• Types of early learning and child care programs
• How to choose a quality child care program
• Early childhood development
• How to support learning at home
• Resources for families

The rating system has five levels where Levels 3 - 5 indicate high-quality. Programs with higher ratings (Levels 3-5) have gone through a process to demonstrate high-quality programs and practices in all areas that Colorado Shines reviews, including:

• Supports children’s health and safety
• Ensures the staff are well-trained and effective
• Provides a learning environment that teaches children new skills
• Helps parents become partners in their child’s learning
• Has good leadership and business practices

Once a program gets a rating, Colorado Shines has tools to help the program continue to improve its quality. All licensed programs who meet basic health and safety standards enter the Colorado Shines rating system as a Level 1 program. Programs are regularly assessed and are provided support to help them improve their ratings.

You think about a lot of things when choosing child care, including cost, location and availability. In addition to safety, the most important consideration is the QUALITY of the program. Why? Quality child care and preschool programs help ensure that children have positive experiences during a sensitive and important time of life. Quality child care and preschool programs help children prepare for kindergarten and success in school. As a parent or caregiver, you want the best for your child. Quality care and education in the early years help children start early and start strong. And the benefits last forever! Quality ratings help provide families peace of mind when selecting a provider because ratings are a consistent and reliable measure used across the state. That means, whether you are in Denver, Durango, Grand Junction, or somewhere in between you can be assured that a Level 5 provider in one place is the same quality as other Level 5 providers across the state.

Child care providers in Colorado must meet health and safety requirements in four areas mandated by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood in order to receive their license to operate. Learn about the four areas by reading the text below.

The Division of Early Care and Learning develops rules and requirements that licensed child care facilities must be in compliance with. Examples include procedures and protocols for:

• Building and physical premises safety, including identification of and protection from hazards that can cause bodily injury such as electrical hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic;
• Administration of medication, consistent with standards for parental consent;
• Emergency preparedness and response planning for emergencies resulting from a natural disaster, or a man-caused event (such as violence at a child care facility);
• First aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
• Handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of bio-contaminants;
• Precautions in transporting children;
• Prevention and control of infectious diseases, including immunization;
• Prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions;
• Prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma; and
• Prevention of sudden infant death syndrome and use of safe sleeping practices.

The Division of Early Learning Licensing and Administration requires professionals working in child care facilities to complete training related to each health and safety requirement.