If you are interested in starting a Family Child Care Home business, a Colorado child care license will allow you to operate safely and legally. 

For more information about licensing requirements and detailed instructions on how to submit an original family child care home application, register for a FREE 1-hour orientation here (information is available under "Apply for a Child Care License"). 

A Family Child Care Home is required to be licensed unless it is operating under one of the approved licensing exemptions.

Carefully and completely read all Family Child Care Home licensing rules and regulations to ensure your home is compliant. This includes:

• General Rules for Child Care Facilities (7.701)

• Rules Regulating Family Child Care Homes (7.707)

• Rules Regulating Special Activities (7.719)

• Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) - for providers who accept CCCAP

Before completing the original family child care home application, 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.

There are multiple types of family child care home licenses. Each family child care home license has different qualification requirements. All family child care home licenses allow only less than 24-hour care.

For information about the different family child care home licenses and detailed instructions on how to submit an original family child care home application, visit the Family Child Care Home Application Submission Guide. 

Original Application Forms

• Original Family Child Care Home Application Form

• Child Care Licensing Fees

• Experienced Family Child Care Home Provider (ECCP) Acknowledgement (Required for ECCP applications ONLY)

Materials You Are Required to Keep on File in the Home

Do not submit the forms listed below with your child care application.

• Privacy Act Notification

• Child Care Provider Health Evaluation Form