Happy Valley Children’s Ranch Preschool
A child care center in Arvada, Colorado 80007
7762 Quaker St, Arvada, Colorado 80007.
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. Colorado’s own record is on coloradoshines.com.
The short answer
Record last released by Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) on Nov 2, 2026.
Each figure’s source sits beside it, in its section below.
What these words mean5
- Inspection (survey)
- A visit by state inspectors, often unannounced, who check a place against the rules it must meet. For nursing homes and other places Medicare pays, CMS calls these visits surveys: a standard survey of a nursing home comes at least every 15 months, and a complaint survey whenever a complaint calls for one. Source: CMS; 42 CFR 488.308.
- Deficiency, citation, violation
- What inspectors write up when a place didn’t meet a rule: the rule, what they saw, and when. CMS calls it a deficiency; states may say citation or violation. It is the inspectors’ finding, not a court’s, and the place is usually asked for a plan to correct it. Source: CMS, statement of deficiencies (Form CMS-2567); each state’s licensing agency.
- Quality rating
- Many states rate child care in a quality rating system that goes past the licensing rules, such as Texas Rising Star or Kentucky All STARS. Taking part is often voluntary, so a program with no rating hasn’t been rated low. Source: Each state’s quality rating system.
- Licence status
- Whether the state’s licence lets the place operate now, in the state’s own words: licensed, on probation (allowed to keep operating on conditions, after problems), provisional, pending or expired. Source: Each state’s licensing agency.
- Capacity
- The most people the licence or certification lets the place care for at once: residents, children, beds or apartments, as the state counts them. It isn’t how many are there now. Source: Each state’s licensing agency.
What did inspectors find?
CDEC’s file lists 7 inspections, investigations and complaints from Jan 1, 2023 to Oct 27, 2026, the latest on Apr 6, 2026 (Supervisory).
22 citations in all, 1 of them from complaints and Stage II investigations.
Where Colorado posts its reports: Colorado Shines.
Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Data request 2026-967, delivered Oct 28, 2026 and each month since: licensing inspections, complaints and Stage II investigations from Jan 1, 2023. Released Oct 28, 2026. CDEC sends the previous month’s records in the first week of each month; a person saves each file and loads it.
When those citations happened
22 citations in 5 months of the last 46. Last cited Apr 2026. The last 4 years, to Nov 5, 2026.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2024 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2025 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2026 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct |
Hover or focus a month to read it.
Hearth Record drew this from the dates and levels in the source’s own records.
Each citation, in its source’s words
Grouped by visit, newest first, with the level its source gave it.
Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Data request 2026-967, delivered Oct 28, 2026 and each month since: licensing inspections, complaints and Stage II investigations from Jan 1, 2023. Released Oct 28, 2026. CDEC sends the previous month’s records in the first week of each month; a person saves each file and loads it.
Apr 6, 2026: supervisory (case 256382)5 citations
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Loose plastic bags must be stored in areas inaccessible to children.
-
All outdoor play areas used for children’s activities must be checked daily and kept safe and free from hazards by removal of debris, dilapidated structures, and broken or worn play equipment to reduce the possibility of injuries and accidents.
Apr 6, 2026: injury (case 271269)1 citation
-
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;
Oct 3, 2025: complaints (case 262992)1 citation
-
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.
May 6, 2025: supervisory (case 224663)10 citations
-
The Trails child abuse or neglect records request must be made on the state-prescribed form, accompanied by the required fee within the following required time frames: Child care centers (less than 24-hour care), school-age child care facilities, family child care homes, and qualified exempt providers must meet the following: 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Each staff member of the facility must be trained in fire safety and the use of available fire extinguishers and fire alarms
-
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.
-
Prior to working with children, each staff member must read and be trained on the center’s policies and procedures for the administration of medications. Staff members must sign a statement indicating that they have read and have been trained on the center’s administration of medications policies and procedures
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Items labeled “keep out of reach of children” must be inaccessible to children.
Jun 10, 2024: supervisory (case 206188)2 citations
-
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.
-
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.
Jul 12, 2023: original-Change of Owner (case 200931)3 citations
-
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.
-
For every thirty (30) or fewer children in attendance, there must be at least one (1) staff member on duty who holds a current Department-approved First Aid and Safety Certificate (including CPR for all ages of children) and is responsible for administering First Aid and CPR to children. Such individuals must be with the children at all times when the center is in operation. If children are at different locations, there must be a First Aid and CPR qualified staff member at each location.
-
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.
