How to start a preschool in Colorado

Embarking on the journey to open a preschool or early childhood education center in Colorado presents a significant opportunity to contribute to the state's vibrant communities and growing families. Colorado is committed to supporting its youngest learners, as evidenced by initiatives like Colorado Universal Preschool. Aspiring providers will navigate a clear, yet comprehensive licensing process overseen by the Division of Early Learning and Licensing and Administration (DELLA) within the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). DELLA licenses various types of facilities, including family child care homes and non-home child care facilities such as child care centers, school-age child care centers, and preschools. Understanding the specific regulations and leveraging the resources provided by the CDEC will be crucial for a smooth and successful launch. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and considerations for establishing your early learning program in the Centennial State.

Regulations

Health safety: Health and safety requirements for child care facilities in Colorado are overseen by the Division of Early Learning and Licensing and Administration (DELLA) and are outlined in the comprehensive 'Child Care Facility Licensing Rules,' with specific details for different program types provided in documents like 'General Rules for Child Care Facilities' and 'Rules Regulating Child Care Centers.' These rules generally cover areas such as safeguarding policies, medication administration procedures, immunization records, illness exclusion policies to prevent the spread of contagious diseases, and incident reporting protocols. The emphasis is on maintaining an environment that promotes the well-being and protection of all children in care. Providers are encouraged to consult the official rules and administrative guides for detailed, up-to-date information on all health and safety stipulations.

Licensing overview: The Division of Early Learning and Licensing and Administration (DELLA) is responsible for licensing over 5,000 child care facilities in Colorado that provide less than 24-hour care. This includes family child care homes and non-home child care facilities. The application process for a child care license in Colorado typically begins with creating a username and password in the Provider Hub, where online applications and fees can be submitted for faster processing. While paper applications are accepted, the online portal is encouraged. Pre-licensing orientations are offered for both family child care homes and Outdoor Nature-Based Preschool Programs, providing detailed instructions and information on specific requirements. Licenses are issued based on distinct rules and procedures for each facility type.

Licensing authority: Division of Early Learning and Licensing and Administration (DELLA) within the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC)

Staff qualifications: All staff responsible for the care and supervision of children in licensed programs are monitored by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood Child Care Licensing. A required course in the Professional Development Information System (PDIS) for child care licensing is 'Introduction to the Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education Programs.' This one-hour credit course, transferable across licensed programs within the state, aims to increase knowledge about early intervention and preschool special education, how to discuss concerns with families, and how to support referrals to these programs. An additional, optional PDIS course, 'Supporting Young Children through Inclusive Care Course,' is also available to increase knowledge of inclusive practices for children with delays and disabilities. Background checks are a critical component of staff qualifications, and for family child care homes, all individuals in the household 18 years or older must complete and sign a Person In Home Authorization form, to be kept on file and available for review by a licensing specialist.

Facility requirements: Child care facilities in Colorado must adhere to specific regulations to ensure a safe and appropriate environment for children. These requirements are detailed in the 'Rules Regulating Child Care Centers' and 'Rules Regulating Family Child Care Homes,' among other specific rule sets available through the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. While explicit square footage per child or specific ratios for fixtures are not detailed in the provided sources, the administrative guides and rules govern aspects such as health and safety, fire safety, and general facility conditions. The 'Administrative Guide: General Rules Regulating Child Care Facilities' and program-specific guides clarify the interpretation and implementation of these rules. Compliance with these regulations is essential for obtaining and maintaining a child care license in Colorado.

Curriculum requirements: Colorado does not explicitly mandate a singular universal curriculum framework for all preschool and early childhood settings in the provided sources. However, the state's focus on early childhood education and support for children with disabilities suggests an emphasis on developmental appropriateness and inclusive practices. The 'Introduction to the Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education Programs' training for all licensed caregivers indicates a requirement for understanding and supporting children with special educational needs. The 'Universal Preschool' program also highlights the state's commitment to quality early learning. While specific curriculum alignment with international frameworks like IPC is not mentioned, any curriculum adopted would need to align with best practices in early childhood development and the needs of a diverse student population, including those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs).

Startup costs

Startup costs for a preschool in Colorado can vary significantly based on the program type and scale. A small, home-based family child care operation will incur lower initial expenses, primarily for licensing fees, minor renovations, and initial supplies. A larger, purpose-built center catering to 60-100 children will face substantial costs related to property acquisition or long-term lease, extensive facility renovations to meet state codes, comprehensive equipment, and higher initial staffing expenses. Factors driving this variation locally include real estate prices in different Colorado regions, the need for specialized outdoor play areas, and the extent of modifications required to comply with specific child care center regulations.

Timeline

1. Pre-Licensing Orientation (1 hour): Attend a mandatory pre-licensing orientation hosted by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). These sessions are offered for Family Child Care Homes and Outdoor Nature-Based Preschool Programs. The orientation provides essential information on licensing requirements and detailed instructions for submitting your application. This is a critical first step to ensure you understand the regulatory landscape specific to Colorado. Registration is completed via Smartsheet forms linked on the CDEC website.

2. Application Submission (60-90 calendar days): Submit your original child care license application to the Division of Early Learning and Licensing and Administration (DELLA). Applications can be submitted online through the Provider Hub for faster processing, or via mailed-in paper forms. Ensure all necessary documentation, including fees and household authorisations for family child care homes, are included. Submitting at least 60-90 days prior to your intended opening date is recommended to allow for processing and any potential revisions.

