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Programs Exempt from Licensure

  • Under Colorado law, certain child care programs do not have to get a child care license. 
     
  • These programs are exempt from state licensing rules. There are different reasons that exempt programs don’t have to have a license. These include the number of children in care, hours of operation, curriculum, or other factors.
     
  • License-exempt child care programs are not monitored. Because of this, if you use a program that is not licensed, you should ask why the program is exempt.
     
  • License-exempt child care programs may include:
    • Child care offered for a short period of time. This is child care at a church, shopping center, or business while the parents are on-site to work, shop or worship.
    • Skill-building activities. This includes an hour-long dance class or a sports lesson.
    • Care that happens just every once in a while. This includes programs like a “parents night out” or child care provided during an event.
    • Some family child care homes.
      • These programs provide care for only four children at one time. Only two of the four children can be 2 years or younger. This includes the child care provider’s own children or relatives. The care may not exceed 24 hours per day.
    • Child care facilities that are licensed by another state or federal government. These include child care programs on military bases and some Head Start and Early Head Start programs. These programs meet other government rules for health and safety.
    • Occasional care in your home, like babysitting.
       
  • If you have questions about license-exempt programs, call the Colorado Shines Child Care Referral line at 1-877-799-5876.
Universal Preschool (UPK) Colorado
Universal Preschool (UPK) Colorado allows families to choose the right setting for their child, whether it is in a licensed community-based, school-based or home-based preschool setting. Families of children in the year before they are eligible for kindergarten, and qualifying 3-year-olds, are able to apply for UPK Colorado.
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Raising Colorado Kids Guide is brought to you by the Colorado Office of Early Childhood.

For general help, call 1-800-799-5876 or email  cdhs_oec_communications@state.co.us

Contact Us

Raising Colorado Kids is brought to you by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood.

For general help, call 1-800-799-5876 or email  cdec_communications@state.co.us

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