SUPPORT FOR HOME-BASED CHILD CARE PROGRAMS

We understand that when you operate a child care program from your home, it’s a different reality.

Denver’s Early Childhood Council supports family child care homes in navigating the licensing and Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) so that you can focus on caring for children — not paperwork.

If you are not licensed yet, keep reading for information on pre-licensing training.

There are many benefits to becoming licensed:

  • Access to funds for coaching, materials, and space improvements
  • Individualized support from one of our Quality Navigators to help you through the process step by step
  • Support to answer any business questions that you may have

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PRE-LICENSING TRAINING: THE FIRST STEP TO BECOMING A PROVIDER

If you want to start your own family child care business, Denver’s Early Childhood Council offers the classes you will need to get started. We also provide one-on-one navigation services so that you can understand the process, become licensed, and maintain your license from year to year. Start by reviewing the roadmap below and continue reading about the pre-licensing training requirements.

FIND THIS ROADMAP IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES

To become licensed, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood will come and inspect your home. But before that, you will need to complete the pre-licensing course (and some other classes). The 15-hour Family Child Care Pre-Licensing course covers:

  • Child care rules and regulations
  • Child growth and development
  • Developmentally appropriate practices
  • Administration and business practices
  • Health, nutrition, and safety
  • Family and community partnerships
  • Cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Professionalism

In addition to the Family Child Care Pre-Licensing course, Denver’s Early Childhood Council offers other required training for providers:

  • First Aid and CPR for infant, child, and adult
  • Standard Precautions (minimizing the spread of germs, preventing disease)
  • Medication Administration

Contact helpdesk@denverearlychildhood.org to learn more about these specific trainings.

Providers must register and take some online courses in the Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (PDIS) to complete the licensing requirements. Click here to create an account in the PDIS and get started with training.

A PARTNER TO FAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES

You don’t need to navigate the world of child care licensing rules alone — that’s what we’re here for! Contact us to get connected with one of our Quality Navigators.

  • Help with access to quality-improvement funds
  • Coaching and training
  • Business services and managing your small business
  • and more!
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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR LICENSED FAMILY HOME PROVIDERS

Learn more about quality-improvement grants for family child care homes. We can help you step-by-step through the process of applying for these funds and then spending the funds once you receive them.

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Colorado Child Care Licensing & Administration

General or specific questions about licensing requirements or obtaining a license can be directed to the Division of Early Learning Licensing and Administration (DELLA) at the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. Visit their website, call them at 1-800-799-5876 or 303-866-5948, or email cdec_eclchildcarelicensing@state.co.us.