The Nest Schools

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. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 3, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 21, 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: Sep 3, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 21, 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: Jul 31, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 21, 2026.

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 cardiopulmonary resuscitation (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.

Rule 2.213.E. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 31, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 21, 2026.

The Department may deny, revoke, suspend, change to probationary or fine a child care facility if the applicant(s), an affiliate of the applicant, or any person living with or employed by the applicant has been found to violate any of the provisions set forth in section 26.5-5-317(2), C.R.S.

Rule 2.121.F. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 31, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 21, 2026.

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: Jul 31, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 21, 2026.

Mattresses for cribs and futons must have a properly fitted, clean sheet.

Rule 2.223.C.2.a. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 31, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 21, 2026.

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: Jul 31, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 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: Jun 16, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 27, 2026.

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: Jun 16, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 27, 2026.

The procedure for any child who has been separated from the group outside of the supervision of their assigned staff member or for whom the local authorities have been contacted;

Rule 2.206.B.31. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 16, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 27, 2026.

The procedure for regularly identifying on a routine basis recalled toys, equipment, furnishings, and food; and developing a plan to remove the recalled items.

Rule 2.206.B.32. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 16, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 27, 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: Jul 16, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 27, 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: Jun 16, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 27, 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: Jul 16, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 27, 2026.

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: Jun 16, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 27, 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: Jun 16, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 27, 2026.

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: Jun 16, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 27, 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: Jun 16, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 27, 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: Jun 3, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 27, 2026.

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: Jun 3, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 27, 2026.

The written policies and procedures must be developed, implemented, and followed, and must include at a minimum the following information: 1. The center’s purpose and its philosophy on childcare.

Rule 2.206.B.1. From a complaint. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 22, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 19, 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. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 22, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 19, 2026.

Infants who fall asleep in a piece of equipment not approved for sleep must immediately be moved to their approved sleep area and placed on their back to sleep.

Rule 2.223.C.15. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Infant Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 22, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 19, 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 13, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 20, 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 13, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 20, 2026.

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.

Rule 2.230.C.8. CDEC’s category: Outdoor Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 13, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 20, 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: Mar 12, 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: Mar 12, 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, or as required by the child’s health care provider.

Rule 2.219.B.4. CDEC’s category: Child Records. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 12, 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: Mar 12, 2026.

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: Mar 12, 2026.

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: Feb 17, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 15, 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: Feb 17, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 15, 2026.

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

Rule 2.225.B. CDEC’s category: Guidance. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Dec 8, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 22, 2026.

Children’s access to outdoor space must be provided daily, except during inclement weather.

Rule 2.226.A.3. CDEC’s category: Meals/Snacks/Activities. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Dec 8, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 22, 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: Dec 8, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 22, 2026.

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

Rule 2.217.A.15.d. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 13, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 22, 2026.

Portable first aid kits must be available to staff at all times, including field trips and short excursions, and must be checked and restocked on at least a monthly basis.

Rule 2.226.A.6. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 13, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 22, 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: Nov 13, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 22, 2026.

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: Nov 13, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 22, 2026.

All outdoor play areas used for children’s activities must be checked daily and kept safe and free from hazardous materials or debris by removal of debris, dilapidated structures, and broken or worn play equipment. The staff must identify hazardous, high-risk areas; those areas must be made inaccessible to children to reduce the possibility of injuries and accidents.

Rule 2.230.C.8. CDEC’s category: Outdoor Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 13, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 22, 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: Oct 23, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 6, 2025.

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 23, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 6, 2025.

Staff must be awake, alert, and actively supervising all children.

Rule 2.223.A.3. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 28, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 17, 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: Aug 28, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 17, 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: Aug 28, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 17, 2025.

The written policies and procedures must be developed, implemented, and followed, and must include at a minimum the following information: 7. The procedure for identifying where children are at all times including times of transition;

Rule 2.206.B.7. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 18, 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: Jul 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 18, 2025.

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: Mar 21, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 29, 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: Mar 21, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 29, 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: Apr 21, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 29, 2025.

Prior to being assigned a group of children, the infant program early childhood teacher must complete eight (8) hours of orientation in the infant program under the supervision of the infant program supervisor. The orientation may include, but not limited to, the following topics:

Rule 2.216.B.1.c. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 21, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 29, 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: Mar 21, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 29, 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: Mar 21, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 29, 2025.

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: Mar 21, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 29, 2025.

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 2.207.A. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 17, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 31, 2024.

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 17, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 31, 2024.

Loose plastic bags must be stored in areas inaccessible to children.

Rule 2.229.G. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 17, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 31, 2024.

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. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 17, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 31, 2024.

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 17, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 31, 2024.

If preschool-age children are in care for longer than five (5) hours, the center must provide at least a thirty (30) minute rest period meeting the following: A firm cot or two (2) inch mat with a sheet and blanket, or other suitable covering, must be provided for each child;

Rule 2.223.D.5.a. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 14, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 5, 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: Aug 14, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 5, 2024.

All outdoor play areas used for children’s activities must be checked daily and kept safe and free from hazardous materials or debris by removal of debris, dilapidated structures, and broken or worn play equipment. The staff must identify hazardous, high-risk areas; those areas must be made inaccessible to children to reduce the possibility of injuries and accidents.

Rule 2.230.C.8. CDEC’s category: Outdoor Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 14, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 5, 2024.

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 county department of human or social services, the local law enforcement agency, or through the child abuse hotline reporting system as set forth in section 26-5-111, C.R.S.

Rule 2.126.B. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 1, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 22, 2024.

The written policies and procedures must be developed, implemented, and followed, and must include at a minimum the following information:

Rule 2.206.B. From a complaint. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 8, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 22, 2024.

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. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 1, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 22, 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. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 1, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 22, 2024.

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. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 1, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 22, 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: Mar 22, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 22, 2024.