Colorado Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)

Colorado childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per 8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.206 (Statement of Policies and Procedures), subsection (B)(3) (the hours the center is open, special program hours, and closure holidays).

8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.206 (Statement of Policies and Procedures), subsection (B)(3) (the hours the center is open, special program hours, and closure holidays)

Colorado childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per 8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.225 (Guidance) - prohibits corporal punishment per C.R.S. 22-1-140; positive-guidance policy required in the Statement of Policies and Procedures at Rule 2.206(B)(8).

8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.225 (Guidance) - prohibits corporal punishment per C.R.S. 22-1-140; positive-guidance policy required in the Statement of Policies and Procedures at Rule 2.206(B)(8)

Colorado childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per 6 CCR 1010-7.10 (CDPHE - Disease Prevention; written exclusion/illness policy and exclusion of ill children at 7.10.1(C)); illness/accident/injury handling procedure also required in center policy under 8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.206(B)(10).

6 CCR 1010-7.10 (CDPHE - Disease Prevention; written exclusion/illness policy and exclusion of ill children at 7.10.1(C)); illness/accident/injury handling procedure also required in center policy under 8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.206(B)(10)

Colorado childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per 8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.220 (Medication); nurse delegation per the Nurse and Nurse Aide Practice Act, C.R.S. 12-255-101 et seq..

8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.220 (Medication); nurse delegation per the Nurse and Nurse Aide Practice Act, C.R.S. 12-255-101 et seq.

Colorado childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per 8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.207 (Communication, Emergency, and Security Procedures); General Rules 2.134 (Evacuation, Shelter in Place, Lockdown, and Active Shooter on Premises Plans) and 2.138 (Fire, Natural Disaster, and Emergency Drills).

8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.207 (Communication, Emergency, and Security Procedures); General Rules 2.134 (Evacuation, Shelter in Place, Lockdown, and Active Shooter on Premises Plans) and 2.138 (Fire, Natural Disaster, and Emergency Drills)

Colorado childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per 8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.207 (Communication, Emergency, and Security Procedures), subsection (A) (sign-in/sign-out) and subsections (F)-(H) (release of children / closing procedures).

8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.207 (Communication, Emergency, and Security Procedures), subsection (A) (sign-in/sign-out) and subsections (F)-(H) (release of children / closing procedures)

Which agency regulates childcare licensing in Colorado?

Childcare licensing in Colorado is regulated by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC), Division of Early Learning and Licensing and Administration (DELLA). Official licensing information is published at https://cdec.colorado.gov/for-providers/child-care-licensing-and-administration.

How many handbook policy sections does Colorado require?

Colorado requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.

How often does Colorado inspect licensed childcare centers?

Fire department and local/CDPHE health department inspections are required before the original license, after qualifying renovations, and at least every two (2) years thereafter (8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.122 - Fire Inspections, Health Inspections, and Zoning Codes). CDEC Licensing Specialists also conduct routine licensing monitoring visits, with frequency adjusted based on risk/compliance history. Emergency drills are required separately under Rule 2.138: fire drills monthly; tornado drills monthly March through October; and lockdown/active-shooter drills at least quarterly.

What happens if a Colorado center is out of compliance?

Civil penalties under 8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.113 (Civil Penalties and Injunctions), implementing the Child Care Licensing Act at C.R.S. 26.5-5-317: for each violation, fines up to $250 the first day, $500 the second day, and $1,000 per day for the third and subsequent days, to a maximum of $10,000. The same schedule applies to unlicensed operation and to intentionally false statements/reports. Operating after a cease-and-desist order can result in a fine up to $500, up to 10 days in jail, or both. Penalties are imposed only after a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge under Article 4 of Title 24, C.R.S., and do not preclude denial, suspension, revocation, probation, or non-renewal of the license, or injunctive proceedings under C.R.S. 26.5-5-320.