Dream Makers

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: Aug 19, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 28, 2026.

All staff members must submit to the center a medical statement, signed and dated by a physician or other health care provider, verifying that they are in good mental, physical, and emotional health appropriate for the position for which they have been hired. This statement must be dated no more than six (6) months prior to employment or within thirty (30) calendar days after the first date of employment. Subsequent self-reported health histories must be submitted annually.

Rule 2.212.G. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 18, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 28, 2026.

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: Aug 19, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 28, 2026.

All employees and regular volunteers must be trained using a Department-approved training about Child Abuse Prevention prior to working with children, 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: Aug 19, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 28, 2026.

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: Aug 19, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 28, 2026.

At least one (1) staff member with the current Department-approved medication administration training and delegation must be on duty at all times.

Rule 2.217.A.9. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 19, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 28, 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: Aug 19, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 28, 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: Aug 19, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 28, 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: Aug 19, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 28, 2026.

Preschool and school-age climbing equipment must have a six (6) foot use zone surrounding the equipment. For slides exceeding six (6) feet in height, the use zone from the base of the slide must be as long as the slide height.

Rule 2.230.C.3.c. CDEC’s category: Outdoor Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 19, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 28, 2026.

Each staff member of the facility must be trained in fire safety and the use of available fire extinguishers and fire alarms

Rule 2.133.B. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 22, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 25, 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 22, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 25, 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 22, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 25, 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 22, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 25, 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: Sep 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 20, 2024.

All child care providers must have a written plan for continuity of operations in the aftermath of an emergency or disaster. Components of the plan must include:

Rule 2.137.A. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 20, 2024.

The written policies and procedures must be developed, implemented, and followed, and must include at a minimum the following information: The procedure for governing field trips, television and video viewing, and special activities, including staff responsibility for the supervision of children;

Rule 2.206.B.13. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 20, 2024.

The written policies and procedures must be developed, implemented, and followed, and must include at a minimum the following information: The procedure for caring for children who arrive late to the center and their class/group is away from the center on a field trip or excursion;

Rule 2.206.B.18. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 20, 2024.

The following records must be on file at the center: A list of current staff members, substitutes, and staffing patterns;

Rule 2.208.A.2. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 20, 2024.

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:The child’s full name, birth date, current address, and date of enrollment;

Rule 2.209.A.1. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 20, 2024.

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: Sep 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 20, 2024.

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 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 20, 2024.

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: Oct 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 20, 2024.

An early childhood teacher, assigned responsibility for a single group of children and working under the supervision of a director, must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and meet at least one (1) of the following qualifications:

Rule 2.216.A.1. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 20, 2024.

At least one (1) staff member with the current Department-approved medication administration training and delegation must be on duty at all times.

Rule 2.217.A.9. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 20, 2024.

All Department-approved child care health consultants must complete the Department-approved training about child abuse prevention, which includes common symptoms and signs of child abuse or neglect. This training must be completed within thirty (30) days of hire and renewed every three (3) years.

Rule 2.217.C.9. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 20, 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: Sep 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 20, 2024.

The center must notify the children’s parents or guardians in advance of any field trip. The staff-child ratio found at rule section 2.217, must be maintained at all times.

Rule 2.226.C.1. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 20, 2024.

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: Sep 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 20, 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: Sep 18, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 20, 2024.

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: Oct 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 19, 2023.

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 State Department for processing. An updated clearance letter or verification of the submission of the inquiry form must be obtained before prior to the five (5) years from the date reflected on the current clearance letter.

Rule 7.701.32.J.. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 19, 2023.

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-aged child care facilities, family child care homes, and qualified exempt provider homes: a. State criminal history check b. State sex offender registry check c. State abuse and neglect registry check

Rule 7.701.33.J.1.a.b.c. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 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: Oct 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 19, 2023.

For a child with special health care needs requiring intervention and/or medication, the center must obtain written instructions for providing services from the child’s parent(s)/guardian(s), and the health care provider. If an existing individualized health care plan is provided for the child, it must be reviewed and followed by the center staff when caring for the child. If the child does not have an existing individualized health care plan, the individualized health care plan must be obtained by the child?s first day of care.

Rule 7.702.5.C.3. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 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: Oct 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 19, 2023.

If a medication is out of date or left over, the parent(s)/guardian(s) is responsible for picking up the medication. If the parent(s)/guardian(s) do not respond, the center must dispose of the medications as required by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Rule 7.702.51.B.10. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 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: Oct 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 19, 2023.

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: Oct 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 19, 2023.

All pieces of playground equipment must be designed to guard against entrapment and strangulation. Any openings in gross motor equipment above ground must be smaller than three and one half (3 ½) inches or greater than nine (9) inches to prevent entrapment.

Rule 7.702.72.C.6. CDEC’s category: Outdoor Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 19, 2023.