The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Colorado Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Colorado. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
COLORADO Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
Colorado Department of Human Services Division of Early Care and Learning (DECL)
1575 Sherman Street, First Floor, Denver, CO 80230-1714
https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=8097&fileName=12%20CCR%202509-8
(303) 866-5958
License renewal is required every year.
Indoor Space Requirements:
6 wks.-18 mos. 35 sf play, 50 sf sleep/play per child.
12-36 mos. 30 sf play, 45 sf sleep/play per child.
2-1/2-5+ years 30 sf per child.
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|
6 Wks.-18 Mos. |
12-36 Mos. |
24- 36 Mos. |
2 1/2-3Years |
3-4 Years |
4-5 Years |
5 + Years |
Mixed 2 1/2- 6 Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher:Child Ratio |
1:5 |
1:5 |
1:7 |
1:8 |
1:10 |
1:12 |
1:15 |
1:10 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
10 |
10 |
14 |
16 |
20 |
24 |
30 |
20 |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
10 |
10 |
14 |
16 |
20 |
24 |
30 |
20 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
350 sf. |
300 sf. |
420 sf. |
480 sf. |
600 sf. |
720 sf. |
900 sf. |
600 sf. |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 75 sf per Child
- Playground surfaces must be checked daily for any dangerous or foreign items.
- In the infant program, the outdoor play area must be a minimum of 400 sf.
- The playground must have at least two different types of surfaces. Each surface must cover at least 10% of the playground area.
- The total outdoor play area for toddlers must be a minimum of 750 sf for 10 toddlers and for 14 toddlers there must be at least 1,050 sf.
Building Code Requirements
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1: 15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
1 |
At least one staff member with the current Department approved medication administration training and delegation must be on duty at all times. |
16 |
Staff aids must be at least 16 years old and must be working directly under the supervision of the director. |
10 |
In drop-in child cares, if there are fewer then 10 toddlers in every room, a bathroom is not required in the room. However, in every room, a changing table, and a handwashing sink is required. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
 |
Television and video games are prohibited for children less than 2 years of age. |  |
Staff members must either feed toddlers or supervise them while they eat. |  |
Infants must have minimum indoor space per child for sleep and activities (more than 59 sf per child). |
|---|
Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019