Steps to Becoming a Licensed Home Child Care Provider

1. Print a Licensing Application Packet from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood or get one in-person from Cheyenne, Kiowa, Lincoln Early Childhood Council (CKLECC). Read page six titled “Instructions for Completing the Application Packet” to see an overview of the process. Read through the three Rule Sections that apply to home providers: 7.701 (General Rules for Child Care Facilities), 7.707 (Rules Regulating Family Child Care Homes) and 7.719 (Rules Regulating Special Activities).
2. Contact your local entities to make sure you are complying with local zoning codes, ordinances, homeowner’s associations, etc.
3. Sign up to take the required trainings (see Required Trainings). This can often take time and planning because it depends on the availability of these trainings in your area. You should be very close to completing all the trainings before your Initial Licensing Visit.
4. Complete the application and mail it to CO Division of Early Care and Learning with the payment fee. Detailed instructions on everything that must be include in your application are explained on the sheet called “Instructions for Completing the Application Packet.”
5. Continue to attend required trainings & ask the early childhood council about child care grant opportunities to assist with licensing costs.
6. A Licensing Specialist will conduct an “Initial Licensing Visit” at your home 6-8 weeks after your license application is submitted. The exact time will be a surprise, but you will be notified to expect one within a certain range of days.
7. Complete the required trainings. You should have all trainings completed by the time of your Initial Licensing visit.

FAQs

• How much space must I have in my home for each child? You must have 35 square feet of indoor play space and 75 square feet of outdoor space per child.
• Must I have a fenced-in yard? Yes. Fences (or another natural barrier, such a thick hedge) must be at least 42 inches high.
• Can I become licensed if I live in an apartment? Yes, as long as you have the required square footage and meet the requirements for the outdoor play space and other safety standards.
• Once licensed, are there other trainings I must take? Once licensed, you must complete 15 hours of professional development a year. Trainings are available through a variety of agencies, and now online through PDIS. Subjects include: nutrition, health & safety, guidance, etc.
• How much money does a Home Child Care program make? Daily rates depend on regional need.
• More Questions? Contact Julie Witt, CKLECC Coordinator at (719) 775-8622 or email julie.cklecc@gmail.com.