Some Colorado families choose a licensed child care center or a licensed family child care home. Other families choose license-exempt care provided by a family member, friend, or neighbor. It’s important for families to understand the difference between licensed and license-exempt child care and what type of child care situations require a child care license.
Licensed Child Care Centers - A Child Care Center license is required when caring for 5 or more children. The care takes place in a dedicated building. The license should be posted to show the ages and number of children the program is licensed for.
Licensed Family Child Care Homes - A Family Child Care Home (FCCH) license allows a provider to care for up to 6 children with no more than 2 children under 18 months. There are other types of Family Child Care Home licenses with different capacities. The license should be posted in the home.
License-Exempt Child Care - License-exempt child care includes care provided by a family member, friend or neighbor. License-exempt providers can care for up to 4 unrelated children with no more than 2 children under age 2. Can care for more than 4 children if children are siblings from the same family.
Keep in mind that nanny shares and other informal types of care may be required to be licensed.
At ColoradoShines.com, you can find information about every licensed child care program in the state and its history. The search results show what ages the program serves, languages spoken, if the program can support children with special needs, if the program accepts the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP), and other information.
Click on the VIEW DETAILS button to review the program’s inspection reports and any complaints filed against the program.
If you want details about an investigation into a child care program or would like more information on a program's licensing history, submit a request for a public file review or call 1-800-799-5876.
Once you’ve decided that a program or provider looks like a good fit for your family, it’s important to visit the program in person so you can see for yourself where your child will be cared for and talk to the provider.
Depending on the child care setting you are visiting, download and print a child care checklist. It has a list of the most important things to look for in a child care program or provider and questions to ask.
Child Care Centers
Family Child Care Homes
License-Exempt Child Care