Colorado daycare regulations

Center types

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.204(C) Effective September 2026 Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.204(C)

A large child care center cares for 16 or more children; a small center for up to 15 (ages 6 weeks to 18 years). An infant program serves 6 weeks to 18 months; a toddler program 12 months (when walking) to 36 months; a preschool serves 5 or more children aged 2½ to 7. Drop-in, part-day, mobile part-day preschool, teen parent, public school-operated and outdoor nature-based programs have their own added rules (2.239–2.245).

Family child care home license types

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.305–2.310 Effective March 2024 Family child care View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.305–2.310

Regular family child care home (up to 6, plus 2 school-agers), three-under-18-months home, infant/toddler home, large family child care home (up to 12) and experienced provider (up to 9). Family homes caring for children 5 and under must take part in Colorado Shines, the state quality rating system (2.305(A)(2)). The provider's own children 10 and older do not count toward capacity.

Care that does not need a license

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.112 Effective September 2026 CentersFamily child care View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.112

Exempt: religious instruction; a true single-skill class; short-term care (up to 3 hours in 24) on the premises of a church, store or business while parents are there; occasional care with no pattern; care in a home of only related children or siblings from one household, or of up to 4 children with no more than 2 under age 2 from multiple families; facilities regulated by another state or federal agency; guest child care facilities; and public services short-term facilities. Home caregivers using the exemption must tell parents the state has not checked them.

Application, provisional and permanent licenses

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.105–2.109 CentersFamily child careSchool-age programs View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.105–2.109

Apply at least 60 days before opening. A change of owner, license type or location needs a new application. A provisional license covers only the first six months. A permanent license stays in effect until surrendered or revoked, but you must file a declaration of compliance and the continuation fee every year, at least 60 days before the anniversary date. CDEC may make a license probationary under C.R.S. § 26.5-5-317(2).

License fees

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.111(C) Effective September 2026 CentersFamily child careSchool-age programs View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.111(C)

Family child care homes (1–6 children), infant/toddler and three-under-18-months homes: $65 to apply and $65 a year. Large family homes and experienced providers: $100 to apply. Centers, preschools and school-age centers with 5–15 children: $200 and $200 a year; 16–30 children: $175 plus $3 per child; 31 or more: $300 plus $3 per child; both capped at $1,800. Capacity, age or premises changes: $97. Programs rated Colorado Shines Level 3–5 that serve mostly CCCAP families may get up to 50% off the continuation fee.

Fire, health and zoning approvals

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.122 Effective September 2026 CentersSchool-age programs View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.122

Before the first license, after a renovation and at least every two years, centers and school-age programs (not family homes) must pass inspections by the local health department or CDPHE and the local fire department, and keep the reports on site. Every facility needs written local zoning approval before licensing and again for moves, capacity increases or new age groups.

Center ratios by age

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.217(A)(14) Effective December 2023 Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.217(A)(14)

6 weeks–18 months (infants): 1 staff to 5. 12–36 months: 1:5. 24–36 months: 1:7. 2½–3 years: 1:8. 3–4 years: 1:10. 4–5 years: 1:12. 5 years and older: 1:15. Mixed 2½–6 years: 1:10. In other preschool mixes, use the youngest child's ratio if more than 20% of the group is younger; toddler groups always use the youngest child's ratio. Children of staff count, and part-day children count only while present.

SafePass tip: SafePass shows a live count for each room: children checked in against staff clocked in, with an alert to directors when a room goes over ratio. Set each room's ratio to Colorado's number. SafePass's built-in defaults are not Colorado's: its toddler default (1:6) and two-year-old default (1:8) are looser than Colorado's 1:5 for 12–36-month groups and 1:7 for 24–36-month groups, so the defaults would not flag a room Colorado considers over ratio. (Its infant default, 1:4, is stricter than Colorado's 1:5.) SafePass does not check group size, the 20% youngest-child rule or the qualified-teacher requirement for you.

