The Learning Experience

Indoor and outdoor equipment, materials, and furnishings must be sturdy, safe, and free of hazards.

Rule 2.230.B. From a complaint. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 18, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 21, 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: May 21, 2026.

If the director is qualified by a current early childhood professional credential level III or higher, the individual must submit the level III or higher credential to the Department’s PDIS to obtain a large center director qualification letter.

Rule 2.214.A.1. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 7, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 21, 2026.

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

Rule 2.223.C.2.a. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 7, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 21, 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: May 7, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 21, 2026.

Buildings must be kept in good repair and maintained in a safe condition.

Rule 2.237.B. CDEC’s category: Building Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 7, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 21, 2026.

Indoor and outdoor equipment, materials, and furnishings must be sturdy, safe, and free of hazards.

Rule 2.230.B. From a complaint. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Feb 17, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 24, 2026.

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: Dec 4, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 12, 2025.

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: Dec 4, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 12, 2025.

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

Rule 2.229.H. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 2, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 20, 2025.

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. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 2, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 20, 2025.

Buildings must be kept in good repair and maintained in a safe condition.

Rule 2.237.B. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Building Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 2, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 20, 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. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Indoor/Safety Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 2, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 20, 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: Jun 5, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 5, 2025.

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

Rule 2.223.C.2.a. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 22, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 22, 2024.

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: Jul 8, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 15, 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: Jul 8, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 15, 2024.

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. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 8, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 15, 2024.

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: Jul 8, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 15, 2024.

Over-the-counter medication must be kept in the originally labeled container and be labeled with the child’s first and last name.

Rule 2.220.D. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 8, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 15, 2024.

When supplied for an individual child, the sunscreen must be labeled with the child’s first and last name.

Rule 2.221.C. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 8, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 15, 2024.

Staples must be inaccessible to children less than three (3) years of age.

Rule 2.229.D. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 8, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 15, 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: Jul 8, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 15, 2024.

Buildings must be kept in good repair and maintained in a safe condition.

Rule 2.237.B. CDEC’s category: Building Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 8, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 15, 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: Jul 8, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 15, 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: Jul 8, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 15, 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: May 6, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 6, 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: May 6, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 6, 2024.

Sleeping cots and mats must be of firm construction and in good repair.

Rule 2.223.D.4.b. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Feb 21, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 21, 2024.

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. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 9, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 9, 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: Aug 11, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 4, 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: Aug 11, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 4, 2023.

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 7.701.56.D.. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 11, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 4, 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 11, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 4, 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 11, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 4, 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 11, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 4, 2023.

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 childcare.

Rule 7.702.51.B.1. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 11, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 4, 2023.

All staff administering medication must have current CPR and First Aid training prior to administering medication with the following exceptions: Staff determined by the Director, in consultation with the Department-approved Child Care Health Consultant, to be responsible for providing medications not covered in the approved medication administration training shall also be permitted to administer medications and/or medical treatments such as emergency seizure medication, insulin, or oxygen with individualized training and delegation from the Department-approved Child Care Health Consultant based on instructions from the child?s individualized health care plan.

Rule 7.702.51.B.6.b. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 11, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 4, 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: Aug 11, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 4, 2023.

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: Aug 11, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 4, 2023.

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

Rule 7.702.71.C. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 11, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 4, 2023.

Staples must be inaccessible to children less than three (3) years of age.

Rule 7.702.71.D. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 11, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 4, 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: Aug 11, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 4, 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 11, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 4, 2023.

If the office space is accessible to children, it must be free of hazards.

Rule 7.702.84.A.1. CDEC’s category: Building Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 11, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 4, 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: Mar 20, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 23, 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: Mar 20, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 23, 2023.

If the office space is accessible to children, it must be free of hazards.

Rule 7.702.84.A.1. CDEC’s category: Building Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 20, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 23, 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: Jan 4, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 19, 2023.

The request must be made within ten (10) calendar days of the first day of employment for each employee or facility on the State prescribed form, accompanied by the required fee paid by check or money order (for fee assessment see Section 7.000.73).

Rule 7.701.32.E.. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 4, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 19, 2023.

The Department may deny, revoke, suspend, change to probationary or fine a child care facility or child placement agency 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 26-6-108(2), C.R.S.:

Rule 7.701.33.F.. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 4, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 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: Jan 4, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 19, 2023.

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

Rule 7.702.41.A. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 4, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 19, 2023.

If the parent(s)/guardian(s) agree(s) that the center should care for a child in the toddler program who is twelve (12) months old but not walking independently, or is over thirty-six (36) months old, the center must have on file a written statement from a health care provider confirming that care for the child is appropriate in the toddler program.

Rule 7.702.5.E. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 4, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 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: Jan 4, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 19, 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: Jan 4, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 19, 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: Jan 4, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 19, 2023.

Children must wear helmets when riding scooters, bicycling, skateboarding, or rollerblading. The helmet must be removed after the activity. Motorized riding toys are not permitted.

Rule 7.702.72.E. CDEC’s category: Outdoor Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 4, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 19, 2023.