A Child’s Touch

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: Oct 14, 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. From a complaint. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Oct 14, 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: Feb 12, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 19, 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: Feb 12, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 19, 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: Feb 12, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 19, 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: Feb 12, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 19, 2026.

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 12, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 19, 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 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: Mar 12, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 19, 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: Feb 12, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 19, 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.

Rule 2.219.B.4. CDEC’s category: Child Records. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 12, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 19, 2026.

Any unexpired routine medication, prescription or non-prescription (over the counter), must be administered only with a current written order of a health care provider with prescriptive authority and with written parental consent. Home remedies, homeopathic medication, vitamins, and supplements must not be administered to children in child care.

Rule 2.220.A. CDEC’s category: Health/Medication. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Feb 12, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 19, 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: Feb 12, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 19, 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: Feb 12, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 19, 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: Feb 12, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 19, 2026.

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: Feb 12, 2026. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Mar 19, 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: Oct 21, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 21, 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: Oct 21, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Oct 21, 2025.

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.I. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 12, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 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 12, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 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: Mar 12, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 2025.

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: Mar 12, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 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: Apr 12, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 2025.

Prior to working with children, each staff member must read and be trained on the center’s policies and procedures for the administration of medications. Staff members must sign a statement indicating that they have read and have been trained on the center’s administration of medications policies and procedures

Rule 2.212.N. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 12, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 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: Mar 12, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 2025.

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: Mar 12, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 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: Mar 12, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 2025.

An early childhood teacher, assigned responsibility for a single group of children and working under the supervision of a director, must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and meet at least one (1) of the following qualifications:

Rule 2.216.A.1. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 12, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 2025.

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: Mar 12, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 2025.

For the Department-approved Child Care Health Consultant, the center must maintain documentation from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies that the Registered Nurse or the Medical Doctor’s licensure is in good standing.

Rule 2.217.C.5. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 12, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 2025.

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: Apr 12, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 2025.

All Department-approved child care health consultants must complete the Department-approved training about child abuse prevention, which includes common symptoms and signs of child abuse or neglect. This training must be completed within thirty (30) days of hire and renewed every three (3) years.

Rule 2.217.C.9. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 12, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 2025.

Loose fill resilient surface must be raked regularly to retain its resiliency and to retain a depth of at least six (6) inches.

Rule 2.230.C.1.c. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Mar 12, 2025. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 10, 2025.

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: Apr 2, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 15, 2024.

Prior to working with children, each staff member must read and be trained on the center’s policies and procedures for the administration of medications. Staff members must sign a statement indicating that they have read and have been trained on the center’s administration of medications policies and procedures

Rule 2.212.N. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 2, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 15, 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: Apr 2, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 15, 2024.

Staples must be inaccessible to children less than three (3) years of age.

Rule 2.229.D. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 2, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 15, 2024.

Glitter must not be used with children under three (3) years of age.

Rule 2.229.F. CDEC’s category: Equipment/Materials. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 2, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 15, 2024.

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: Apr 2, 2024. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Apr 15, 2024.

All other requests except those specified in Section 7.701.32.c.1 must be submitted within ten (10) calendar days of the first day of employment for each employee or facility.

Rule 7.701.32.D.2.. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 16, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 17, 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: Jun 16, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 17, 2023.

All staff at the center must demonstrate knowledgeable decision-making, judgment, and concern for the proper care and well-being of children.

Rule 7.702.41.A. CDEC’s category: Personnel. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 16, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Aug 17, 2023.

Swaddling of infants must only be allowed with a health care plan completed and signed by the child?s health care provider.

Rule 7.702.62.C.11. CDEC’s category: Infant Program. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jun 16, 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: Apr 26, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 2, 2023.

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 7.701.52.D.2.. CDEC’s category: General Rules. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 26, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 2, 2023.

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: Apr 26, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 2, 2023.

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 7.702.42.F. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 26, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 2, 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: Apr 26, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 2, 2023.

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 7.702.42.J. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 26, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 2, 2023.

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 7.702.42.K. Correction due, as CDEC set it: May 26, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 2, 2023.

Staff designated by the Director to give medications must complete the Department-approved Medication Administration training and have current annual delegation or more often as determined by the Department-approved Child Care Health Consultant. Delegation must be from the center?s current Department-approved Child Care Health Consultant who must observe and document the competency of each staff member involved in medication administration. All staff administering medication must have current CPR and First Aid training prior to administering medication with the following exceptions:

Rule 7.702.51.B.6. CDEC’s category: Staff Files. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 26, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 2, 2023.

Sleeping cots and mats must be of firm construction and in good repair.

Rule 7.702.62.D.4.b. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 26, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 2, 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: Apr 26, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 2, 2023.

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: Apr 26, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 2, 2023.

Indoor and outdoor equipment, materials, and furnishings must be sturdy, safe, and free of hazards.

Rule 7.702.72.B. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Apr 26, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Jun 2, 2023.

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: Jan 17, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 17, 2023.

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 7.702.46.A.14. CDEC’s category: General Requirement/Physical Care. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 17, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 17, 2023.

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 7.702.62.D.5.a. Correction due, as CDEC set it: Jan 17, 2023. Cleared, as CDEC recorded it: Feb 17, 2023.