Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) licenses family child care homes. Arapahoe County allows home daycares as a permitted use in residential zones subject to state license. Small (up to 6 kids) and large (7-12 kids) programs have separate requirements.
Family child care homes in unincorporated Arapahoe County are licensed by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood under 3 CCR 2509-8. Small family child care homes may care for up to 6 children under age 13 (including the provider's own under age 6). Large family child care homes may care for 7-12 children with an assistant. Arapahoe County Land Development Code permits family child care homes as a use-by-right in all residential zones, with large homes potentially requiring site plan review. State licensing requires: criminal background checks (fingerprint, child abuse registry, CBI), minimum 15 hours of pre-service training, current CPR and first aid certification, minimum 75 sq ft of indoor space per child plus fenced outdoor play area (75 sq ft per child), working smoke and CO detectors, fire extinguishers, safely stored medications, posted emergency plans, and $100,000 minimum liability insurance. The home must pass a fire safety inspection. Parking must accommodate drop-off/pick-up without street blockage.
Operating without CDEC license: cease and desist plus fines up to $10,000 per CRS 26.5-5-315. License violations: probation, suspension, or revocation. County zoning violations (large home without review): $100-$500 per day fines.
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