Colorado Childcare Daycare Inspection Prep (2026)

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).

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.

8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.122 - Fire Inspections, Health Inspections, and Zoning Codes

tornado drills monthly March through October

8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.122 - Fire Inspections, Health Inspections, and Zoning Codes

and lockdown/active-shooter drills at least quarterly.

8 CCR 1402-1, Rule 2.122 - Fire Inspections, Health Inspections, and Zoning Codes

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.

under 8 CCR 1402-1

The same schedule applies to unlicensed operation and to intentionally false statements/reports.

under 8 CCR 1402-1

Operating after a cease-and-desist order can result in a fine up to $500, up to 10 days in jail, or both.

under 8 CCR 1402-1

During a Colorado childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Infants (6 weeks to 18 months) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:5 (max group size 10).

During a Colorado childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Toddlers (12 months to 36 months) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:5 (max group size 10).

During a Colorado childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Toddlers (24 months to 36 months) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:7 (max group size 14).

During a Colorado childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 2-1/2 years to 3 years age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:8 (max group size 16).

During a Colorado childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 3 years to 4 years age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:10 (max group size 20).

During a Colorado childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 4 years to 5 years age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:12 (max group size 24).

During a Colorado childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 5 years and older age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:15 (max group size 30).

During a Colorado childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Mixed age group 2-1/2 to 6 years age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:10 (max group size 20).

During a Colorado childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Formal kindergarten class session age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:25 during class session; 1:15 at other times of the day.

Colorado inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Hours of Operation policy (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 inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy policy (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 inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Illness and Exclusion Policy policy (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 inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Medication Administration Policy policy (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.

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 do Colorado inspectors check during a childcare inspection?

Colorado childcare inspectors typically verify: (1) staff-to-child ratios are met for every age group, (2) staff CPR/First Aid certifications and background checks are current, (3) each child's file contains required enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records, (4) fire-drill logs are complete, (5) the parent handbook covers all required policy sections, and (6) the physical environment is free of hazards such as unsecured cleaning supplies and missing outlet covers.

What happens if a Colorado childcare center fails an inspection?

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.

How can I prepare my Colorado childcare center for an unannounced inspection?

Use the /inspection-check tool on TotReady to run a pre-inspection self-audit. Key areas: confirm all staff ratios are met and documented, verify CPR and background-check expiration dates, audit every child file for completeness, check that fire-drill logs are current, and walk the facility for physical hazards (unsecured chemicals, missing outlet covers, blocked exits).

Which handbook sections do Colorado inspectors verify?

Colorado inspectors check that the parent handbook includes these required sections: Hours of Operation, Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy, Illness and Exclusion Policy, Medication Administration Policy. Each must be present and comply with the cited Colorado administrative code.