Stepping Stones Learning Center

The Trails child abuse or neglect records request must be made on the state-prescribed form, accompanied by the required fee within the following required time frames: Child care centers (less than 24-hour care), school-age child care facilities, family child care homes, and qualified exempt providers must meet the following: For all individuals whose activities involve the care or supervision of children or who have unsupervised access to children, requests must be submitted and successfully completed prior to caring for children or allowing unsupervised access to children.

Rule 2.120.C.1.a. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 18, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 23, 2026.

At all times during the operating hours of a family child care home, child care center, school-age child care center, or children’s resident camp, the facility must post its most recent licensing inspection report or a notice as to where the report may be reviewed at the facility by the parent or legal guardian of a child or their designee.

Rule 2.127.B. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 18, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 23, 2026.

At all times during the operating hours of a family child care home, child care center, preschool, school-age child care center, children’s resident camp and Neighborhood Youth Organization, the facility must post in a prominent and conspicuous location information regarding the procedures for filing a complaint with the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, including the telephone number and mailing address.

Rule 2.127.C. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 18, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 23, 2026.

Prior to caring for children, all staff must complete a Department-approved training in emergency and disaster preparedness: Evacuation, Shelter in Place, Lockdown, and Active Shooter on Premises Plans for Children in Care. 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 Department approved training.

Rule 2.133.A. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 18, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 23, 2026.

Cots or pads must be spaced at least two (2) feet apart on all sides during rest time. Children must have a safe area in which to rest that is easily supervised, out of the path of traffic, and free of hazards.

Rule 2.223.D.5.a.1. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 18, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 23, 2026.

The Trails child abuse or neglect records request must be made on the state-prescribed form, accompanied by the required fee within the following required time frames: Child care centers (less than 24-hour care), school-age child care facilities, family child care homes, and qualified exempt providers must meet the following:

Rule 2.120.C.1. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 23, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 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: Apr 23, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 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: Apr 23, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 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: Apr 23, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 26, 2025.

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: Apr 23, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 26, 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: Apr 23, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 26, 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: Apr 23, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 26, 2025.

Within thirty (30) calendar days of employment and annually, all staff responsible for the collection, review, and maintenance of the child immunizations records must complete the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment immunization course.

Rule 2.213.N. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 23, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 26, 2025.

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

Rule 2.217.A.15.d. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 23, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 26, 2025.

The individual health care plan must be updated at least every twelve (12) months from the date of the initial plan and as changes occur. The plan must include all information needed to care for the child, must be signed by the health care provider, parent(s)/guardian(s) and must include, but not be limited to, the following: Medication and dosing schedule;

Rule 2.218.C.5.a. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 23, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 26, 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: Apr 23, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 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: Apr 23, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 26, 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: Apr 23, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 26, 2025.

The Trails child abuse or neglect records request must be made on the state-prescribed form, accompanied by the required fee within the following required time frames: Child care centers (less than 24-hour care), school-age child care facilities, family child care homes, and qualified exempt providers must meet the following: For all individuals whose activities involve the care or supervision of children or who have unsupervised access to children, requests must be submitted and successfully completed prior to caring for children or allowing unsupervised access to children.

Rule 2.120.C.1.a. From a complaint. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 15, 2205.

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. From a complaint. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 15, 2205.

The following background check requests must be submitted and successfully completed for each state an individual has resided in, in the past five years, 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.J.1. From a complaint. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 15, 2205.

All facilities, except family child care homes must post in every room of the child care facility, excluding bedrooms and living areas, the license capacity of the room and the staff-to-child ratio required by regulation to be maintained for the age of children cared for in the room.

Rule 2.127.D. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 15, 2205.

Loose plastic bags must be stored in areas inaccessible to children.

Rule 2.229.G. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 15, 2205.

All outdoor play areas used for children’s activities must be checked daily and kept safe and free from hazardous materials or debris by removal of debris, dilapidated structures, and broken or worn play equipment. The staff must identify hazardous, high-risk areas; those areas must be made inaccessible to children to reduce the possibility of injuries and accidents.

