Colorado Kids

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 10, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 24, 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: Mar 10, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 24, 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: Mar 10, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 24, 2026.

Within ninety (90) calendar days of employment, all staff required to register with the Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (listed in rule section 2.208(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 2.213.H. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 10, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 24, 2026.

Within ninety (90) calendar days of employment, all staff required to register with the Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (listed in rule section 2.208(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 2.213.I. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 10, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 24, 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: Mar 10, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 24, 2026.

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

Rule 2.236.A.1. CDEC’s category: Building Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 10, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 24, 2026.

Kitchens, including all hazardous items, must be inaccessible to children at all times.

Rule 2.237.K. CDEC’s category: Building Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 10, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 24, 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: May 14, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 22, 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: May 14, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 22, 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: May 14, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 22, 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: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: May 14, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 22, 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: May 14, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 22, 2025.

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: Jun 14, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 22, 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: May 14, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 22, 2025.

All staff who work with children must complete a minimum of fifteen (15) clock hours of ongoing professional development each year, beginning with the start date of the employee. At least three (3) clock hours per year must be in the focus of social-emotional development.

Rule 2.213.M. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 14, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 22, 2025.

Staff designated by the director to give medications must complete the Department-approved medication administration training and have current annual delegation or more often as determined by the Department-approved child care health consultant. Delegation must be from the center’s current Department-approved child care health consultant who must observe and document the competency of each staff member involved in medication administration. All staff administering medication must have current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid training prior to administering medication with the following exceptions:

Rule 2.220.F. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 14, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 22, 2025.

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: May 14, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 22, 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. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 14, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 22, 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: May 14, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 22, 2025.

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: May 14, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 22, 2025.

In rooms used by children, all electrical outlets that are accessible to children must have protective covers, or safety outlets must be installed.

Rule 2.237.H. CDEC’s category: Indoor/Safety Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 14, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 22, 2025.

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: Jun 28, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 23, 2024.

The written policies and procedures must be developed, implemented, and followed, and must include at a minimum the following information: The procedures for emergencies and disaster preparedness such as but not limited to lost children, tornadoes, fires, shelter in place, lockdown, active shooter on premises, reunification with families after emergency or disaster, and evacuating children with disabilities as specified in rule section 2.136, of the “General Rules for Child Care Facilities”;

Rule 2.206.B.11. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 28, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 23, 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: Jul 28, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 23, 2024.

A written policy regarding visitors to the center must be posted and a record maintained daily by the center that includes at a minimum the date, time, visitor’s name, and the purpose of the visit. At least one (1) piece of identification must be inspected for individuals who are unknown to personnel at the center.

Rule 2.207.E. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 28, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 23, 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: Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of persons authorized to pick up the child from the center.

Rule 2.209.A.3. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 28, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 23, 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: Jun 28, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 23, 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: Jun 28, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 23, 2024.

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 28, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 23, 2024.

Thumb tacks must not be used in areas accessible to children less than three (3) years of age.

Rule 2.229.E. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 28, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 23, 2024.

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: Jun 28, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 23, 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 28, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 23, 2024.

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: Jun 28, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 23, 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 28, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 23, 2024.

Toilet facilities for toddlers must be located within their classroom.

Rule 2.235.F. CDEC’s category: Toddler Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 28, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 23, 2024.

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

Rule 2.236.A.1. CDEC’s category: Building Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 28, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 23, 2024.

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: Aug 31, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 3, 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 30, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 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: Sep 30, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 3, 2023.

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 7.702.42.G. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 31, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 3, 2023.

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 7.702.42.M. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 30, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 3, 2023.

Staff designated by the Director to give medications must complete the Department-approved Medication Administration training and have current annual delegation or more often as determined by the Department-approved Child Care Health Consultant. Delegation must be from the center?s current Department-approved Child Care Health Consultant who must observe and document the competency of each staff member involved in medication administration. All staff administering medication must have current CPR and First Aid training prior to administering medication with the following exceptions:

Rule 7.702.51.B.6. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 31, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 3, 2023.

If the toddler program is combined with a large childcare 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 Section 7.702.74, 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 7.702.81.C.2. CDEC’s category: Toddler Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 31, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 3, 2023.