Low attendance, nap time and kindergarten

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.217(A)(2)–(11) Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.217(A)(2)–(11)

With 8 or fewer children (low attendance or the first and last hour), one teacher or assistant may be with the children if a second staff member is on site and immediately available, and no more than 2 children under 2 are present; 9 or more children means at least 2 staff on duty. The director must be on site at least 60% of each day. Each group needs a qualified early childhood teacher, though an assistant may be alone with children for the first 2 hours, up to 1 hour at nap and the last 2 hours. At nap, ratios may double for children 2½ and older in preschool rooms if half are asleep and another staff member is in the building. Formal kindergarten sessions: 1:25; otherwise 1:15. A medication-trained staff member must always be on duty.

Small centers with infants and toddlers

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.244(E) Effective February 2026 Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.244(E)

Small centers may combine children 6 weeks to 3 years in one room at 1 staff to 5 children, with a maximum group of 10. Other age mixes follow 2.217.

Family home capacity limits

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.306–2.310 Effective March 2024 Family child care View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.306–2.310

Regular home: up to 6 children (birth–18), no more than 2 under 18 months, plus up to 2 extra school-age children. Three-under-18-months home: 6, with up to 3 under 18 months (no more than 2 under 12 months) and no extra school-agers. Infant/toddler home (birth–3): 4 with one provider (no more than 2 under 12 months) or 8 with two equally qualified providers (no more than 4 under 1 year). Large home: up to 12, no more than 2 under 18 months, and a second qualified adult whenever more than 8 are present. Experienced provider: up to 9 under one of five set options. Residents of the home under 10 count.

SafePass tip: SafePass Kiosk check-ins give a running count of who is in care right now, by child and age. Add your own children under 10 as enrolled children if you want them in the count. SafePass does not check Colorado's under-18-month limits for you.

School-age center ratios

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.510(C)–(G) Effective August 2024 School-age programs View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.510(C)–(G)

1 staff member for every 15 children, with a program leader for each group of up to 30 and a maximum group of 30. If a center is cited for supervision, ratio or staffing violations while 4-year-olds attend, it must run 1:12 with groups of 24 whenever 4-year-olds are present for a year. With 9 or more children, a program leader plus another responsible person 16 or older must be on the premises.

SafePass tip: SafePass's school-age default (1:15) matches Colorado's 1:15, but check each room's setting anyway.

Center maximum group sizes

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.217(A)(15) Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.217(A)(15)

6 weeks–18 months: 10. 12–36 months: 10. 24–36 months: 14. 2½–3 years: 16. 3–4 years: 20. 4–5 years: 24. 5 and older: 30. Mixed 2½–6 years: 20. Preschool and school-age groups may exceed group size for circle time, meals, special occasions and activities, but room capacity can never be exceeded. Toddler groups must be separated by dividers. When age groups are combined, they use the room licensed for the youngest child.

Indoor and outdoor space

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.231(A), 2.232(A), 2.336(A) CentersFamily child care View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.231(A), 2.232(A), 2.336(A)

Centers: at least 30 square feet of indoor play space per child and 75 square feet of outdoor space per child using the play area at one time (the area must hold at least 33% of preschool-and-older capacity or 1,500 square feet, whichever is greater). Family homes: at least 35 square feet of indoor play space per child, not counting hallways, bathrooms and similar areas.

Post capacity and ratio in every room

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.127(D) Effective September 2026 CentersSchool-age programs View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.127(D)

Centers, preschools and school-age centers must post each room's licensed capacity and the ratio required for that room's ages.

Large center director

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.214 Effective February 2026 Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.214

Needs a CDEC director qualifications letter, or an Early Childhood Professional Credential Level III or higher submitted in PDIS, before starting. Education: a bachelor's or higher in child development, ECE, elementary or special education or a related listed field; or ten listed three-credit courses (30 credits) plus 3–6 months of experience depending on degree. Letters are renewed every five years. An assistant director must be 18, have 9 months (1,365 hours) as a teacher and a degree or half the director coursework.

