🏡 Rockies & Rattles: How to Open a Home Daycare in Colorado - post

🏡 Rockies & Rattles: How to Open a Home Daycare in Colorado

Love working with kids? Want to run your own business from the comfort of #home? If so, opening a home #daycare in Colorado might be your dream #career move! With the right training, paperwork, and passion, you can turn your living room into a thriving learning environment for little learners.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to getting licensed and launching your own home-based childcare — with help from ChildCareEd.com to get there faster.

🌄 Why Start a Home Daycare in Colorado?

Running a licensed family child care home offers big benefits:

• Be your own boss

• Work from home

• Create a #safe, nurturing space for local families

• Earn income while doing meaningful, heart-filled work

Plus, the state of Colorado is actively supporting child care entrepreneurs through licensing and training initiatives.

🪜 Step-by-Step: How to Open a Home Daycare in Colorado

Choose Your Provider Type

Colorado recognizes two main types of home-based child care providers:

• Family Child Care Home (FCCH): Up to 6–12 children (depending on ages and #staff)

• Experienced Provider or Large FCCH: Requires more training and staff but allows for more children

Check Colorado's Office of Early Childhood for official classifications.

Complete Required Training

Colorado requires all home #daycare-providers to complete pre-licensing training in:

• Health & #safety

• CPR and First Aid

• Safe #sleep and SIDS prevention

• Mandatory reporting of child #abuse

• Early childhood #development and guidance

You can complete these requirements online with ChildCareEd’s state-aligned courses.
👉 Browse training programs here to get started.

Pass Background Checks

All individuals aged 18+ living in your home must:

• Undergo fingerprint-based #background-checks

• Clear checks through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and FBI

• Be cleared in the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Registry

Background check instructions are provided during the licensing process and must be completed before children enter your care.

Prepare Your Home

Your home must meet state safety and space requirements. Key steps include:

• Child-proofing all indoor and #outdoor spaces

• Having enough square footage per child

• Safe sleep areas for infants and toddlers

• Storing hazardous items securely

You’ll need to pass a home inspection before receiving your license.

Submit Your Application to the State

Apply through the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). Your application includes:

• Proof of training and background checks

• Home safety checklist

• Floor plans and #emergency escape routes

• Application fees

Once approved, you’ll receive your family child care license and can start welcoming families into your care!

6. Stay Compliant with Ongoing Training

Licensed providers must complete continuing education hours every year. Topics include:

• Child development

• Behavior guidance

• Health and nutrition

• Family engagement

You can fulfill these requirements with ChildCareEd's ongoing training.

👶 Why Choose ChildCareEd.com?

We’re here to help you turn your child care goals into a licensed, legal business — all from the comfort of home.

✅ State-specific training for Colorado
✅ 100% online and self-paced
✅ Affordable pricing and bundles
✅ Progress tracking and certificates
✅ Perfect for new and experienced providers

Start your training journey today!

🌈 Let’s Launch Your Dream Daycare

Opening a #home-daycare in Colorado is more than just a business — it’s a way to make a meaningful difference in your community. With the right preparation and ChildCareEd.com in your corner, you’ll be ready to #nurture, teach, and grow your business — all from your living room.

So roll up your sleeves, prep the playroom, and let’s build your child care dream — one block at a time.