Colorado Daycare Self-Inspection Checklist (Printable)

Recent changes (2024–2026)

Fee schedule and refund process given to families; wait-list/deposit refunds after 6 months 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.111(F); C.R.S. § 26.5-5-332 Centers · Family child care · School-age programs
New "lost child" definition and report 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.104, 2.124(A)(15), 2.208(B) Centers · Family child care · School-age programs Effective September 14, 2026, the general rules define a lost child (separated from the group outside the assigned staff member's supervision, or location unknown and authorities called) and add it to the critical…
Background checks finished before work starts 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.120(C), 2.121(D)(3) Centers · Family child care · School-age programs The September 2026 text says Trails (child abuse and neglect) checks and criminal checks must be submitted and completed before a person is employed, volunteers, or has the potential for unsupervised access to children …
Tighter single-skill exemption; exempt home care must tell parents 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.112(B)(2), (B)(5)(c) Centers · Family child care Effective September 14, 2026: a single-skill program (for example a dance class) is exempt only if it teaches one competency; multi-sport, multi-subject, farm and nature camps need a license.
Other September 2026 general-rule changes 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.107(C)–(F), 2.126(B) Centers · Family child care · School-age programs Only one license can be issued for the same physical space during operating hours.
Small centers may serve infants and toddlers; new outdoor nature-based preschool license 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.244, 2.245 Centers Effective February 14, 2026: small centers (up to 15 children) may care for infants and toddlers together at 1 staff to 5 children with a group of 10, in at least 50 square feet per child, with a qualified infant…
Center training, director letters and inclined sleepers 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.213–2.215, 2.223(C)(3)(a) Centers Also effective February 14, 2026: the center training section (2.213) and director qualification sections (2.214–2.215) were rewritten; a director qualified through a Level III or higher Early Childhood Professional…
Car seat rules follow the 2025 child passenger law 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.227(B), 2.338(C), 2.517(B); C.R.S. §§ 42-4-236, -237 Centers · Family child care · School-age programs House Bill 24-1055 (effective January 1, 2025) raised Colorado's child restraint age from under 8 to under 9 and requires rear-facing seats for children under 2 (unless over 40 pounds).
Family child care home rules re-adopted (March 2024) 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.300–2.338 Family child care The family child care home rules were re-adopted under CDEC effective March 16, 2024, with new numbering and substantive changes from a mandatory rule review.
2026 laws: CDEC inspectors, local fees, licensing task force, exemptions SB 26-020; HB 26-1259 Centers · Family child care · School-age programs Senate Bill 26-020 (signed June 1, 2026) requires CDEC rules on keeping employee records current in PDIS, has CDEC start phasing out third-party licensing inspectors from July 1, 2026 in favor of its own staff, limits…

Who needs a license, and what kind

Center types 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.204(C) Centers A large child care center cares for 16 or more children; a small center for up to 15 (ages 6 weeks to 18 years).
Family child care home license types 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.305–2.310 Family child care 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).
Licensed before care begins (or exemption documented and parents told) 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.112 Centers · Family child care
Annual declaration of compliance and continuation fee filed 60 days before anniversary 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.105–2.109 Centers · Family child care · School-age programs
License fees 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.111(C) Centers · Family child care · School-age programs Family child care homes (1–6 children), infant/toddler and three-under-18-months homes: $65 to apply and $65 a year.
Fire and health inspections within last 2 years on file 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.122 Centers · School-age programs

Staff-to-child ratios

Ratios: infants 1:5; 12–36 mo 1:5; 24–36 mo 1:7; 2½–3 1:8; 3–4 1:10; 4–5 1:12; 5+ 1:15 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.217(A)(14) Centers
Low attendance, nap time and kindergarten 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.217(A)(2)–(11) Centers 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…
Small centers with infants and toddlers 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.244(E) Centers 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.
Home: within license type capacity; no more than 2 under 18 months (regular/large); 2nd adult when 9+ in large home 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.306–2.310 Family child care
School-age 1:15, groups of 30 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.510(C)–(G) School-age programs

Group size and space

Group sizes: infants 10; toddlers 10 (24–36 mo 14); 2½–3 16; 3–4 20; 4–5 24; 5+ 30 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.217(A)(15) Centers
Indoor and outdoor space 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.231(A), 2.232(A), 2.336(A) Centers · Family child care 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…
Each room posts its licensed capacity and required ratio 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.127(D) Centers · School-age programs

Staff qualifications

Large center director 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.214 Centers Needs a CDEC director qualifications letter, or an Early Childhood Professional Credential Level III or higher submitted in PDIS, before starting.
Early childhood teachers and assistants 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.216(A), (E) Centers 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,…
Infant staff, aides and volunteers 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.216(B), (G), (H) Centers 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…
Family home providers 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.309(A)(3), 2.311(A) Family child care Primary providers and substitutes must be at least 18 and the primary provider must live in the home.
Health statements for center staff 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.212(G) Centers 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.

