The Learning Experience

Criminal background check requests must be successfully completed prior to an individual caring for children or allowing the individual unsupervised access or the potentail to have 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: Oct 16, 2026.

The following background check requests must be submitted and successfully completed for each state an individual has resided in, in the past five (5) years, prior to an individual caring for children or allowing the individual unsupervised access or the potential to have 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 16, 2026.

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 2.122.A. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 16, 2026.

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

Rule 2.208.A.2. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 16, 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: Oct 16, 2026.

An infant program early childhood teacher must meet the following requirements: Meet the qualifications for an early childhood teacher found at rule section 2.216(A), or be qualified as an infant program supervisor; and

Rule 2.216.B.1.b.1. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 16, 2026.

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: Oct 16, 2026.

When there is a director vacancy or absence, an assistant director may substitute for the director for a maximum of up to twelve (12) weeks per calendar year. The assistant director must be on site at least sixty percent (60%) of any day the center is open. For vacancies exceeding twelve (12) weeks, an individual meeting director qualification must be on site acting as director until a new director is appointed. The dates must be documented and kept on file for review.

Rule 2.217.A.5. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 16, 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: Oct 16, 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: Oct 16, 2026.

Toys, toy parts, furnishings, equipment, and materials made of brittle, easily breakable plastic or glass are not permitted for children less than five (5) years of age.

Rule 2.229.M. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 16, 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 16, 2026.

Any newly installed solid unitary materials used for resilient materials must have written documentation from manufacturer stating the material meet current federal safety standards. The documentation must be available for review at all times.

Rule 2.230.C.1.d. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 16, 2026.

Buildings must be kept in good repair and maintained in a safe condition.

Rule 2.237.B. CDEC’s category: Building Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 16, 2026.

Criminal background check requests must be successfully completed prior to an individual caring for children or allowing the individual unsupervised access or the potentail to have 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: Oct 15, 2026.

The following background check requests must be submitted and successfully completed for each state an individual has resided in, in the past five (5) years, prior to an individual caring for children or allowing the individual unsupervised access or the potential to have 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 15, 2026.

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 2.122.A. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 15, 2026.

The infant program must have an infant program supervisor who meets at least one (1) of the following qualifications: An adult who holds a current early childhood professional credential level II or higher in version 3.0, as determined by the Department, has a minimum of nine (9) months (1,365 hours) of verifiable experience in the care and supervision of infants and/or toddlers, and: Has completed the Department-approved expanding quality in infant and toddler care training course.

Rule 2.216.B.1.a.5.b. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 15, 2026.

An infant program early childhood teacher must meet the following requirements: Meet the qualifications for an early childhood teacher found at rule section 2.216(A), or be qualified as an infant program supervisor; and

Rule 2.216.B.1.b.1. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 15, 2026.

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: Oct 15, 2026.

When there is a director vacancy or absence, an assistant director may substitute for the director for a maximum of up to twelve (12) weeks per calendar year. The assistant director must be on site at least sixty percent (60%) of any day the center is open. For vacancies exceeding twelve (12) weeks, an individual meeting director qualification must be on site acting as director until a new director is appointed. The dates must be documented and kept on file for review.

Rule 2.217.A.5. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 15, 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: Oct 15, 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: Oct 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: Oct 15, 2026.

Any newly installed solid unitary materials used for resilient materials must have written documentation from manufacturer stating the material meet current federal safety standards. The documentation must be available for review at all times.

Rule 2.230.C.1.d. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 15, 2026.

Buildings must be kept in good repair and maintained in a safe condition.

Rule 2.237.B. CDEC’s category: Building Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 15, 2026.

Staff must not use cannabis and cannabis infused products, tobacco products of any kind, or alcohol in the presence of children. To prevent exposure to secondhand smoke, child care centers must prohibit the use of tobacco and cannabis products on all center property, both indoors and outdoors. All cannabis and cannabis infused products, vaping and tobacco products, and alcohol must be kept inaccessible to children at all times.

Rule 2.212.D. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Feb 18, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 2026.

