Growing Minds Learning Academy

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:Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of persons who can assume responsibility for the child in the event of an emergency if the parent(s)/guardian(s) cannot be reached immediately.

Rule 2.209.A.4. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 13, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 26, 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: Oct 13, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 26, 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: Oct 13, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 26, 2026.

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: Oct 13, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 26, 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: Oct 13, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 26, 2026.

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: Oct 13, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 26, 2026.

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: Oct 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 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: Oct 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2025.

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. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 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: Nov 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 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: Oct 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 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:

Rule 2.218.C.5. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2025.

Swaddling of infants must only be allowed with a health care plan completed and signed by the child’s health care provider.

Rule 2.223.C.11. CDEC’s category: Infant Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2025.

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: Oct 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 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. From a complaint. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 10, 2025.

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: Feb 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 21, 2025.

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: Feb 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 21, 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: Mar 12, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 21, 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: Feb 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 21, 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: Feb 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 21, 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: Feb 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 21, 2025.

All staff must complete a pre-service building and physical premises safety training prior to working with children. The training must include identification of and protection from hazards that can cause bodily injury such as electrical hazards, bodies of water, vehicular traffic handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of biological contaminants.

Rule 2.213.A. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Dec 8, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 8, 2024.

In a combination sleep/activity rooms, the sleep area must be separated by a sturdy divider from the area used for activities, and cribs must be arranged so that all infants and cribs are easily accessible to staff members.

Rule 2.231.A.6.a. CDEC’s category: Building Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Dec 8, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 8, 2024.

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. CDEC’s category: Indoor/Safety Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Dec 8, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 8, 2024.

Each owner and employee sixteen (16) years of age or older of a facility or agency shall complete the fingerprint process at an approved vendor. Payment of the fee for the criminal record check is the responsibility of the individual being checked or the facility or agency. The results of the criminal record check, the CBI and/or Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) response letters, must be maintained at the home, center, facility, or agency and must be available for review upon request by a Licensing Specialist.

Rule 2.121.D. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 13, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 31, 2025.

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: Sep 13, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 31, 2025.

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 13, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 31, 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 13, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 31, 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: Sep 13, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 31, 2025.

For every fifteen (15) or fewer toddlers, there must be at least one (1) staff member in the toddler program at all times who has a current Department-approved first aid and safety certificate that includes (CPR) for all ages of children.

Rule 2.216.C.3. CDEC’s category: Toddler Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 13, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 31, 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: Sep 13, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 31, 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. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 15, 2024.

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

Rule 2.217.A.15.d. From a complaint. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 15, 2024.

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. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 15, 2024.

For security purposes, a sign-in/sign-out sheet or other mechanism for parents/guardians, or staff if children are being transported, must be maintained daily by the center. It must include, for each child in care, the date, the child’s name, the time when the child arrived at and left the center, and the parent /guardian or staff member’s signature or other unique identifier. For children who are transported, parent(s)/guardian(s) must verify the accuracy of the sign-in/sign-out sheet at least weekly.

Rule 7.702.32.A. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 6, 2024.

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

Rule 7.702.46.A.15.d. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 6, 2024.

Admission procedures must be completed prior to the child’s attendance at the center and must include: If applicable, a Department-approved health care plan authorized by the child?s health care provider and parent(s)/guardian(s) defining the interventions needed to care for a child who has an identified health or developmental condition or concern including, but not limited to seizures, asthma, diabetes, severe allergies, heart or respiratory conditions, and physical disabilities. Any applicable medications, supplies, and/or medical equipment must be available to the staff prior to the child?s first day of care. The staff working with a child with a health care plan must be informed, trained, and delegated responsibility for carrying out the health care plan by the Department-approved Child Care Health Consultant; supervision of the plan and interventions must be documented.

Rule 7.702.5.B.3. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 6, 2024.

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: Oct 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 6, 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: Oct 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 6, 2024.

The maximum height for preschool and school-age climbing equipment must not exceed six (6) feet in height with six (6) inches of Department-approved resilient surfacing.

Rule 7.702.72.C.2.b. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 6, 2024.

Toddler climbing equipment must have a three (3) foot use zone surrounding the equipment. Toddler slides require a six (6) foot use zone extending out from the base of the slide.

Rule 7.702.72.C.3.a. CDEC’s category: Toddler Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 6, 2024.

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 7.702.72.C.3.c. CDEC’s category: Outdoor Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 6, 2024.

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. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 13, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 29, 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 7.701.56.D.. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 22, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 22, 2023.

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

Rule 7.702.51.B.4. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 22, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 22, 2023.

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

Rule 7.702.51.C.3. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 22, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 22, 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: May 22, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 22, 2023.

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

Rule 7.702.71.C. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 22, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 22, 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. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 22, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 22, 2023.

In the toddler program, some play materials and equipment easily accessible to children must be provided from each of the following categories: Books and pictures

Rule 7.702.71.S.1. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Toddler Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 22, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 22, 2023.

Centers must comply with the locally adopted fire code, including but not limited to the following: In every building or structure, exits must be arranged and maintained so as to provide free and unobstructed egress from all parts of the building or structure at all times when it is occupied. No lock or fastening to prevent free escape from the inside of any building can be installed. Only panic hardware or single-action hardware is permitted on a door or on a pair of doors. All door hardware must be within the reach of children.

Rule 7.702.92.C. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Building Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 22, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 22, 2023.