Early childhood teachers and assistants

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.216(A), (E) Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.216(A), (E)

An early childhood teacher must be 18 and meet one of nine routes, for example a relevant bachelor's or associate degree, a CDE teaching license with an early childhood or elementary endorsement, a Level II credential, a CDA, or 21 months of experience plus a Level I credential or two ECE courses. An assistant early childhood teacher needs one ECE course plus 9 months of experience (while taking the second course), two ECE courses, or a Level I credential.

Infant staff, aides and volunteers

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.216(B), (G), (H) Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.216(B), (G), (H)

Infant programs need an infant program supervisor (for example an RN with 3 months of infant experience, or a qualified teacher 19 or older with 9 months of infant/toddler experience and two infant/toddler courses) for every 20 infants. Infant teachers need 3 months' experience with children under 3 and 8 hours of orientation. Staff aides must be 16 (18 with infants) and supervised. Volunteers counted in ratio must be equally qualified; volunteers aged 12–16 are limited to 2 hours a day.

Family home providers

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.309(A)(3), 2.311(A) Effective March 2024 Family child care View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.309(A)(3), 2.311(A)

Primary providers and substitutes must be at least 18 and the primary provider must live in the home. Large home providers need, for example, 21 months of experience with children under 6, 60 college credits plus a year of experience, a CDA, or a Level III credential. Infant/toddler home providers must be 21 (one provider) and complete infant/toddler training. A qualified substitute may cover up to 12 weeks (480 hours) a year, and parents must be told each time. Staff aides and volunteers must be 16 and directly supervised.

SafePass tip: SafePass staff profiles store certifications and documents with expiration dates, so credential documents are in one place for the licensing specialist.

Health statements for center staff

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.212(G) Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.212(G)

Each staff member gives the center a signed medical statement dated no more than 6 months before or 30 days after starting, then a self-reported health history every year.

Fingerprint checks for owners, staff and adult residents

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.121(A), (D) Effective September 2026 CentersFamily child careSchool-age programs View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.121(A), (D)

Each license applicant, owner and employee 16 or older, and every adult living in a family home, is fingerprinted at a CBI-approved vendor. CBI notifies CDEC of later arrests. Checks must be completed, along with a National Sex Offender Registry check, before the person cares for children or has the potential for unsupervised access. FBI checks are renewed every five years. When someone leaves, file the Notification of Name Removal form. CDEC also searches the state court system and sex offender registry (2.121(H)).

SafePass tip: SafePass stores each staff member's background check date and flags checks more than five years old on the Compliance page, which matches Colorado's five-year renewal.

Trails child abuse and neglect check

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.120 Effective September 2026 CentersFamily child careSchool-age programs View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.120

Submit through the CDEC Provider HUB before the person works, volunteers or has unsupervised access. A person with a completed CBI or FBI check may work up to 90 days, always supervised by someone fully cleared, while the rest are pending. Adults moving into a family home need the check before moving in. Renew every five years and keep the results for the licensing specialist.

Who cannot work in child care

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.121(D)(6)–(7) Effective September 2026 CentersFamily child careSchool-age programs View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.121(D)(6)–(7)

A facility may not employ anyone convicted of child abuse, a crime of violence, unlawful sexual behavior, a felony involving domestic violence or physical assault, a drug felony in the past five years, or a pattern of misdemeanors in the past ten years (for example three third-degree assault or domestic violence convictions, or seven misdemeanors of any kind), or similar out-of-state crimes. Hiring someone with another felony or a domestic-violence misdemeanor must be reported to CDEC within 15 days.