3. Background Checks (Variable): Complete all required background checks through the Trails system. For family child care homes, all household members aged 18 and over must complete and sign a 'Person In Home Authorization' form, which is kept on file at the home for review by a licensing specialist. Background checks are a critical part of the licensing process to ensure the safety and well-being of children.

4. Facility Inspection and Review (Variable): After submitting your application, your facility will undergo an inspection by a licensing specialist from DELLA to ensure compliance with all Colorado Child Care Facility Licensing Rules. This includes verifying facility requirements, health and safety standards, and staff-to-child ratio adherence. Any deficiencies identified during the inspection will need to be addressed before a license can be issued.

5. License Issuance (Variable): Upon successful completion of all application steps, including pre-licensing orientation, background checks, and a satisfactory facility inspection, the Division of Early Learning and Licensing and Administration (DELLA) will issue your child care license. This signifies your official authorisation to operate a preschool or early childhood education program in Colorado, providing regulated care to children.

6. Ongoing Training Requirements (Ongoing): Once licensed, ensure all staff responsible for the care and supervision of children complete the mandatory 'Introduction to the Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education Programs' course via the Professional Development Information System (PDIS). This one-hour course enhances knowledge of early intervention and special education referrals. This ongoing training requirement ensures staff are continuously equipped to support all children, including those with diverse learning needs, aligning with Colorado's commitment to inclusive early childhood education.

Next steps: explore the IPC curriculum, read about preschool enrollment, or browse all start-a-preschool guides.

Frequently asked questions

What are the specific license types available for early childhood education in Colorado?

In Colorado, the Division of Early Learning and Licensing and Administration (DELLA) licenses several types of child care facilities. These include Family Child Care Homes, which are typically operated out of a private residence, and Non-Home Child Care Facilities. The latter category encompasses various settings such as Child Care Centers, School-Age Child Care Centers, Preschools, Resident Camps, and Neighborhood Youth Organizations. Additionally, there's a specific license for Outdoor Nature-Based Preschool Programs. Each license type has its own set of rules, procedures, and fee structure, which can be reviewed in detail through the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) Provider Hub and associated rule documents.

How do I ensure my early childhood program complies with Colorado's health and safety standards?

Compliance with Colorado's health and safety standards is paramount for any early childhood program. The Division of Early Learning and Licensing and Administration (DELLA) outlines these requirements in the 'Child Care Facility Licensing Rules,' with further specifics in documents like 'General Rules for Child Care Facilities' and 'Rules Regulating Child Care Centers.' These rules cover areas such as safeguarding policies, proper medication administration, maintaining updated immunization records for children, established illness exclusion policies to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, and comprehensive incident reporting procedures. It is crucial to thoroughly review the official rules and administrative guides provided by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) to ensure your facility meets all stipulated health and safety criteria before and during operation.

Are there specific curriculum requirements or frameworks mandated in Colorado for preschools?

While Colorado does not explicitly mandate a single, statewide curriculum framework for all preschools and early childhood settings, there is a strong emphasis on inclusive practices and supporting diverse learning needs. All licensed child care providers are required to complete an 'Introduction to the Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education Programs' course through the Professional Development Information System (PDIS). This training ensures that staff are equipped to understand and facilitate referrals for children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs). The state's Colorado Universal Preschool program also indicates a commitment to ensuring quality early learning experiences. Providers should implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum that aligns with general best practices in early childhood education and can accommodate children with disabilities.

What is the process for submitting a child care license application in Colorado?

The process for submitting a child care license application in Colorado is managed by the Division of Early Learning and Licensing and Administration (DELLA). Aspiring providers are encouraged to create an account on the CDEC Provider Hub, which allows for the online submission of applications and fees, often resulting in quicker processing times. While paper applications are still accepted, online submission is preferred. Before applying, it is highly recommended to attend a pre-licensing orientation specific to your desired facility type (e.g., Family Child Care Home or Outdoor Nature-Based Preschool Program) to gain a thorough understanding of the requirements and procedures. The complete application should be submitted approximately 60-90 calendar days prior to your intended start date.

What kind of ongoing training is required for staff in Colorado's licensed child care programs?

Staff in Colorado's licensed child care programs are required to complete specific ongoing training, as mandated by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood Child Care Licensing. A key mandatory course is 'Introduction to the Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education Programs,' available through the Professional Development Information System (PDIS). This one-hour credit course focuses on increasing knowledge about early intervention and preschool special education programs, how to communicate concerns to families, and how to support referrals to these services. This training is transferable if a caregiver moves to another licensed program within the state. Additionally, an optional but recommended PDIS course, 'Supporting Young Children through Inclusive Care Course,' is available to enhance providers' knowledge of inclusive practices for children with delays and disabilities.

What is the Colorado Universal Preschool program?

The Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK) program is a state-wide initiative designed to provide high-quality, free preschool for all eligible children in Colorado. The program aims to support families by offering access to early childhood education, ensuring children are prepared for kindergarten. Enrollment for families typically opens for upcoming academic years, and providers who wish to participate must meet specific criteria and adhere to program guidelines. Information regarding enrollment for families and provider participation can be found on the CDEC website and the dedicated UPK Colorado website. This program underscores Colorado's commitment to increasing access to early learning experiences across the state.