The Nest Schools

The center must maintain and update annually and upon changes, a record on each child that includes: A written record of any serious accident, illness, or injury occurring during care must be retained in each child’s record, with a copy provided to the parent(s)/guardian(s).

Rule 2.209.B.1. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 14, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 9, 2026.

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: Apr 20, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 21, 2026.

If music is played in the infant sleep area, the music must not be played at a loud volume that would prevent infants from being heard by staff. Music equipment must not be placed under a crib or within three (3) feet of the sleeping infant.

Rule 2.223.C.17. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 20, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 21, 2026.

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: Jan 29, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 2026.

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 2.212.G. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Feb 28, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 2026.

All staff must have at least one (1) hour of child development training within ninety (90) days of employment. This training must include the major domains (cognitive, social, emotional, physical development and approaches to learning). This training is required once and will count toward ongoing training requirements if taken after the date of hire.

Rule 2.213.L. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Feb 28, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 2026.

For a child with special health care needs requiring intervention and/or medication, the center must obtain written instructions for providing services from the child’s parent(s)/guardian(s), and the health care provider. If an existing individualized health care plan is provided for the child, it must be reviewed and followed by the center staff when caring for the child. If the child does not have an existing individualized health care plan, the individualized health care plan must be obtained by the child’s first day of care.

Rule 2.218.C.3. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 29, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 2026.

Statements of health status of children less than two (2) years of age must be updated as required in writing by the health care provider, or in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care schedule at https://downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/periodicity_schedule.pdf, (4th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; (2017) herein incorporated by reference. No later editions or amendments are incorporated. These recommendations are available at no cost from https://www.aap.org/. These recommendations 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.

Rule 2.219.B.3. CDEC’s category: Child Records. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Feb 28, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 2026.

Health statements for children over two (2) years of age to seven (7) years of age must be updated in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care schedule for routine well child exams.

Rule 2.219.B.4. CDEC’s category: Child Records. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Feb 28, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 2026.

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: Jan 29, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 2026.

All medications, except those medications specified in the Department-approved medication administration training as emergency medications, must be locked and inaccessible to children, but available to staff trained in administering medication. Controlled medications must be counted and safely secured, and specific policies regarding their handling require special attention in the center’s policies. Access to these medications must be limited.

Rule 2.220.G. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 29, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 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: Jan 29, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 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: Jan 2, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 5, 2026.

The center must maintain and update annually and upon changes, a record on each child that includes: A copy of the child’s health statement completed by a health care provider

Rule 2.209.B.4. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 2, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 5, 2026.

Separation, when used for guidance, must not exceed five (5) minutes and must be appropriate for the child’s development. The child must be in a safe, lighted, well-ventilated area and be within sight and hearing of an adult. The child must not be isolated in a locked, closed room, or closet.

Rule 2.225.F. CDEC’s category: Guidance. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 7, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 5, 2026.

Verbal abuse and derogatory remarks about the child are not permitted.

Rule 2.225.G. CDEC’s category: Guidance. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 7, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 5, 2026.

The written policies and procedures must be developed, implemented, and followed, and must include at a minimum the following information: The center’s procedure on positive guidance, behavior expectations, positive instruction, supporting positive behaviors, as well as strategies and techniques for supporting children with challenging behaviors, including how the center will:

Rule 2.206.B.8. From a complaint. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 8, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 21, 2025.

Guidance used at the center must be appropriate to the development of the child and is used as an opportunity to teach children social-emotional skills, such as self-regulation, problem-solving, and empathy for others.

Rule 2.225.A. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Guidance. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 8, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 21, 2025.

Children must not be subjected to physical or emotional harm, humiliation, or threats.

Rule 2.225.B. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Guidance. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 8, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 21, 2025.

Guidance must not be associated with food, rest, or toileting. No child should be punished for toileting accidents. Food must not be denied to or forced upon a child as a disciplinary measure.

Rule 2.225.D. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Guidance. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 8, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 21, 2025.