Within thirty (30) calendar days of the last day of employment, staff members must be provided a letter verifying their experience at the center. The letter must contain the center’s address, phone number, and license number; the employee’s start date and end date; and the total number of hours worked with children. Hours worked with infants and toddlers must be documented separately from hours worked with other age groups. The letter must be signed by a director, owner, or human resources agent of the center or governing body.

Rule 2.212.M. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Feb 18, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 2026.

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: Feb 18, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 2026.

Maximum Group Size for Children by Ages of children and maximum group size: 6 weeks to 18 months:10 infants,12 months to 36 months:10 toddlers, 24 months to 36 months: 14 toddlers, 2-1/2 years to 3 years: 16 children, 3 years to 4 years: 20 children, 4 years to 5 years: 24 children, 5 years and older: 30 children, Mixed age group 2-1/2 to 6 years of age: 20 children.

Rule 2.217.A.15. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Feb 18, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 2026.

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. From a complaint. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Feb 18, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 2026.

Cots or pads must be spaced at least two (2) feet apart on all sides during rest time. Children must have a safe area in which to rest that is easily supervised, out of the path of traffic, and free of hazards.

Rule 2.223.D.5.a.1. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Feb 18, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 26, 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: Dec 19, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 15, 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: Jan 19, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 15, 2026.

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: Dec 19, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 15, 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: Dec 19, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 15, 2026.

In the toddler program, some play materials and equipment easily accessible to children must be provided from each of the following categories: Books and pictures

Rule 2.229.S.1. CDEC’s category: Toddler Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Dec 19, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 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: Dec 19, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 15, 2026.

Cots or pads must be spaced at least two (2) feet apart on all sides during rest time. Children must have a safe area in which to rest that is easily supervised, out of the path of traffic, and free of hazards.

Rule 2.223.D.5.a.1. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 8, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 17, 2026.

Toddlers must be sitting when eating or drinking.

Rule 2.224.C.2. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Toddler Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 8, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 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: Sep 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 2, 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: Sep 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 2, 2025.

Toddlers must be sitting when eating or drinking.

Rule 2.224.C.2. CDEC’s category: Toddler Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 10, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 2, 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: May 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 17, 2025.

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: May 30, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 17, 2025.

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: Mar 5, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 7, 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: Mar 5, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 7, 2025.

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

Rule 2.223.C.2.a. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 5, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 7, 2025.

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: Mar 5, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 7, 2025.

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 2.126.A. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 8, 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: Jan 8, 2025.

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: Jan 8, 2025.

A record must be maintained, either written or electronic, for each staff member that includes the following:

Rule 2.210.A. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 8, 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: Feb 8, 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: Jan 8, 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: Feb 8, 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 8, 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: Feb 8, 2025.

Within ninety (90) calendar days of employment, all directors and assistant directors must complete the Department-approved training: Introduction to Child Care Health Consultation. This course is required once and will be counted towards ongoing professional development.

Rule 2.213.K. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Feb 8, 2025.

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 8, 2025.

Within thirty (30) calendar days of employment and annually, all staff responsible for the collection, review, and maintenance of the child immunizations records must complete the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment immunization course.

Rule 2.213.N. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Feb 8, 2025.

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: Jan 8, 2025.

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: Jan 8, 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: Feb 8, 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: Jan 8, 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: Jan 8, 2025.

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 5, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 2, 2025.

In the toddler room, a crib, sleeping cot, or two (2) inch mat must be provided for each child, and there must be a minimum of two (2) feet between each crib or cot. Aisles between cots or cribs must be kept free of all obstructions while cribs are occupied. No child less than the age of two (2) years should use a cot for sleeping without written permission of the parent or guardian.

Rule 2.223.D.4. CDEC’s category: Toddler Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 23, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 26, 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: Sep 23, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 26, 2025.

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: Individuals who have obtained a successfully completed CBI or FBI record check may care for children, for no longer than ninety (90) calendar days, while waiting for all other required background checks to be completed. The individual must be supervised at all times by an individual who has successfully completed all required background checks.

Rule 2.120.C.1.a.1. CDEC’s category: General Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 26, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 5, 2024.

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: Jan 26, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 5, 2024.