The Learning Experience

Child care centers, preschools and school-age child care centers must post in every room of the child care facility, the licensed 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: Sep 14, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 24, 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: Sep 14, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 24, 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: Aug 24, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 30, 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: Aug 24, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 30, 2026.

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: Aug 24, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 30, 2026.

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: Aug 24, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 30, 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: Aug 24, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 30, 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: Sep 24, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Sep 30, 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: Oct 1, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 4, 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: Oct 1, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 4, 2025.

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: Nov 1, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 4, 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: Oct 1, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 4, 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: Oct 1, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 4, 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: Nov 1, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 4, 2025.

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: Oct 1, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 4, 2025.

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: Oct 1, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 4, 2025.

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: Nov 1, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 4, 2025.

If a medication is out of date or left over, the parent(s)/guardian(s) is responsible for picking up the medication. If the parent(s)/guardian(s) do not respond, the center must dispose of the medications as required by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Rule 2.220.J. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 1, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 4, 2025.

All diaper change areas must: Have a place inaccessible to children for storing all diaper change supplies and disinfecting solutions and products;

Rule 2.222.A.1.b. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 1, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 4, 2025.

Any person intentionally making a false statement or report to the Department or to any agency delegated by the Department to make an investigation or inspection under the provisions of the Child Care Licensing Act may be fined up to $250 a day for the first day, $500 for the second day, $1,000 a day for the third and subsequent days to a maximum of $10,000.

Rule 2.113.A.7. From a complaint. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 18, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 20, 2025.

Within twenty-four (24) hours, excluding weekends and holidays, of the occurrence of a critical incident at the facility or within twenty-four (24) hours of a child’s return to the facility the licensee must report in writing to the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, Division of Early Learning, Licensing, and Administration the following critical incidents involving a child in the care of the facility or a staff member on duty: An injury to a child that requires medical attention by a health care professional or admission to a hospital, whether or not treatment was given. This report must be completed in the online injury system within 24 hours of an incident. If a provider is unable to access the online system, you must use the paper form, and submit the form to the Department within 24 hours of the incident.

Rule 2.124.A.1.b. From a complaint. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 18, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 20, 2025.

Children must wear helmets when riding scooters, bicycling, skateboarding, or rollerblading. The helmet must be removed after the activity. Motorized riding toys are not permitted.

Rule 2.230.E. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Outdoor Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 18, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 20, 2025.

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 29, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 30, 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: Jul 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 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: Jul 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 10, 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: Jul 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 10, 2025.

A fitted sheet and a blanket, or suitable covering, must be provided for each child to be used only by that child.

Rule 2.223.D.4.c. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Dec 9, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 9, 2024.

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: Nov 13, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 10, 2024.

Each staff member of the facility must be trained in fire safety and the use of available fire extinguishers and fire alarms

Rule 2.133.B. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 13, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 10, 2024.

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: Nov 13, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 10, 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: Nov 13, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 10, 2024.

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: Dec 13, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 10, 2024.

The infant program staff aide must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, must have completed eight (8) hours of orientation as listed above at the infant program, and must work under the direct supervision of an infant early childhood teacher.

Rule 2.216.B.1.d. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 13, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 10, 2024.

In the infant program, there must be a qualified infant program supervisor present sixty percent (60%) of the hours of operation of the infant program who is responsible for the care of the infants. An individual qualified as an infant early childhood teacher must be responsible during the remaining time.

Rule 2.216.B.2.a. CDEC’s category: Infant Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 13, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 10, 2024.

Staff aides must be at least sixteen (16) years of age, must work directly under the supervision of the director or a toddler early childhood teacher, and must have completed eight (8) hours of orientation at the toddler program.

Rule 2.216.C.2. CDEC’s category: Toddler Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 13, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 10, 2024.

For every fifteen (15) or fewer toddlers, there must be at least one (1) staff member in the toddler program at all times who has a current Department-approved first aid and safety certificate that includes (CPR) for all ages of children.

Rule 2.216.C.3. CDEC’s category: Toddler Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 13, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 10, 2024.

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: Dec 13, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 10, 2024.

Medications must be kept in the original labeled bottle or container. Prescription medications must contain the original pharmacy label.

Rule 2.220.C. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 13, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 10, 2024.

When away from the classroom, staff assigned to supervise the child must carry the emergency medication.

Rule 2.220.G.2. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 13, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 10, 2024.

In the infant room, soft bedding or materials that could pose a suffocation hazard are not permitted in cribs, futons approved for infants, or other approved sleep/rest equipment. Soft bedding means, but is not limited to, any soft sleep surface like bumper pads, pillows, blankets, quilts, comforters, sleep positioning devices, sheepskins, blankets, flat sheets, cloth diaper bibs, plush toys, pacifiers with stuffed animals attached, and stuffed animals.

Rule 2.223.C.2. CDEC’s category: Infant Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 13, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 10, 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. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 13, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 10, 2024.

A fitted sheet and a blanket, or suitable covering, must be provided for each child to be used only by that child.

Rule 2.223.D.4.c. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 16, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 16, 2024.