Physical activity and outdoor time must not be withheld as a disciplinary measure.

Rule 2.225.E. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Guidance. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 8, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 21, 2025.

Separation, when used for guidance, must not exceed five (5) minutes and must be appropriate for the child’s development. The child must be in a safe, lighted, well-ventilated area and be within sight and hearing of an adult. The child must not be isolated in a locked, closed room, or closet.

Rule 2.225.F. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Guidance. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 8, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 21, 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: Mar 24, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 24, 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: Feb 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 2, 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 2, 2025.

The center must maintain and update annually and upon changes, a record on each child that includes: A copy of the child’s health statement completed by a health care provider

Rule 2.209.B.4. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 2, 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: Feb 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 2, 2025.

Staff working with infants less than twelve (12) months old must complete a Department-approved safe sleep training prior to working with infants less than twelve (12) months old. This training must be renewed annually and will be counted towards ongoing professional development.

Rule 2.213.C. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Feb 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 2, 2025.

Staff working with children less than three (3) years of age must complete a Department-approved prevention of shaken baby/abusive head trauma training prior to working with children less than three (3) years of age. This training must be renewed every two (2) years and will be counted towards ongoing professional development.

Rule 2.213.D. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Feb 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 2, 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: Mar 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 2, 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: Feb 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 2, 2025.

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: Mar 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 2, 2025.

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: Mar 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 2, 2025.

Within ninety (90) calendar days of employment, all directors and assistant directors must complete the Department-approved training: Working with an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant. This course is required once and will be counted towards ongoing professional development.

Rule 2.213.J. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 2, 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: Mar 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 2, 2025.

Topical preparations such as petroleum jelly, diaper rash ointments, sunscreen, insect repellent, and other ointments may be administered to children with written authorization from the parent(s)/guardian(s). These preparations may not be applied to open wounds or broken skin unless there is a written order by the prescribing health care provider.

Rule 2.220.K. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Feb 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 2, 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: Feb 10, 2025.

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: Feb 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 10, 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: Feb 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 10, 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: Nov 20, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 7, 2025.

The center must maintain and update annually and upon changes, a record on each child that includes: A written record of any serious accident, illness, or injury occurring during care must be retained in each child’s record, with a copy provided to the parent(s)/guardian(s).

Rule 2.209.B.1. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 20, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 7, 2025.

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: Nov 20, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 7, 2025.

All medications, except those medications specified in the Department-approved medication administration training as emergency medications, must be locked and inaccessible to children, but available to staff trained in administering medication. Controlled medications must be counted and safely secured, and specific policies regarding their handling require special attention in the center’s policies. Access to these medications must be limited.

Rule 2.220.G. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 20, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 7, 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: Nov 20, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 7, 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: Jun 21, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 28, 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. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 21, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 28, 2024.

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

Rule 2.229.C. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 21, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 28, 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 5, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 3, 2024.

All medications, except those medications specified in the Department-approved medication administration training as emergency medications, must be locked and inaccessible to children, but available to staff trained in administering medication. Controlled medications must be counted and safely secured, and specific policies regarding their handling require special attention in the center’s policies. Access to these medications must be limited.

Rule 2.220.G. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 16, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 3, 2024.

All facilities licensed under the Child Care Licensing Act are subject to the following federal laws and regulations: the non-discrimination provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. section 2000d et seq. (2022), and its implementing regulation, 45 C.F.R. Part 80 (2022); Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. section 2000e et seq. (2022), and its implementing regulation, 29 C.F.R. Part 1606 (2022); the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, 42 U.S.C. sections 6101-6017 (2022) and its implementing regulation, 45 C.F.R. Part 91 (2022); Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. section 794 (2022), and its implementing regulation, 45 C.F.R. Part 84 (2022), all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. No later editions or amendments are incorporated. These are available for public inspection and copying at the CDEC, during regular business hours or at http://www.ecfr.gov.

Rule 2.119. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 20, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 18, 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: Feb 20, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 18, 2024.