When will in-person, onsite licensing inspections and rating assessments resume?
Effective July 1, 2021, Child Care Licensing Specialists began completing onsite, in-person inspections and investigations for all license types. The decision to resume onsite, in-person inspections of child care facilities was made in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) after reviewing current COVID-19 data and the lift in state restrictions.
Licensing Specialists will continue to follow safety protocols such as wearing a mask at all times in a facility, washing their hands immediately upon arrival to the building, after touching any materials, and prior to entering the infant classroom. When possible Licensing Specialists will maintain a 6-foot physical distance from all facility staff, children, and families, and allow the facility to check their temperature if requested.
Colorado Shines rating evaluations are expected to resume in January 2022.
What cleaning procedures should child care providers follow to help limit the spread of COVID-19?
Facilities should follow cleaning procedures as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This resource remains the best source of information to ensure the safety of children and staff.
Applicable facilities should follow the sanitizing and disinfecting requirements in the Rules and Regulations Governing the Health and Sanitation in Child Care Facilities in the State of Colorado.
Should children and providers wear masks in child care facilities?
Children and providers must wear masks if it is required by a public health order in the county where the facility is located.
As of July 27, 2021 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends universal masking for all teachers, staff and students regardless of vaccination status in schools.
CDPHE recommends local public health agencies and school districts consider either mask requirements for all unvaccinated individuals or all individuals in schools, particularly in higher-risk environments. Read more about masking in schools and child care facilities here.
CDPHE also recommends visiting the Center for Disease Control webpage, COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs.
Is food assistance available?
Yes. Providers can access food assistance through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). More information is available here.
If you are a Family Child Care Home, please view the CACFP Cost Help for Family Child Care Homes flyer.
For a list of CACFP sponsors in your area (you will need to contact a sponsor to apply) click HERE.
Can mothers nurse in child care program buildings?
Nursing mothers should be accommodated as much as possible. A quiet space away from other children that also can provide social distancing should be provided. CDC guidance to promote and support breastfeeding is available here.
Where can I find updates on COVID-19 and learn more about how to respond to the virus?
Child care and early education program operators should refer to CDPHE’s “Practical Guide for Operationalizing CDC’s School Guidance” and CDC’s page “COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs” for context-specific guidance about COVID-19 risk mitigation and disease response. These facilities may also be subject to state or local orders or mandates and should be sure to comply with any relevant regulations.
All known or suspected outbreaks of COVID-19 must be reported to the appropriate local public health agency within 4 hours.
If a provider chooses to stay open and children and/or families become ill are they legally liable?
Because child care programs have different liability coverage, providers are encouraged to talk with their insurance carriers to determine what their specific policy covers.