All 7 visits on record
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 6, 2026 | Supervisory (case 256382) | 5 citations; cleared Jun 24, 2026. |
| Apr 6, 2026 | Injury (case 271269) | 1 citation; cleared Jun 26, 2026. |
| Oct 3, 2025 | Complaints (case 262992) | Outcome, in CDEC’s words: Unfounded; 1 citation; cleared Oct 31, 2025. |
| May 6, 2025 | Supervisory (case 224663) | 10 citations; cleared Jun 24, 2025. |
| Jul 9, 2024 | Injury (case 233231) | No citations; cleared Jul 9, 2024. |
| Jun 10, 2024 | Supervisory (case 206188) | 2 citations; cleared Jun 17, 2024. |
| Jul 12, 2023 | Original-Change of Owner (case 200931) | 3 citations; cleared Jul 25, 2023. |
Is it licensed?
- Colorado’s service type: Child Care Center; licensed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.
- Licensed for 76 children: 76 preschool and school-age children.
- Colorado’s licence number: 1774420.
Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Colorado Licensed Child Care Facilities Report. Released Nov 2, 2026. Updated monthly.
What did complaints and investigations find?
- CDEC’s file lists 1 complaint or Stage II investigation from Jan 1, 2023 to Oct 27, 2026. Outcomes, in CDEC’s words: Unfounded (1).
- Neither CDEC’s roster nor its file of inspections lists enforcement actions, such as fines or the revocation of a licence.
Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Data request 2026-967, delivered Oct 28, 2026 and each month since: licensing inspections, complaints and Stage II investigations from Jan 1, 2023. Released Oct 28, 2026. CDEC sends the previous month’s records in the first week of each month; a person saves each file and loads it.
| Received | Case and outcome, in CDEC’s words | In CDEC’s file |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 11, 2025 | Complaints: Unfounded | Received Sep 11, 2025; CDEC contacted the provider Oct 3, 2025; 1 citation; cleared Oct 31, 2025; case 262992. |
Who does the caring?
- Colorado doesn’t publish staffing levels for individual programs in this dataset.
Who owns it?
- Colorado’s dataset lists its governing body as Little Bear Preschool, LLC.
Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Colorado Licensed Child Care Facilities Report. Released Nov 2, 2026. Updated monthly.
How is it rated?
- Colorado Shines: Level 1 of five, as Colorado rates it.
Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Colorado Licensed Child Care Facilities Report. Released Nov 2, 2026. Updated monthly.
How does it compare nearby?
- Programs aren’t compared with each other here: CDEC’s file doesn’t grade its citations by how serious they are.
| Place | |
|---|---|
| Happy Valley Children’s Ranch Preschool This child care provider | Not given |
What the record doesn’t say
- Inspections, investigations and complaints are from the file CDEC sent for a data request, from Jan 1, 2023, and the file it sends each month since. CDEC says its file may miss a program licensed during that time that is no longer licensed, and that its records may change as they are updated or finalized.
- CDEC’s file gives each rule cited, its category, and the days set to correct it and to clear the case, but not what the inspector wrote: Colorado Shines has each monitoring report. CDEC doesn’t grade citations by how serious they are.
- This page is built from the dataset of licensed child care facilities CDEC publishes monthly on data.colorado.gov, so a program licensed or closed since may be missing or still shown. It leaves out 24-hour licence types and care that is exempt from licensing.
- Colorado’s roster carries no enforcement actions, hours or staffing levels.
Sources
-
Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Colorado Licensed Child Care Facilities Report (data.colorado.gov, a9rr-k8mu).
Released Nov 2, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated monthly. Open Data Commons Public Domain Dedication and License (PDDL). data.colorado.gov’s terms ask for this disclaimer: “The data made available here has been modified for use from its original source, which is the State of Colorado. THE STATE OF COLORADO MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTY AS TO THE COMPLETENESS, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, OR CONTENT OF ANY DATA MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS SITE. THE STATE OF COLORADO EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. The data is subject to change as modifications and updates are complete. It is understood that the information contained in the Web feed is being used at one’s own risk.” Facts are extracted; monitoring reports are not republished.
-
Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Data request 2026-967, delivered Oct 28, 2026 and each month since: licensing inspections, complaints and Stage II investigations from Jan 1, 2023.
Released Oct 28, 2026 and checked Oct 29, 2026. CDEC sends the previous month’s records in the first week of each month; a person saves each file and loads it. No licence stated: CDEC sent this file for a data request that said it would be shown on a free public website. Its disclaimer says the data “is now subject to open records law”. Shown free, never sold.
If you believe something here is wrong, a correction starts with the agency whose record this copies: Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). Colorado’s own record is on coloradoshines.com. If Hearth Record copied something wrongly, it will fix it and log the correction publicly, with its date: how corrections work.
This copy of the record was made on Nov 5, 2026.
From the provider
The public record above comes first. Anything the provider adds will appear here, below it, and say who wrote it.
Replies
None. Replies aren’t open yet. When they open, the provider will be able to answer any finding for free, and the reply will show beside that finding, unedited and dated.
Paid listing
None. Paid listings aren’t open yet. When they open, anything paid for will say “Paid by the provider”, and paying will never change a finding, a rating or the order of results.