Center training

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.213 Effective February 2026 Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.213

Before working with children: building and premises safety, Standard Precautions (yearly), child abuse prevention (yearly), Safe Sleep for staff with infants under 12 months (yearly) and Shaken Baby/Abusive Head Trauma prevention for staff with children under 3 (every 2 years). At least one staff member with current First Aid and CPR for every 30 children, with the children at all times; everyone else takes the Introduction to First Aid and CPR module within 30 days (every 2 years). Within 90 days: Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education, implicit bias, 1 hour of child development, and (directors) mental health and health consultation courses. Then 15 hours a year.

SafePass tip: SafePass tracks each staff certification's expiration date. Staff get a reminder 30 days out, and directors are alerted when one expires.

Family home training

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.312 Effective March 2024 Family child care View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.312

Before licensing: a 15-hour pre-licensing course (unless exempt by degree or director letter). Before caring for children: Standard Precautions (yearly), First Aid and CPR, medication administration (every 3 years), premises safety, child abuse prevention (yearly), Shaken Baby prevention if caring for under-3s (every 2 years) and Safe Sleep before infants (yearly). Within 30 days: CDPHE immunization course (yearly) and playground safety. Within 90 days: Early Intervention, bias, Injury Prevention for Homes and mental health consultation courses. Then 15 hours a year (not counting First Aid/CPR renewal).

SafePass tip: SafePass keeps dated training records in each staff profile.

Emergency preparedness training

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.133, 2.134(A) CentersFamily child careSchool-age programs View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.133, 2.134(A)

Before caring for children, all staff complete CDEC's training on evacuation, shelter-in-place, lockdown and active shooter plans, and are trained in fire safety and the facility's extinguishers and alarms. Staff are trained on your own written plan every year and when it changes.

Supervision in centers

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.223(A) Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.223(A)

All children must be directly supervised at all times by a qualified adult assigned to them. Staff must be awake, alert and actively supervising, and must take written attendance checks throughout the day, including at transitions. Staff keep supervising and keep ratios even when an outside vendor runs an activity.

SafePass tip: SafePass shows staff a live list of children checked in to each room, so a caregiver can confirm names and headcount at a glance.

Supervision in family homes

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.327 Effective March 2024 Family child care View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.327

Providers must supervise every child by sight and/or sound and know where each child is and what they are doing, indoors and out. Children may be cared for only in areas licensed for child care.

No phones, smoking, vaping, cannabis or alcohol

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.212(D)–(E), 2.132 CentersFamily child careSchool-age programs View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.212(D)–(E), 2.132

Center staff may not use cell phones or other personal electronics while caring for children. Tobacco, nicotine, vaping, cannabis and alcohol may not be used around children or on center property, and must be kept out of children's reach; no smoking or vaping while transporting children.

Critical incidents reported to CDEC within 24 hours

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.124(A) Effective September 2026 CentersFamily child careSchool-age programs View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.124(A)

Report within 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) in CDEC's online injury system: any death; an injury needing off-site medical care, EMS or hospital admission; a reportable disease; an abuse allegation reported to authorities; a fire the fire department responds to; security threats including lockdowns; drug or alcohol incidents needing medical response; assaults reported to police; any police contact; damage that stops operation; permanent closure; and a lost child.

SafePass tip: SafePass incident reports record what happened, the action taken and first aid, notify the parent, and capture the parent's e-signature. File the CDEC report itself in CDEC's online injury system.

Mandatory abuse reporting

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.126 Effective September 2026 CentersFamily child careSchool-age programs View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.126

Every staff member signs a statement of their duty to report. Anyone who suspects abuse or neglect must report it as soon as possible and within 24 hours to the county department, police or the child abuse hotline, and may not hand the report off to someone without firsthand knowledge. Parents get reporting information at admission. Facilities must cooperate with investigations and not interview staff or children about the allegation first.