Background checks

CBI/FBI, Trails and NSOR checks completed before access; renewed every 5 years 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.121(A), (D) Centers · Family child care · School-age programs
Trails child abuse and neglect check 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.120 Centers · Family child care · School-age programs Submit through the CDEC Provider HUB before the person works, volunteers or has unsupervised access.
Who cannot work in child care 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.121(D)(6)–(7) Centers · Family child care · School-age programs 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…

Training hours

15 PD hours per person per year (3 social-emotional); FA/CPR 1 per 30 children 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.213 Centers
Family home training 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.312 Family child care Before licensing: a 15-hour pre-licensing course (unless exempt by degree or director letter).
Emergency preparedness training 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.133, 2.134(A) Centers · Family child care · School-age programs 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.

Health and safety

Written attendance checks at transitions 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.223(A) Centers
Supervision in family homes 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.327 Family child care Providers must supervise every child by sight and/or sound and know where each child is and what they are doing, indoors and out.
No phones, smoking, vaping, cannabis or alcohol 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.212(D)–(E), 2.132 Centers · Family child care · School-age programs Center staff may not use cell phones or other personal electronics while caring for children.
Critical incidents reported to CDEC within 24 hours 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.124(A) Centers · Family child care · School-age programs
Mandatory abuse reporting 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.126 Centers · Family child care · School-age programs Every staff member signs a statement of their duty to report.

Facility, furniture and hazards

Blind cords secured; no choke hazards under 3; 1 evacuation crib per 5 infants 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.229 Centers
Playgrounds 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.230(C), (E)–(F) Centers 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…
Firearms, chemicals and fire safety in centers 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.237, 2.238 Centers Firearms are prohibited on center premises and in vehicles that carry children.
Weapons unloaded and locked; stair gates; smoke alarms on every floor 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.335(E), 2.336 Family child care
CO detector near sleeping areas 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.138(H) Centers · Family child care · School-age programs

Emergency preparedness

Written emergency plans 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.134–2.137 Centers · Family child care · School-age programs 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…
Fire drill monthly; tornado monthly Mar–Oct; lockdown/active shooter quarterly; 12 months of records 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.138(A)–(G) Centers · Family child care · School-age programs
Phone and posted emergency numbers 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.207(B), 2.317(A) Centers · Family child care Keep a working phone that can receive incoming and reverse 911 calls.

Medication

Prescriber order + parent consent for every routine medicine; delegated staff; medication log 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.220 Centers
Medication in family homes 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.321(B) Family child care The same prescriber order and parent consent are required.

Immunizations and health statements

Immunization certificate or exemption by first day; health statement within 30 days 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.219(B), 2.321(A) Centers · Family child care

Nutrition and feeding

No sugar-sweetened drinks; juice ≤2x/week; menus posted a week ahead 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.224 Centers
Food in family homes 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.325 Family child care 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.

Safe sleep and naps

Infants on back in bare CPSC crib; no bassinets, playpens or inclined sleepers; 10-minute checks in separate rooms 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.223(C) Centers
Infants on back, bare crib; 10-minute checks; never bed-sharing 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.329(H) Family child care
Rest time for older children 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.223(D), 2.329(C)–(D) Centers · Family child care 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…

Discipline and behavior guidance

No restraint; separation ≤5 minutes in sight and hearing 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.225 Centers
Guidance in family homes 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.331 Family child care Discuss guidance with parents at admission.

Records, postings and parent access

Children's records in centers 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.209 Centers 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…
Attendance: last 12 months on site; records kept 3 years 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.211 Centers
License, latest inspection report and complaint procedure posted 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.127, 2.130 Centers · Family child care · School-age programs
Provider status updates 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.208(C) Centers 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.

Attendance and sign-in/sign-out

Daily sign-in/out with times and parent signature or unique ID 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.207(A) Centers
Parent signs weekly to verify sign-in/out record 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.317(C)–(E) Family child care
Release to authorized people; end-of-day check 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.207(F), (H) Centers 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.

Transportation and field trips

Attendance on and off vehicle; drivers 20+ with 4 hours training 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.227 Centers
Family home transportation 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.338 Family child care 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.

Inspections and enforcement

Inspections and complaint investigations C.R.S. § 26.5-5-316(1)(b), (2) Centers · Family child care · School-age programs 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.
Civil penalties and notifying parents 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.113 Centers · Family child care · School-age programs 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…

Disputing findings and appeals

Stringency appeal filed within 60 days of the report 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.116, 2.118 Centers · Family child care · School-age programs
Hardship and materials waivers 8 CCR 1402-1, § 2.115, 2.117 Centers · Family child care · School-age programs 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.

Colorado daycare self-inspection checklist

Recent changes (2024–2026)

Who needs a license, and what kind

Staff-to-child ratios

Group size and space

Staff qualifications

Background checks

Training hours

Health and safety

Facility, furniture and hazards

Emergency preparedness

Medication

Immunizations and health statements

Nutrition and feeding

Safe sleep and naps

Discipline and behavior guidance

Records, postings and parent access

Attendance and sign-in/sign-out

Transportation and field trips

Inspections and enforcement

Disputing findings and appeals

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