Highlands Academy

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: Oct 15, 2026.

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: Oct 1, 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: Aug 12, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 21, 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:Written authorization, obtained in advance of the event from a parent/guardian, for a child to participate in field trips or special activities, whether scheduled or unscheduled, whether walking or riding in an approved vehicle;

Rule 2.209.A.8. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 7, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 28, 2026.

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: May 7, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 28, 2026.

If a medication is out of date or left over, the parent(s)/guardian(s) is responsible for picking up the medication.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 2.220.J. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 7, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 28, 2026.

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

Rule 2.212.A. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 7, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 1, 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. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Guidance. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 7, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 1, 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: Jan 15, 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: Jan 5, 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: Dec 19, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 23, 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: Nov 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 21, 2025.

Pursuant to section 19-3-304, C.R.S., any caregiver or staff member in a child care facility who has reasonable cause to know or suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect or who has observed the child being subjected to circumstances or conditions that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect shall immediately upon receiving such information report or cause a report to be made of such fact to the county department of human or social services, the local law enforcement agency, or through the child abuse hotline reporting system as set forth in section 26-5-111, C.R.S.

Rule 2.126.B. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 15, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 3, 2025.

The center must submit to the Department as soon as possible, but not longer than twenty-four (24) hours, a written report about any child who has been separated from the group outside of the supervision of their assigned staff member or for whom the local authorities have been contacted. Such report must indicate:

Rule 2.208.B. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 15, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 3, 2025.

Children must be actively supervised at all times.

Rule 2.226.C.3. CDEC’s category: Meals/Snacks/Activities. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 15, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 3, 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: May 9, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 9, 2025.

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

Rule 2.229.G. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 9, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 9, 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 9, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 9, 2025.

Children must be actively supervised at all times.

Rule 2.226.C.3. CDEC’s category: Meals/Snacks/Activities. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 16, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 14, 2025.

Pursuant to section 19-3-304, C.R.S., any caregiver or staff member in a child care facility who has reasonable cause to know or suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect or who has observed the child being subjected to circumstances or conditions that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect shall immediately upon receiving such information report or cause a report to be made of such fact to the county department of human or social services, the local law enforcement agency, or through the child abuse hotline reporting system as set forth in section 26-5-111, C.R.S.

Rule 2.126.B. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 4, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 14, 2025.

Children must not be subjected to physical or emotional harm, humiliation, or threats.

Rule 2.225.B. CDEC’s category: Guidance. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 4, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 14, 2025.

Any form of restraint is not permitted.

Rule 2.225.H. CDEC’s category: Guidance. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 15, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 31, 2025.

The center’s procedure on positive guidance, behavior expectations, positive instruction, supporting positive behaviors, as well as strategies and techniques for supporting children with challenging behaviors, including how the center will:Promote responsive and positive child, staff, and family relationships and interactions;

Rule 2.206.B.8.a. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 11, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 28, 2025.

Children must not be subjected to physical or emotional harm, humiliation, or threats.

Rule 2.225.B. CDEC’s category: Guidance. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 11, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 28, 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 11, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 28, 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 7.701.100.F.2.. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 2, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 9, 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: Aug 2, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 9, 2023.

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 7.702.41.G. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 2, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 9, 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: Aug 2, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 9, 2023.

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 7.702.42.F. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 2, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 9, 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: Sep 2, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 9, 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: Aug 2, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 9, 2023.

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 7.702.71.L. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 2, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 9, 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: Aug 2, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 9, 2023.

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 7.702.91.E. CDEC’s category: Indoor/Safety Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 2, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 9, 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: Aug 2, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 3, 2023.

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 7.702.42.F. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 16, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 3, 2023.

All children must be under the direct supervision at all times of a qualified adult who has been assigned the responsibility to supervise

Rule 7.702.62.A.1. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 2, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 3, 2023.

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 7.702.64.A. CDEC’s category: Guidance. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 2, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 3, 2023.

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 7.702.64.I. CDEC’s category: Guidance. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 2, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 3, 2023.

Pursuant to Section 19-3-304, C.R.S., any caregiver or staff member in a child care facility who has reasonable cause to know or suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect or who has observed the child being subjected to circumstances or conditions that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect shall immediately upon receiving such information report or cause a report to be made of such fact to the state hotline, county department of human or social services or local law enforcement agency.

Rule 7.701.53.B.. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 1, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 1, 2023.

Staff must not use marijuana and marijuana infused products, tobacco products of any kind, or alcohol in the presence of children. To prevent exposure to secondhand smoke, child care centers must prohibit the use of tobacco and marijuana products on all center property, both indoors and outdoors. All marijuana and marijuana infused products, vaping and tobacco products, and alcohol must be kept inaccessible to children at all times.

Rule 7.702.41.D. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 1, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 1, 2023.

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 7.702.46.A.14. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 1, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 1, 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. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 1, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 1, 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. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Indoor/Safety Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 1, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 1, 2023.

A fitted sheet and a blanket, or suitable covering, must be provided for each child to be used only by that child.

Rule 7.702.62.D.4.c. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 12, 2023.

Children must not be subjected to physical or emotional harm, humiliation, or threats.

Rule 7.702.64.B. CDEC’s category: Guidance. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 12, 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: Apr 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 12, 2023.