Exploring Minds Academy

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. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 22, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 12, 2026.

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. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 22, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 12, 2026.

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 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 2.209.A.7. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 24, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 30, 2026.

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, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 30, 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: Jul 24, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 30, 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: Jun 24, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 30, 2026.

At nap time, the child to staff ratio may be doubled for children two and one half (2 ½) years of age and older in preschool classrooms when the following conditions have been met: At least half of the children are sleeping;

Rule 2.217.A.10.a. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 1, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 15, 2026.

At nap time, the child to staff ratio may be doubled for children two and one half (2 ½) years of age and older in preschool classrooms when the following conditions have been met: Staff member supervising children is qualified as an early childhood teacher or assistant early childhood teacher.

Rule 2.217.A.10.d. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 1, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 15, 2026.

A “toddler program” provides care for children between the ages of twelve (12) months (when walking independently or with a health care provider’s statement indicating developmental appropriateness of placement in a toddler program) and thirty-six (36) months.

Rule 2.204.B.4. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 16, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 20, 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: Jul 16, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 20, 2025.

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 2.213.G. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 16, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 20, 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: Aug 16, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 20, 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: Jul 16, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 20, 2025.

All drivers of vehicles owned or leased by the center in which children are transported must have a current Department-approved first aid and safety certificate that includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for all ages of children.

Rule 2.227.C.2. CDEC’s category: Transportation. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 16, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 20, 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: Jul 16, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 20, 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. From a complaint. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 17, 2025.

The Department may deny, revoke, suspend, change to probationary or fine a child care facility if the applicant(s), an affiliate of the applicant, or any person living with or employed by the applicant has been found to violate any of the provisions set forth in section 26.5-5-317(2), C.R.S.

Rule 2.121.F. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 11, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 29, 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: Sep 11, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 29, 2025.

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 2.213.G. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 11, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 29, 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: Sep 11, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 29, 2025.

A record must be maintained, either written or electronic, for each staff member that includes the following: Verification of qualifications and training.

Rule 2.210.A.2. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 7, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 2025.

There must be at least one (1) staff member on duty in each infant room at all times who holds a current Department-approved first aid and safety certificate that includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for all ages of children.

Rule 2.216.B.1.e. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 7, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 2025.

In the infant program, there must be a qualified infant program supervisor present sixty percent (60%) of the hours of operation of the infant program who is responsible for the care of the infants. An individual qualified as an infant early childhood teacher must be responsible during the remaining time.

Rule 2.216.B.2.a. CDEC’s category: Infant Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 7, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 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: Aug 7, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 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: Aug 7, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 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: Aug 7, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 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: Aug 7, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 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: Aug 7, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 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: Mar 7, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 14, 2024.

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: Mar 7, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 14, 2024.

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: Mar 7, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 14, 2024.

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: Sep 7, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 5, 2024.

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: Sep 7, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 5, 2024.

A record must be maintained, either written or electronic, for each staff member that includes the following: Verification of qualifications and training.

Rule 7.702.35.A.2. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 7, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 5, 2024.

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

Rule 7.702.62.C.2.a. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 7, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 5, 2024.

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: Sep 7, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 5, 2024.

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 7.702.72.C.1.a. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 7, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 5, 2024.