observable by those entering the child care facility.

    Rule 2.127.A. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Feb 11, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 8, 2026.

  • Emergency drills, lockdown and active shooter on premises drills must be held at least quarterly but often enough so that all occupants are familiar with the drill procedure and their conduct during a drill is a matter of established routine. Fire drills must be held monthly and be consistent with local fire department procedures. Tornado drills must be held monthly from March to October. A record of all emergency drills held over the past twelve (12) months must be maintained by the facility or center, including date and time of drill, number of adults and children participating, and the amount of time taken to evacuate.

    Rule 2.138.A. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Feb 11, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 8, 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: Feb 11, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 8, 2026.

  • 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: Feb 11, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 8, 2026.

Jul 29, 2025: capacity/Age/Exhibit (case 260534)1 citation
  • Prior to the original license being issued, following the renovation of the facility that would affect the licensing of the facility and at least every two (2) years thereafter, all child care facilities except family child care homes and Neighborhood Youth Organizations must be inspected and obtain an approving inspection report from the local department of health or the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and from the local fire department. These reports must be maintained at the facility and be available for review upon request by a Licensing Specialist.

    Rule 2.122.A. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 29, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 29, 2025.

Mar 13, 2025: supervisory (case 223015)8 citations
  • Health statements for children over two (2) years of age to seven (7) years of age must be updated in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care schedule for routine well child exams.

    Rule 2.219.B.4. CDEC’s category: Child Records. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 13, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 4, 2025.

  • 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: Mar 13, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 4, 2025.

  • The center must apply sunscreen, have the parent(s)/guardian(s) apply sunscreen, or use another form of parent/guardian approved sun protection for children prior to children going outside. Sunscreen must be reapplied as directed by the product label.

    Rule 2.221.B. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 13, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 4, 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: Mar 13, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 4, 2025.

  • Sharp tools and instruments must be stored in areas inaccessible to children.

    Rule 2.229.H. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 13, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 4, 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: Mar 13, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 4, 2025.

  • Volatile substances such as gasoline, kerosene, fuel oil, oil-based paints, firearms, explosives, and other hazardous items must not be stored in any area of the building used for childcare.

    Rule 2.237.D. CDEC’s category: Indoor/Safety Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 13, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 4, 2025.

  • Combustibles such as cleaning rags, mops, and cleaning compounds must be stored in well-ventilated areas, separated from flammable materials, and stored in areas inaccessible to children.

    Rule 2.237.E. CDEC’s category: Indoor/Safety Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 13, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 4, 2025.

Nov 5, 2024: injury (case 247140)1 citation
  • 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: A health history, including any health care plans, which indicates communicable diseases and chronic illnesses or injuries the individual has had, any known drug reactions and allergies, medications being taken, any necessary health procedures or special diets, and immunization record;

    Rule 2.209.A.6. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 5, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 3, 2025.

May 16, 2024: supervisory (case 208182)3 citations
  • 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 16, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 4, 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 16, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 4, 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: May 16, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 4, 2025.

Jul 25, 2023: original (case 195253)1 citation
  • Prior to the original license being issued, following the renovation of the facility that would affect the licensing of the facility and at least every two (2) years thereafter, all child care facilities except family child care homes and Neighborhood Youth Organizations must be inspected and obtain an approving inspection report from the local department of health or the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and from the local fire department. These reports must be maintained at the facility and be available for review upon request by a Licensing Specialist.

    Rule 7.701.34.A.. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 25, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 15, 2023.

All 7 visits on record
Visits on record
DateVisitWhat the record says
Feb 11, 2026Supervisory (case 254030)4 citations; cleared Apr 8, 2026.
Jul 29, 2025Capacity/Age/Exhibit (case 260534)1 citation; cleared Aug 29, 2025.
Mar 13, 2025Supervisory (case 223015)8 citations; cleared Apr 4, 2025.
Nov 5, 2024Injury (case 247140)1 citation; cleared Jan 3, 2025.
May 16, 2024Supervisory (case 208182)3 citations; cleared Apr 4, 2025.
Aug 15, 2023Staff/Child Files (case 207438)No citations; cleared Aug 15, 2023.
Jul 25, 2023Original (case 195253)1 citation; cleared Aug 15, 2023.

Is it licensed?

  • Colorado’s service type: Preschool Program; licensed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.
  • Licensed for 38 children: 38 preschoolers.
  • Colorado’s licence number: 1544815.
Source:

Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Colorado Licensed Child Care Facilities Report. Released Nov 2, 2026. Updated monthly.

