Manitou Springs, CO Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Home-based child care in El Paso County is governed by a combination of state licensing (Colorado Department of Early Childhood, CDEC) and county zoning. CDEC licenses Family Child Care Homes under 7 CCR 1101-1 regulations. Small Family Child Care Home: up to 6 children (or 8 including caregiver's own children over age 2). Large Family Child Care Home (also called Experienced Provider): up to 12 children with qualifying education and experience. Licensing requires background checks (state and FBI fingerprint), 15 hours initial training plus 15 hours annual continuing education, CPR and First Aid certification, medication administration training, minimum 35 sq ft indoor play space per child, 75 sq ft outdoor space per child (not all at once), fenced outdoor area, working smoke and CO detectors, and fire extinguisher. El Paso County Land Development Code allows small family homes as a permitted use in most residential zones; large homes in some zones require a Minor Use Review. No business license required for home daycares but a sales tax license may apply for certain fees. Traffic and parking impacts must be managed to avoid neighborhood disruption.