Colorado Childcare Licensing

Colorado Childcare Immunization Requirements (2026)

Children enrolled in a licensed Colorado childcare center must show proof of age-appropriate immunization. Colorado requires documentation for 4 vaccine series, with limited medical and legally permitted exemptions.

Licensing Agency

Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Division of Early Learning and Licensing and Administration (DELLA) →

Last updated: April 2026

Researched by the TotReady Research Team

Colorado Immunization Requirements: The Specifics

Colorado childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Up-to-date school-required immunizations documented on the CDPHE Certificate of Immunization (or an approved exemption certificate) per Colorado Board of Health rules at 6 CCR 1009-2, on or before the first day of admission (8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.219(B)(1)) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Colorado childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Standard CDPHE-required vaccines for child care/school entry include DTaP, polio (IPV), MMR (measles/mumps/rubella), hepatitis B, and varicella (chickenpox); plus Hib and pneumococcal (PCV) for younger children immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Colorado childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Medical exemption: CDPHE Certificate of Medical Exemption signed by an immunizing provider immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Colorado childcare licensing requires age-appropriate Nonmedical (religious/personal-belief) exemption: CDPHE Certificate of Nonmedical Exemption obtained either with an immunizing provider's signature or by completing the CDPHE Online Immunization Education Module (6 CCR 1009-2) immunization for enrolled children (subject to documented medical or legally permitted exemptions).

Colorado Immunization Requirements Checklist

  • Up-to-date school-required immunizations documented on the CDPHE Certificate of Immunization (or an approved exemption certificate) per Colorado Board of Health rules at 6 CCR 1009-2, on or before the first day of admission (8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.219(B)(1))
  • Standard CDPHE-required vaccines for child care/school entry include DTaP, polio (IPV), MMR (measles/mumps/rubella), hepatitis B, and varicella (chickenpox); plus Hib and pneumococcal (PCV) for younger children
  • Medical exemption: CDPHE Certificate of Medical Exemption signed by an immunizing provider
  • Nonmedical (religious/personal-belief) exemption: CDPHE Certificate of Nonmedical Exemption obtained either with an immunizing provider's signature or by completing the CDPHE Online Immunization Education Module (6 CCR 1009-2)

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Colorado Immunization Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions

Which vaccines does Colorado require for childcare enrollment?

Colorado requires age-appropriate immunization records for: Up-to-date school-required immunizations documented on the CDPHE Certificate of Immunization (or an approved exemption certificate) per Colorado Board of Health rules at 6 CCR 1009-2, on or before the first day of admission (8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.219(B)(1)), Standard CDPHE-required vaccines for child care/school entry include DTaP, polio (IPV), MMR (measles/mumps/rubella), hepatitis B, and varicella (chickenpox); plus Hib and pneumococcal (PCV) for younger children, Medical exemption: CDPHE Certificate of Medical Exemption signed by an immunizing provider, Nonmedical (religious/personal-belief) exemption: CDPHE Certificate of Nonmedical Exemption obtained either with an immunizing provider's signature or by completing the CDPHE Online Immunization Education Module (6 CCR 1009-2).

Are immunization exemptions allowed in Colorado?

Colorado permits documented medical exemptions and, where state law allows, certain non-medical exemptions. Confirm the current exemption rules with the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Division of Early Learning and Licensing and Administration (DELLA).

When must immunization records be on file in Colorado?

Colorado requires up-to-date immunization documentation at enrollment, with records kept current in each child's file thereafter.

Colorado childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Colorado administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Division of Early Learning and Licensing and Administration (DELLA) before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.