Center hazards and evacuation cribs

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.229 Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.229

Blind cords secured out of reach. Items labeled 'keep out of reach of children', plastic bags and sharp tools inaccessible. No staples or thumbtacks within reach of children under 3, and no glitter with them. No choke or inhalation hazards where children under 3 can reach, and no brittle plastic or glass for children under 5. At least one evacuation crib or other mobile evacuation device for every 5 licensed infants, labeled, ready and not blocking exits. Centers' policies must include a plan to check for and remove recalled toys, equipment, furnishings and food (2.206).

Playgrounds

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.230(C), (E)–(F) Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.230(C), (E)–(F)

Without an annual certified playground inspection: at least 6 inches of resilient surfacing under climbing equipment 18 inches or higher, maximum heights of 32 inches for toddlers and 6 feet for preschool and school-age, 3- and 6-foot use zones, openings smaller than 3½ inches or larger than 9, and a daily check of outdoor areas. Helmets for bikes, scooters and skates; no motorized riding toys. Trampolines and inflatable bouncers are prohibited.

Firearms, chemicals and fire safety in centers

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.237, 2.238 Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.237, 2.238

Firearms are prohibited on center premises and in vehicles that carry children. Outlets must have covers. Volatile substances may not be stored in child care areas. Kitchens must be inaccessible to children. Centers follow the local fire code; exit doors must open from inside without a key, and a deadbolt on the main door must stay unlocked during business hours.

Family home weapons and indoor hazards

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.335(E), 2.336 Effective March 2024 Family child care View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.335(E), 2.336

All weapons must be unloaded, locked and inaccessible, with ammunition and arrows locked separately; staff, substitutes and volunteers may not carry firearms. Gates on stairs of more than 4 steps when children under 2 are present. Outlets covered, cords safe, blind cords secured, no wheeled walkers. Space heaters plugged into the wall with a tip-over switch. Flammables locked away from heat sources. Smoke alarms in every licensed bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on each floor. Every care level needs two ways out.

Carbon monoxide detectors

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.138(H) Effective September 2026 CentersFamily child careSchool-age programs View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.138(H)

Every facility must have a carbon monoxide detector installed as the manufacturer recommends and in the immediate vicinity of where children sleep.

Written emergency plans

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.134–2.137 CentersFamily child careSchool-age programs View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.134–2.137

Every provider needs written plans for evacuation and relocation, lockdown, shelter-in-place and an active shooter on the premises, covering hazards like floods, fires and tornadoes; for notifying parents and reuniting families; for children with disabilities and access and functional needs; and for continuity of operations (staff roles, backing up files, protecting records). Review the plan every year and train staff on it.

SafePass tip: SafePass's checked-in list shows who is in care right now, and parent messaging can reach every family at once during a relocation or reunification.

Drill frequency

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.138(A)–(G) Effective September 2026 CentersFamily child careSchool-age programs View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.138(A)–(G)

Fire drills monthly, following local fire department procedures. Tornado drills monthly from March through October. Other emergency drills, including lockdown and active shooter drills, at least quarterly. Hold drills at unexpected times, for every session, using the fire alarm where feasible. Keep 12 months of records with the date, time, number of adults and children and evacuation time. Day camps hold a fire drill within 24 hours of each session starting.

SafePass tip: SafePass does not keep drill logs; record drills separately.

Phone and posted emergency numbers

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.207(B), 2.317(A) CentersFamily child care View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.207(B), 2.317(A)

Keep a working phone that can receive incoming and reverse 911 calls. Post 911, an emergency substitute, the program's name and address, the nearest hospital, the local health department, the Rocky Mountain Poison Center (1-800-222-1222) and where children's emergency numbers are kept. Tell parents promptly about injuries and illnesses.

Medication in centers

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.220 Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.220

Routine prescription and over-the-counter medicine needs a current written order from a health care provider with prescriptive authority (child, prescriber, medication, dose, time, route, length of use, side effects) plus written parent consent. Home remedies, homeopathic medicines, vitamins and supplements may not be given. Keep medicine in the original labeled container, locked (emergency medicines stored out of reach but easy for staff to get, and carried on outings). Staff who give medicine need CDEC's medication administration training, a current annual delegation from the center's child care health consultant, and CPR and First Aid. Keep a written medication log for each child (scheduled and actual time, dose, route, who gave it, and why a dose was missed). Long-term orders are renewed yearly.

