Colorado Institute for Early Learning

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: Oct 5, 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: Oct 5, 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: Oct 5, 2026.

Every five (5) years, requests for FBI criminal record checks must be renewed by completing the fingerprint process at an approved vendor. An updated clearance letter or verification of the submission of the request must be obtained prior to five (5) years from the date reflected on the current clearance letter.

Rule 2.121.D.5. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 6, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 17, 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: Nov 6, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 17, 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: Nov 6, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 17, 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: Nov 6, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 17, 2026.

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: Nov 6, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 17, 2026.

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: Nov 6, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 17, 2026.

Large center directors must have a current director qualifications letter issued by the Department or a current early childhood professional credential level III or higher in version 3.0 as determined by the Department prior to working as the director of a large center.

Rule 2.214.A. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 6, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 17, 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: Dec 6, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 17, 2026.

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 2.219.B.2. CDEC’s category: Child Records. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Dec 6, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 17, 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: Nov 6, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 17, 2026.

At all times during the operating hours of the facility, except for foster care homes, the facility/agency must post the current child care license in a prominent and conspicuous location easily observable by those entering the child care facility.

Rule 2.127.A. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 16, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 26, 2025.

In order to obtain any Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and/or Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint criminal history records, each applicant listed below must have their fingerprints taken and processed at a vendor approved by CBI. Approved vendors may be located using the CBI website at Colorado.gov/cbi. Payment of the fee for the criminal record check is the responsibility of the individual being checked, identified as follows:

Rule 2.121.A.1. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Dec 17, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 21, 2024.

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 17, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 21, 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: Dec 17, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 21, 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: Dec 17, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 21, 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: Dec 17, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 21, 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: Mar 19, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 3, 2024.

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 2.237.E. CDEC’s category: Indoor/Safety Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Feb 27, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 3, 2024.

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

Rule 7.702.33.A.2. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 15, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

The center must apply sunscreen, have the parent(s)/guardian(s) apply sunscreen, or use another form of parent/guardian approved sun protection for children prior to children going outside. Sunscreen must be reapplied as directed by the product label.

Rule 7.702.51.C.2. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 15, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 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. CDEC’s category: Indoor/Safety Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 15, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

The Director of the center must be present at the center at least sixty percent (60%) of any day that the center is open.

Rule 7.702.46.A.3. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 25, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 1, 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: Oct 25, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 1, 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.. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 6, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

A record must be maintained, either written or electronic, for each staff member that includes the following: Verification of qualifications and training.

Rule 7.702.35.A.2. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 20, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

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

Rule 7.702.46.A.9. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 6, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

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: Sep 12, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

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: Oct 12, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

A child care facility must require each staff member of the facility to read and sign a statement clearly defining child abuse and neglect pursuant to state law and outlining the staff member’s personal responsibility to report all incidents of child abuse or neglect according to state law.

Rule 7.701.53.A.. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 12, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 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: Sep 12, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

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 7.702.42.A. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 12, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 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: Sep 12, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

Within ninety (90) calendar days of employment, all staff required to register with the Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (listed in Section 7.702.33, 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 7.702.42.H. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 12, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 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. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 12, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

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 7.702.46.A.7. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 12, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

The date and content of each consultation must be recorded and maintained in the center’s files for three (3) years.

Rule 7.702.46.C.4. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 12, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

For the Department-approved Child Care Health Consultant, the center must maintain documentation from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies that the Registered Nurse or the Medical Doctor?s licensure is in good standing.

Rule 7.702.46.C.5. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 12, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

All Department-approved Child Care Health Consultants must complete the Department-approved Child Care Health Consultant Introductory training course within six (6) months of hire. Child Care Health Consultants must complete Department-approved ongoing professional development training every three (3) years. The center must obtain and maintain proof of training completion.

Rule 7.702.46.C.7. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 12, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

All Department-approved Child Care Health Consultants must complete the Department- approved Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment immunization course annually. The center must obtain and maintain proof of course completion.

Rule 7.702.46.C.8. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 12, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.

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 7.702.46.C.9. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 12, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 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 12, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 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: Oct 12, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 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: Sep 12, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 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: Sep 12, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 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: Sep 12, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 19, 2023.