Colorado Statewide Rule

Colorado Home Daycare Licensing Requirements Statewide

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Colorado (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: C.R.S. 26.5-5-301 et seq.
Standard capacity: Up to 6 children
Background checks: All adult household members
Zoning: Treated as residential use

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: C.R.S. Title 26.5 Article 5 Part 3 - Child Care Licensing

Summary

Colorado requires state licensing for any home caring for more than a small number of unrelated children, with uniform health, safety, and capacity rules that override local zoning prohibitions.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (1)(a) of this section to the contrary, the availability of safe, affordable, and licensed family child care homes is a matter of statewide concern. Therefore, permitting fragmented regulation among jurisdictions impedes and infringes upon the department's appropriate and consistent licensing and regulation of family child care homes throughout the state. Accordingly, local governing authorities shall treat family child care homes as residential property use in the application of local regulations, including zoning, land use development, fire and life safety, sanitation, and building codes. Local governing authorities shall not impose any additional regulations governing family child care homes that do not also apply to other residential properties

Source: C.R.S. Title 26.5 Article 5 Part 3 - Child Care LicensingView official code

Full Breakdown

Under the Child Care Licensing Act, now codified at C.R.S. 26.5-5-301 et seq., the Colorado Department of Early Childhood licenses family child care homes. A standard licensed family child care home may serve up to six children, including the provider's own; larger or experienced-provider homes may serve more. Licensing requires background checks, fire inspections, immunization records, training in CPR and first aid, and posted emergency plans. State law treats licensed family child care homes as residential uses, restricting how local zoning can exclude them.

Violations & Penalties

Operating an unlicensed home above the family-friend threshold can result in cease-and-desist orders, civil penalties, and criminal misdemeanor charges under state law.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many kids can I watch at home in Colorado without a license?

Care of children from one related family at a time generally does not require licensing. Caring for unrelated children for compensation typically requires a state license.

Can my city zone out my licensed home daycare?

State law treats licensed family child care homes as residential uses, limiting cities' ability to prohibit them, though reasonable parking, signage, and noise rules may still apply.

What training do Colorado home daycare providers need?

Providers must complete approved early childhood training, current CPR and first aid certification, universal precautions, medication administration if applicable, and ongoing annual continuing education.

Sources

Colorado Revised Statutes Title 26

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