Colorado Home Daycare Law: Statewide Home Business Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: CRS 26-6-101 et seq.
Standard capacity: Up to 6 children
Background checks: All adult household members
Zoning: Treated as residential use

Source: C.R.S. Title 26.5 Article 5 Part 3 - Child Care Licensing

Full Breakdown

Under the Child Care Licensing Act in CRS 26-6-101 et seq., the Colorado Department of Early Childhood licenses family child care homes. A licensed home may serve up to six children, including the provider's own. Larger or experienced provider homes may serve up to twelve. 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.

Colorado Home Daycare Licensing Requirements Statewide

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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