The Learning Experience

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: Aug 13, 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: Aug 13, 2026.

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: Jul 16, 2026.

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: Jul 16, 2026.

At the time of enrollment, and upon amendments to policies and procedures, the center must give the parent(s)/guardian(s) the center’s policies and procedures and provide the opportunity to ask questions. Written copies must be available either electronically or in hard copy. The center must obtain a signed document stating that the parent(s)/guardian(s) have received the policies and procedures, and by signing the policies and procedures document, the parent(s)/guardian(s) agree to follow, accept the conditions of, and give authorization and approval for the activities described in the policies and procedures.

Rule 2.206.A. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 16, 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: Jul 16, 2026.

A record must be maintained, either written or electronic, for each staff member that includes the following: Dates of hire and employment history.

Rule 2.210.A.4. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 16, 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: Aug 16, 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: Jul 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: Jul 16, 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: Jul 16, 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: Aug 16, 2026.

At the time of admission, the parent(s)/guardian(s) must provide for each child entering the center: Documentation of school-required immunization status or certificate of medical or nonmedical exemption, is required by the Colorado Board of Health. Up-to-date school-required immunizations must be documented as specified on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment certificate of immunization or on an “approved alternate” Certificate of Immunization, defined in Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment rules located in 6 CCR 1009-2 rule section VI(A), (May 15, 2023), no later editions or amendments are incorporated. These regulations are available from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at no cost at www.sos.state.co.us/CCR. These regulations are also available for public inspection and copying at the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, 710 S. Ash St., Bldg. C, Denver, CO 80246, during regular business hours. Colorado law requires proof of immunization status or exemption be provided prior to or on the first day of admission.

Rule 2.219.B.1. CDEC’s category: Child Records. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jul 16, 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: Aug 16, 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: Jul 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: May 18, 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: May 18, 2026.

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: May 18, 2026.

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: Jun 18, 2026.

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 18, 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: May 18, 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. From a complaint. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 4, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 14, 2026.

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: Any allegation of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or neglect to a child that results in a mandatory report to law enforcement or a county department of human or social services agency, or the child abuse reporting hotline as described in section 19-3-304, C.R.S.

Rule 2.124.A.1.d. From a complaint. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 4, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 14, 2026.

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. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 4, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 14, 2026.

The written policies and procedures must be developed, implemented, and followed, and must include at a minimum the following information: The procedure, including notification of parent(s)/guardian(s), for handling children’s illnesses, accidents, and injuries

Rule 2.206.B.10. From a complaint. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 4, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 14, 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: May 4, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 14, 2026.

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

Rule 2.217.A.15.d. From a complaint. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 4, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 14, 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: May 4, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 14, 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. From a complaint. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 4, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: May 14, 2026.

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. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 1, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 27, 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: Apr 1, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 27, 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: Apr 1, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 27, 2026.

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: Apr 1, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 27, 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: Apr 1, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 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: Apr 1, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 27, 2026.

The Trails child abuse or neglect records request must be made on the state-prescribed form, accompanied by the required fee within the following required time frames: Child care centers (less than 24-hour care), school-age child care facilities, family child care homes, and qualified exempt providers must meet the following: For all individuals whose activities involve the care or supervision of children or who have unsupervised access to children, requests must be submitted and successfully completed prior to caring for children or allowing unsupervised access to children.

Rule 2.120.C.1.a. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 13, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 1, 2025.

Each owner and employee sixteen (16) years of age or older of a facility or agency shall complete the fingerprint process at an approved vendor. Payment of the fee for the criminal record check is the responsibility of the individual being checked or the facility or agency. The results of the criminal record check, the CBI and/or Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) response letters, must be maintained at the home, center, facility, or agency and must be available for review upon request by a Licensing Specialist.

Rule 2.121.D. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Sep 13, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 1, 2025.

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: Sep 13, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 1, 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: Sep 13, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 1, 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: Sep 13, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 1, 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: Sep 13, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 1, 2025.