SafePass tip: SafePass collects the parent's signed medication request electronically. Staff approve it, then log each dose with time, amount and staff name, and the parent gets a notification. Keep the prescriber's written order on file, and ask your licensing specialist whether an electronic log meets the written-log rule.

Medication in family homes

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.321(B) Effective March 2024 Family child care View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.321(B)

The same prescriber order and parent consent are required. Anyone giving medicine needs the medication administration course (renewed every 3 years), CPR, First Aid and Standard Precautions, and must talk face to face with the parent each day the child needs medication. All medicine, including the provider's own medicines, vitamins and supplements, must be locked; topical products such as sunscreen and diaper cream need written parent authorization. Keep a written medication log for each child.

SafePass tip: SafePass keeps the parent's signed authorization and a dated dose log for each child.

Immunization records and health statements

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.219(B), 2.321(A) CentersFamily child care View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.219(B), 2.321(A)

On or before the first day, parents provide the CDPHE Certificate of Immunization (or an approved alternate) or a medical or nonmedical exemption. A nonmedical exemption needs a Colorado immunizing provider's signature or the certificate from CDPHE's online education module. Within 30 days of admission, parents provide a health statement from a provider who has seen the child within 12 months (6 months for children under 2½), updated on the AAP well-child schedule through age 7 and every 3 years after. Staff who handle immunization records take CDPHE's immunization course within 30 days and every year.

SafePass tip: SafePass lets parents upload vaccine records. Staff verify them, and the dashboard lists overdue and due-soon doses, with an exemption field.

Meals, drinks and infant feeding in centers

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.224 Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.224

Offer meals or snacks no more than 3 hours apart, and a meal to any child there more than 4 hours. No sugar-sweetened beverages (including flavored milk); 100% juice no more than twice a week. Staff sit with children; food is never a reward or punishment. Post dated menus a week ahead and keep them 3 months. Hold infants under 6 months for bottles, never prop bottles or put them in cribs, and do not add cereal to a bottle without the child's health care provider's instructions.

SafePass tip: SafePass weekly menus and meal logs show parents what was served and how much their child ate.

Food in family homes

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.325 Effective March 2024 Family child care View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.325

Family homes that provide food follow the CACFP meal pattern, give parents access to menus, serve only pasteurized milk and juice, limit 100% juice and serve no sugar-sweetened beverages.

Infant safe sleep in centers

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.223(C) Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.223(C)

Each infant up to 18 months has an individual CPSC-compliant crib or approved futon with a firm, snug mattress and fitted sheet only: no bumpers, pillows, blankets, positioners or soft toys. Inclined sleepers, drop-side and stacking cribs, bassinets and playpens are prohibited. Infants sleep on their backs; another position or swaddling needs a health care plan signed by the child's physician or provider. Offer a pacifier if the infant uses one. Use sleep sacks instead of blankets. If infants sleep in a separate room, use sound monitors and physically check each sleeping infant at least every 10 minutes (separate sleep rooms are not allowed in new construction or after a change of governing body or capacity). Offer tummy time at least four times a day.

SafePass tip: SafePass nap logs record when each child went down and woke up, and parents see them. SafePass does not run a 10-minute sleep-check log, so keep that record separately.

Infant safe sleep in family homes

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.329(H) Effective March 2024 Family child care View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.329(H)

Infants up to 12 months sleep in an individual CPSC-compliant crib or approved futon with no soft bedding, on their backs (an infant who rolls over on their own need not be turned back). Swaddling and other positions need a physician's health care plan. No drop-side or stacking cribs, and no weighted or swaddling sleep sacks. An infant sleeping in a separate room needs a sound monitor and a physical check at least every 10 minutes. A child may never sleep with an adult in a bed, on a couch or anywhere else.