What did complaints and investigations find?

  • CDEC’s file lists no complaints or Stage II investigations for this program from Jan 1, 2023 to Oct 27, 2026.
  • Neither CDEC’s roster nor its file of inspections lists enforcement actions, such as fines or the revocation of a licence.
Source:

Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Data request 2026-967, delivered Oct 28, 2026 and each month since: licensing inspections, complaints and Stage II investigations from Jan 1, 2023. Released Oct 28, 2026. CDEC sends the previous month’s records in the first week of each month; a person saves each file and loads it.

Who does the caring?

  • Colorado doesn’t publish staffing levels for individual programs in this dataset.

Who owns it?

  • Colorado’s dataset lists its governing body as Cherry Creek Schools.
Source:

Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Colorado Licensed Child Care Facilities Report. Released Nov 2, 2026. Updated monthly.

How is it rated?

  • Colorado Shines: Level 4 of five, as Colorado rates it.
Source:

Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Colorado Licensed Child Care Facilities Report. Released Nov 2, 2026. Updated monthly.

How does it compare nearby?

  • Programs aren’t compared with each other here: CDEC’s file doesn’t grade its citations by how serious they are.
1 compared
Place
Ponderosa Elementary Preschool This child care providerNot given

What the record doesn’t say

  • Inspections, investigations and complaints are from the file CDEC sent for a data request, from Jan 1, 2023, and the file it sends each month since. CDEC says its file may miss a program licensed during that time that is no longer licensed, and that its records may change as they are updated or finalized.
  • CDEC’s file gives each rule cited, its category, and the days set to correct it and to clear the case, but not what the inspector wrote: Colorado Shines has each monitoring report. CDEC doesn’t grade citations by how serious they are.
  • This page is built from the dataset of licensed child care facilities CDEC publishes monthly on data.colorado.gov, so a program licensed or closed since may be missing or still shown. It leaves out 24-hour licence types and care that is exempt from licensing.
  • Colorado’s roster carries no enforcement actions, hours or staffing levels.

Sources

  • Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Colorado Licensed Child Care Facilities Report (data.colorado.gov, a9rr-k8mu).

    Released Nov 2, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated monthly. Open Data Commons Public Domain Dedication and License (PDDL). data.colorado.gov’s terms ask for this disclaimer: “The data made available here has been modified for use from its original source, which is the State of Colorado. THE STATE OF COLORADO MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTY AS TO THE COMPLETENESS, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, OR CONTENT OF ANY DATA MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS SITE. THE STATE OF COLORADO EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. The data is subject to change as modifications and updates are complete. It is understood that the information contained in the Web feed is being used at one’s own risk.” Facts are extracted; monitoring reports are not republished.

  • Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Data request 2026-967, delivered Oct 28, 2026 and each month since: licensing inspections, complaints and Stage II investigations from Jan 1, 2023.

    Released Oct 28, 2026 and checked Oct 29, 2026. CDEC sends the previous month’s records in the first week of each month; a person saves each file and loads it. No licence stated: CDEC sent this file for a data request that said it would be shown on a free public website. Its disclaimer says the data “is now subject to open records law”. Shown free, never sold.

If you believe something here is wrong, a correction starts with the agency whose record this copies: Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). Colorado’s own record is on coloradoshines.com. If Hearth Record copied something wrongly, it will fix it and log the correction publicly, with its date: how corrections work.

Source:

This copy of the record was made on Nov 5, 2026.

From the provider

The public record above comes first. Anything the provider adds will appear here, below it, and say who wrote it.

Replies

None. Replies aren’t open yet. When they open, the provider will be able to answer any finding for free, and the reply will show beside that finding, unedited and dated.

Paid listing

None. Paid listings aren’t open yet. When they open, anything paid for will say “Paid by the provider”, and paying will never change a finding, a rating or the order of results.

How to read a record

Four things every record does, shown on an example record made up for this guide.

An example record, made up for this guide

An example nursing home

Made up for this guide: no real place is shown

Not fully inspected in over two years (CMS flag)

11 health citations at the latest inspection cycle

The state average is 14.3.

Source:

CMS, State and US Averages and Health Deficiencies. Released Oct 28, 2026. Updated monthly.

From the homeNone yet. Replies and paid listings aren’t open, and when they open they will sit here, below the record.

1 of 4

Every fact names its source.

Who published it, when, and how often it changes sit beside each fact, with a link to the agency’s own file.

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