Rule 2.230.C.8. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Outdoor Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 15, 2205.

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: Jul 17, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 24, 2024.

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

Rule 2.229.C. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 17, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 24, 2024.

Loose plastic bags must be stored in areas inaccessible to children.

Rule 2.229.G. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 17, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 24, 2024.

Rooms licensed for specific ages of children cannot be used for other ages of children without the prior written approval of the licensing authority.

Rule 2.233.A.3. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Building Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 17, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 24, 2024.

For hardship appeals and materials waiver requests, the official decision letter must be posted next to the child care license until its expiration date. If there is no expiration date, the letter expires three (3) years from its date.

Rule 2.118.C.1. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 6, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 13, 2024.

The Trails child abuse or neglect records request must be made on the state-prescribed form, accompanied by the required fee within the following required time frames: Child care centers (less than 24-hour care), school-age child care facilities, family child care homes, and qualified exempt providers must meet the following: All other requests except those specified in rule section 2.120(C)(1) must be submitted within ten (10) calendar days of the first day of employment for each employee or facility.

Rule 2.120.C.2. CDEC’s category: General Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 6, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 13, 2024.

Requests for a criminal record check, other than those required per this rule section 2.121(D)(4) must be completed at an approved vendor within five (5) working days of the day that the individual begins to work at the facility or agency.

Rule 2.121.D.4. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 6, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 13, 2024.

The following background check requests must be submitted and successfully completed for each state an individual has resided in, in the past five years, 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.J.1. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 6, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 13, 2024.

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: Jun 6, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 13, 2024.

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: Jun 6, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 13, 2024.

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 6, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 13, 2024.

If the toddler program is combined with a large child care center or an infant program, toddler facilities, both indoor and outdoor, must be completely separate from facilities for other age groups, except as allowed by rule sections 2.232(A)(6) and (8). If the facility wishes to provide opportunities for a toddler to have occasional contact with siblings, plans must be approved by the Department licensing representative.

Rule 2.233.C.2. CDEC’s category: Toddler Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 6, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 13, 2024.

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 7, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 13, 2023.

For all individuals whose activities involve the care or supervision of children or who have unsupervised access to children, requests must be submitted and successfully completed prior to caring for children or allowing unsupervised access to children.

Rule 7.701.32.D.1.a.. CDEC’s category: General Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 7, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 13, 2023.

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: Jul 7, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 13, 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 7, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 13, 2023.

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 7.702.42.D. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 7, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 13, 2023.

Within ninety (90) calendar days of employment, all staff required to register with the Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (listed in Section 7.702.33, 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 7.702.42.H. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 6, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 13, 2023.

Within ninety (90) calendar days of employment, all staff required to register with the Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (listed in Section 7.702.33, 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 7.702.42.I. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 6, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 13, 2023.

Within ninety (90) calendar days of employment, all Directors and Assistant Directors must complete the Department-approved training: Working with an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant. This course is required once and will be counted towards ongoing professional development.

Rule 7.702.42.J. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 6, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 13, 2023.

Within ninety (90) calendar days of employment, all Directors and Assistant Directors must complete the department-approved training: Introduction to Child Care Health Consultation. This course is required once and will be counted towards ongoing professional development.

Rule 7.702.42.K. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 6, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 13, 2023.

Large center directors must have a current director qualifications letter issued by the Department or a current Early Childhood Professional Credential level III or higher in version 3.0 as determined by the Department prior to working as the director of a large center.

Rule 7.702.43.A. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 7, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 13, 2023.

At the time of admission, the parent(s)/guardian(s) must provide for each child entering the center: 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 recommended schedule for routine well child exams.

Rule 7.702.51.A.2.d. CDEC’s category: Child Records. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 6, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 13, 2023.

All outdoor play areas used for children?s activities must be checked daily and kept safe and free from hazardous materials or debris by removal of debris, dilapidated structures, and broken or worn play equipment. The staff must identify hazardous, high-risk areas; those areas must be made inaccessible to children to reduce the possibility of injuries and accidents.

Rule 7.702.72.C.8. CDEC’s category: Outdoor Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 7, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 13, 2023.