Rest time for older children

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.223(D), 2.329(C)–(D) CentersFamily child care View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.223(D), 2.329(C)–(D)

Children are never forced to sleep. Preschoolers in care more than 5 hours get a rest period of at least 30 minutes on a cot or 2-inch mat set 2 feet apart (centers); children who don't sleep get quiet activities after 30 minutes. Children under 2 may use a cot only with parent permission. Awake children may not be confined in cribs, swings or similar equipment for more than 15 minutes.

Guidance in centers

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.225 Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.225

Guidance must be developmentally appropriate and teach social-emotional skills. Corporal punishment, humiliation, threats, verbal abuse and any form of restraint are prohibited. Guidance may not involve food, rest or toileting, and outdoor time may not be withheld. Separation may last no more than 5 minutes, in sight and hearing of an adult, never in a locked or closed room. Physical redirection is allowed only to remove a child from imminent danger.

Guidance in family homes

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.331 Effective March 2024 Family child care View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.331

Discuss guidance with parents at admission. No corporal punishment and no physical, mechanical or chemical restraint. Children may not be punished for not sleeping, toileting accidents or not eating, or for something a parent did (such as unpaid fees). Separation must be brief and within the provider's sight and hearing. A child may never be allowed to punish another child.

SafePass tip: SafePass messaging gives you a dated record of parent notifications.

Children's records in centers

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.209 Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.209

Before or at admission, and updated yearly: child and parent contact details, people authorized to pick up, emergency contacts, health care provider and dentist, health history and allergies, immunization record, signed emergency medical authorization (notarized if the local hospital requires it), field trip permission and media release. Also keep accident and injury records (with a copy to parents), developmental observations and parent conference records.

SafePass tip: SafePass registration packets collect guardians, emergency contacts, authorized pickups, physician and allergy information, with a parent signature.

How long to keep records

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.211 Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.211

Keep child and staff records at least 3 years after the child leaves or the staff member's employment ends. Attendance and arrival/departure records for the past 12 months must be at the center, and the two years before that at the center or a central location. Never post children's photos or personal information on social media or in advertising without written parent consent.

SafePass tip: SafePass keeps records with dates and times, and it exports attendance reports as PDF for a licensing specialist.

Postings and parent access

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.127, 2.130 Effective September 2026 CentersFamily child careSchool-age programs View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.127, 2.130

Post the license, the most recent inspection report (or where it can be seen) and how to file a complaint with CDEC. Parents may enter all licensed areas during hours, and current and prospective parents may see the latest licensing, fire and health inspection reports.

Provider status updates

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.208(C) Effective February 2026 Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.208(C)

All centers must update their operating status in CDEC's provider status portal every April and October, and whenever it changes during a declared state emergency.

Center sign-in/sign-out

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.207(A) Effective February 2026 Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.207(A)

Keep a daily sign-in/sign-out sheet or other mechanism showing, for each child, the date, the child's name, arrival and departure times, and the signature or other unique identifier of the parent or guardian (or staff, if the center transports the child). For transported children, parents must check the record for accuracy at least weekly. The director must be able to tell who is present at all times, and visitors are logged with ID checked for strangers.

SafePass tip: SafePass Kiosk records each check-in and check-out with a timestamp and who dropped off or picked up, and it exports attendance reports as PDF.

Family home sign-in/out and release

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.317(C)–(E) Effective March 2024 Family child care View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.317(C)–(E)

Keep a daily sign-in/out record with the date, the child's name, arrival and departure times and a full signature or other unique identifier from the parent or authorized person every time. The provider may sign in children arriving from school. Parents must sign weekly to verify the record. Visitors go on the same log. Release children only to people 16 or older whom the parent authorized in writing (12 or older in an emergency, with verbal permission), checking photo ID for anyone you don't know.

