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General information: This submission guide contains all of the information you need to apply to operate a Family Child Care Home in the State of Colorado: Home License Submission Guide - Google Docs
If you have licensing questions, please call the Colorado Department of Early Childhood at 1.800.799.5876.
You will need an SSN or ITIN number
Step 0: Register for a FREE 1-hour orientation hosted by the Department of Early Childhood.
Below are the upcoming orientation dates. Click on the date you would like to attend to register. If you have further questions please contact the Licensing Training email at cdec_licensingtraining@state.co.us.
Pre-Licensing Orientation Selection Google Form
Saturday, September 28, 2024 10 AM- 7 PM
Tuesday, October 8 2024 6 PM- 7 PM
Saturday, October 26, 2024 10 AM- 7 PM
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 6 PM- 7 PM
Saturday, November 16 10 AM- 7 PM (Solo Español/Spanish Only)
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 6 PM- 7 PM
Step 1: Take a Pre-Licensing Training - This is a required 15 hours course that professionals must complete prior to being awarded a child care license to open a child care home
Family child care home applicants must complete this training prior to the initial licensing visit.
Training must be taken through CDED approved trainers who have completed the FCCH Pre-licensing Train-the-Trainer course in PDIS
This pre-licensing training have in person and virtual options.
Please contact Pamela if you have any questions about upcoming trainings.
Step 2: Get familiar with the Rules & Regulations: Read and familiarize yourself with the General Rules Regulating Child Care Facilities (7.701), the Licensing Rules Regulating Family Child Care Homes (7.707) and the Rules Regulating Special Activities (7.719) issued by the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Note: Licensing rules and regulations frequently change. The Secretary of State's website is your official source for updated and current rules.
Step 3: Ensure you are in compliance with local zoning, building, and planning ordinances, and any homeowner association covenants (see General Rules, 7.701.34.C for more information)
You can usually acquire this information at your city or county office where planning and zoning are administered.
Step 4: Submit your original application at least 60-90 days prior to the date you plan to start providing care. Because a licensing inspection and background checks are required prior to opening for business, the entire licensing process can take up to 90 days, so please plan accordingly. Applications are processed in the order they are received.
A NONREFUNDABLE application fee is required
To begin the application process, please create a username and password in the Provider Hub where you will be able to submit an online application and fee.
If you register to the Office of Early Childhood (OEC) Provider Hub, you can find and complete this application online when you register. https://coloradoshinesportal.force.com/providerhub/s/login/
You’ve Submitted Your Application! Now What?
Step 5: There is required training that you must complete. Some of these trainings are free through PDIS.
Training requirements include specific courses and annual clock hours. View licensing training requirements. Requirements for Family Child Care Homes can be found here.
To meet the annual clock hour training requirements, all licensed child care providers are required to have three clock hours of training focused on social emotional development and 12 clock hours of training focused on eight competencies:
Child growth and development and learning or courses that aligns with the competency domains of child growth and development
Child observation and assessment
Family and community partnership
Guidance
Health, safety and nutrition
Professional development and leadership
Program planning and development
Teaching practices
Other required trainings need to be taken with approved vendors only, click here to view the approved vendors
If you do not have a PDIS account, Click here to create one When you register to the Office of Early Childhood (OEC) Provider Hub website, you will then be able to access your PDIS account through there.
For more information about training requirements: Training | Colorado Department of Early Childhood
Step 6: Take fingerprints and background checks AFTER a license number has been issued. Watch this video to learn more about the background checks for Family Homes. https://youtu.be/gp9e-5ikYnY
New Family Child Care Home Provider Applicants must complete all relevant Family Child Care Home Application documents and training; and submit the licensing package and fee to the Division of Early Care and Learning, Colorado Department of Early Childhood. The applicant will then be assigned a license number and given instructions on how to complete the Colorado Bureau of Investigation/Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprint-based background check.
Step 7: Get Health Statements. Health Statements must be for each member of the household.
Every person residing in the home must have an initial health evaluation. Health professional must complete the front & back section of the Health Evaluation Form and sign it.
DO NOT send in the Health Evaluation Form with your application materials. Keep the completed form(s) in your home for your licensing specialist to review at your licensing inspection.
Step 8: If you are interested in participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), please visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Child and Adult Food Care Program website or call 303.692.2330 for more information.
Step 9: Develop policies: As a child care provider, it's more important than ever to have a clear and outlined parent handbook. This is especially important so staff isn't overwhelmed with parents who do not understand your policies and continually break them.
Here is a link with examples on what to include in your parent handbook What To Include in Your Child Care Parent Handbook - Early Learning Ventures
Here is a link with examples for polices and procedures: Click Here!
Step 10: Schedule your licensing inspection.
Once the Office of Early Childhood receives a complete application packet and you are assigned a License Number, a licensing specialist will contact you to schedule an original licensing inspection.
If you have not been contacted by a licensing specialist within 45 days of receiving your License Number, please call the Office of Early Childhood at 1.800.799.5876.
Original licensing inspections are completed to determine if a license should be issued. At the inspection the licensing specialist will verify compliance with licensing rules and regulations, review required training certificates and review health statements.
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