Child Care Centers

Regulations

The current Regulations Governing the Health and Sanitation of Childcare Facilities went into effect on January 14, 2016.

Online Regulation Training

• Regulation Training for Providers
• Regulation Revision Overview

General Inspection Information

Our Environmental Health staff inspects child care centers every 1-2 years, depending on the program. During health inspections, we ensure minimum health regulations are met and provide educational information. This helps to ensure children have a healthy environment to learn and grow in.

Tri-County Health Department does not license child care facilities. However, a passing health inspection is required by the Office of Early Childhood Colorado Department of Human Services in order for a child care to receive a license from Human Services or to remain in good standing. 

Health inspections are public record and can be accessed on our Health Inspections webpage.

Routine Inspections During COVID-19

Routine inspections were put on hold during early COVID-19 response efforts. Our staff is reaching out to facilities to set up inspections virtually. We are working through our backlog of individuals as quickly as we can. If your last inspection was greater than 2 years ago, email EHChildcare@tchd.org. Here are some links to help you prepare for your inspection:

• Example Questions
• What to Expect 
• What's Your Plan 

Room Addition and Room Change Inspections

Contact EHChildcare@tchd.org if you plan on opening new room(s) for your existing program, changing from old rooms to new rooms, or adding an additional room. These inspections are being done remotely unless major issues or concerns are identified.

Submit Plans Before Any Construction Begins for New Buildings and Remodeled Facilities

All new programs must submit the Child Care Plan Review Packet. The plan review packet for new construction or remodeling must be completed and submitted to this department for approval before any construction begins. Programs must pay all fees associated with the review and inspections.

• Child Care Plan Review Packet for Remodels and New Builds
• CDPHE Approval of New and Relocated Child Care Operations during COVID-19 | Spanish
• EPA Lead Inspection
• EPA Asbestos Inspection

Opening Inspections

Once construction is complete, email EHChildcare@tchd.org to schedule an opening inspection. The number of inspectors and their availability is limited. Plan ahead by providing plenty of time to get an opening inspection scheduled and completed. Opening inspections for newly constructed/ remodeled buildings are being done remotely unless major issues or concerns are identified. Our Environmental Health team must give approval before Human Services will issue a license. 

Room Addition and Room Change Inspections

Email EHChildcare@tchd.org if you plan on opening new room(s) for your existing program, changing from old rooms to new rooms, or adding an additional room. These inspections are being done remotely unless major issues or concerns are identified.

Disease Prevention and Illness Policies

Illness policies are required by regulations. These policies are in place to protect students and staff from the spread of illness.

• Infectious Disease Guidelines
• Disease Control in Childcare
• Immunizations

Outbreak

Always keep track of illnesses on a log for both children and staff. Tracking illnesses before an outbreak occurs helps caregivers to see when a jump in numbers could indicate an outbreak. Contact Tri-County Health Department immediately to help control the spread of illness.

• Ill Child and Staff Tracking Log Form
• Cleaning During an Outbreak

Other important disease prevention resources

• Hand Washing Guidance
• Hand Washing Posters
• Medications & First Aid

Using Sanitizers and Disinfectants

• Find More Information about Your Sanitizer / Disinfectant 
• Concentration and Cleaning Schedules
• Emerging Devices Handout

Bleach as a sanitizer and disinfectant

Follow the mixing instructions for your brand of bleach. Bleach that has a lower percentage of hypochlorite will need more bleach while mixing with water than one that has a higher percentage.

• Test each mixture daily.
• Bleach sanitizer concentration should be 50-200ppm.
• Bleach disinfectant concentration will vary depending on which brand of bleach you use. Read the label to determine the right amount.
• How to Mix Bleach Sanitizers & Disinfectants
• Calculator: Amount of Bleach to Add to Water

Required Radon Testing in Child Care Centers

Radon testing is required for all new and existing child care centers. As uranium breaks down naturally in our soils, it releases a gas we call radon. This gas enters buildings through cracks in the foundation. Radon gas causes cancer and it is invisible, odorless, and tasteless. It can only be detected through testing.

• Radon Information
• Radon Testing and Results
• How to Test for Radon

Animals in Child Care

Find out what animals are not allowed in your child care center and what is required for animals that visit your child care center.

• Prohibited Animals
• Prohibited Chickens

Poisonous & Toxic Materials

• Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
• Air Fresheners - Do's and Don'ts

Variance Requests

If meeting minimum health and sanitation requirements presents an undue hardship on the person, facility, or the community, then you may request a deviation from the Health Regulations. 

• Variance Request Form

For hatching chicks or for portable hand sinks, fill out these additional forms:

• Embryology Units Form
• Non-plumbed Portable Hand Washing Sink Form