SafePass tip: At check-out, SafePass shows the child's guardians and authorized pickups, with photos, and records who picked the child up. Keep the weekly parent verification separately.

Release to authorized people; end-of-day check

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.207(F), (H) Effective February 2026 Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.207(F), (H)

Centers release a child only to someone 16 or older with written authorization in the child's record (12 or older in an emergency with verbal permission), and must check photo ID if the person is unknown. Have a procedure for unauthorized pickup attempts and a written closing procedure to make sure every child has been picked up.

SafePass tip: At check-out, SafePass shows staff the child's guardians and authorized pickups, with photos, and records who picked the child up.

Center transportation

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.227 Centers View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.227

Get written parent permission. Ratios apply in the vehicle, and the driver counts as staff. No child in the front seat; every child in a restraint that meets C.R.S. §§ 42-4-236 and -237, never two children in one belt. Never leave a child in the vehicle, and take attendance as children get on and off. Drivers must be 20 or older, complete 4 hours of CDEC-approved driver training, not eat, smoke or use a phone, and (for center vehicles) hold First Aid and CPR. For infants and toddlers, one adult besides the driver for every 5.

SafePass tip: SafePass does not keep vehicle passenger logs; record attendance at boarding and arrival separately.

Family home transportation

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.338 Family child care View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.338

At least one adult with current First Aid and CPR in the vehicle, a first aid kit, approved restraints, and no child under 13 in the front seat. A large home needs a second adult besides the driver when 9 to 12 children ride. Get written parent permission and supervise children to and from the vehicle.

Inspections and complaint investigations

C.R.S. § 26.5-5-316(1)(b), (2) CentersFamily child careSchool-age programs View rule C.R.S. § 26.5-5-316(1)(b), (2) (PDF)

CDEC must inspect before granting an original license, then inspect programs that have complaints, are out of compliance or appear to put children at risk, and may make any other inspections it needs. A serious complaint alleging immediate risk must get an on-site investigation within 48 hours. If an inspection finds no serious violations, CDEC sends a notice within 20 days, and the program must give parents a copy within 10 days. Refusing an unannounced inspection can lead to summary suspension (8 CCR 1402-1 § 2.107(F)).

Civil penalties and notifying parents

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.113 Effective September 2026 CentersFamily child careSchool-age programs View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.113

Fines for violating the Child Care Licensing Act are up to $250 for the first day, $500 for the second and $1,000 a day after that, up to $10,000 per violation, assessed only after a hearing before an administrative law judge. Operating without a license after a cease-and-desist order can bring a $500 fine and up to 10 days in jail. CDEC may also deny, suspend, revoke or make a license probationary. After a final negative action, a fine or an inspection report with serious violations, the program has 10 working days to give CDEC parents' names and addresses so CDEC can notify them, and pays the mailing cost.

Stringency appeal of a citation

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.116, 2.118 Effective September 2026 CentersFamily child careSchool-age programs View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.116, 2.118

If you think a rule was applied too strictly, improperly or unfairly, file a stringency appeal on CDEC's form within 60 days of the inspection report, one per citation, with your evidence. Disputes about the facts go to the licensing specialist's supervisor instead. The panel recommends a decision and CDEC sends a decision letter within 10 days of the panel meeting; if granted, you get a new inspection report without the citation. If denied, you may request an administrative hearing within 30 days. The first appeal each year is free, the second $10, then $25 each.

Hardship and materials waivers

8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.115, 2.117 Effective September 2026 CentersFamily child careSchool-age programs View rule 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.115, 2.117

A hardship waiver (for a rule that creates an undue burden, or an emergency such as a disaster or outbreak) must be requested within 60 days with an alternate compliance plan. Centers may ask for a materials waiver to use otherwise prohibited materials with a safety policy, staff training and signed parent consent; CDEC decides within 60 days and an approval lasts 3 years. Approved waiver letters are posted next to the license.