Aspen Center for Child Development

Every five (5) years, all child abuse and neglect inquiry background checks must be renewed by resubmitting an inquiry form and current fee to the Department for processing. An updated clearance letter or verification of the submission of the inquiry form must be obtained before five (5) years from the date reflected on the current clearance letter.

Rule 2.120.H. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 14, 2026.

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: Oct 14, 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: Oct 14, 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: Nov 14, 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: Nov 14, 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: Nov 14, 2026.

Volatile substances such as gasoline, kerosene, fuel oil, oil-based paints, firearms, explosives, and other hazardous items must not be stored in any area of the building used for childcare.

Rule 2.237.D. CDEC’s category: Indoor/Safety Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 14, 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: Jun 16, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 30, 2026.

Preschool and school-age climbing equipment must have a six (6) foot use zone surrounding the equipment. For slides exceeding six (6) feet in height, the use zone from the base of the slide must be as long as the slide height.

Rule 2.230.C.3.c. CDEC’s category: Outdoor Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 16, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jul 30, 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. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 20, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 8, 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. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 29, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 25, 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: Oct 29, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 25, 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: Oct 29, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 25, 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 29, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 25, 2025.

Each infant up to eighteen (18) months of age and enrolled in the infant program must be provided with an individual crib, futon approved for infants, or other approved sleep/rest equipment meeting Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards published by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at 16 CFR section 1218.2 (April 23, 2015); 16 CFR section 1219.2 (October 28, 2019); 16 CFR section 1220.2 (June 3, 2023); 16 CFR section 1221.2 (January 20, 2020); 16 CFR section 1222.2 (August 5, 2023); 16 C.F.R. section 1236.2 (June 23, 2022); and 16 C.F.R 1241.2 (February 15, 2022) herein incorporated by reference. No later editions or amendments are incorporated. These regulations are available at no cost from the CPSC at https://www.ecfr.gov. 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. Individual cribs or futons must provide each infant with sufficient space for the infant’s length, size, and movement.

Rule 2.223.C.1. CDEC’s category: Infant Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 29, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 25, 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: Oct 29, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 25, 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: Oct 29, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 25, 2025.

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 29, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 25, 2025.

Volatile substances such as gasoline, kerosene, fuel oil, oil-based paints, firearms, explosives, and other hazardous items must not be stored in any area of the building used for childcare.

Rule 2.237.D. CDEC’s category: Indoor/Safety Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 29, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 25, 2025.

In rooms used by children, all electrical outlets that are accessible to children must have protective covers, or safety outlets must be installed.

Rule 2.237.H. CDEC’s category: Indoor/Safety Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 29, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Nov 25, 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: Nov 20, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 17, 2024.

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: Nov 20, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 17, 2024.

Changes to a License Requiring Written Notification to the Department Prior to Department Approval - Changes in the physical facility or use of rooms for child care at a facility.

Rule 2.124.A.3.b. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 20, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 17, 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: Dec 20, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 17, 2024.

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: Nov 20, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 17, 2024.

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: Nov 20, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 17, 2024.

All Department-approved child care health consultants must complete the Department- approved Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment immunization course annually. The center must obtain and maintain proof of course completion.

Rule 2.217.C.8. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 20, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 17, 2024.

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: Dec 20, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 17, 2024.

The time a child arrives and leaves the center each day must be recorded. Staff members must complete written attendance verification periodically throughout the day, including during transitions.

Rule 2.223.A.2. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Nov 20, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 17, 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 20, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Dec 17, 2024.

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 7.702.42.G. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Dec 7, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 16, 2024.

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 7.702.42.M. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 7, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 16, 2024.

Sharp tools and instruments must be stored in areas inaccessible to children.

Rule 7.702.71.H. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Dec 7, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 16, 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 7.702.71.L. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Dec 7, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 16, 2024.

All staff must complete a Department-approved Standard Precautions training that meets current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements prior to working with children. This training must be renewed annually and will be counted towards ongoing professional development.

Rule 7.702.42.B. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 9, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 17, 2023.

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

Rule 7.702.71.C. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Aug 9, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 17, 2023.

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 7.701.100.F.2.. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 2023.

Criminal background check requests must be submitted and 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-aged child care facilities, family child care homes, and qualified exempt provider homes.

Rule 7.701.33.D.4.a.. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 2023.

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 7.702.41.G. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Feb 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 2023.

All staff must complete a pre-service Building and Physical Premises Safety training prior to working with children. The training must include identification of and protection from hazards that can cause bodily injury such as electrical hazards, bodies of water, vehicular traffic handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of biological contaminants.

Rule 7.702.42.A. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 2023.

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 7.702.42.G. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 2023.

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 7.702.51.B.11. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 2023.

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 7.702.62.A.2. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 2023.

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

Rule 7.702.71.G. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 2023.

Sharp tools and instruments must be stored in areas inaccessible to children.

Rule 7.702.71.H. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 2023.

A variety of play equipment and materials appropriate for children’s age, size, developmental needs, and activities must be provided for both indoor and outdoor structured and free play.

Rule 7.702.72.A. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 2023.

If the office space is accessible to children, it must be free of hazards.

Rule 7.702.84.A.1. CDEC’s category: Building Requirements. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 10, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jan 27, 2023.