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, scroll down 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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CONNECT WITH ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT
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.
PRE-LICENSING TRAINING: THE FIRST STEP TO BECOMING A PROVIDER
If you would like 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 continue your license from year to year.
To become licensed, the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care 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
Click here to view the training calendar.
Providers must also register and take some online courses in the Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (PDIS) to complete the licensing requirements. Click here to learn more about the PDIS.
A PARTNER TO FAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES
Learn more about the support we provide for family child care home providers:
- Help to access to quality-improvement funds
- Coaching and training
- Business services and managing your small business
- Much more!
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOME-BASED 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.