Colorado Child Care Centers and Homes License: Requirements, Cost & How to Apply (2026)

Colorado Department of Early Childhood, Division of Early Learning Licensing and Administration (DELLA)

Colorado Department of Early Childhood, Division of Early Learning Licensing and Administration (DELLA)

Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) Division of Early Learning Licensing and Administration (DELLA)

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://cdec.colorado.gov/for-providers/child-care-licensing-and-administration

The Division of Early Learning and Licensing and Administration (DELLA) licenses family child care homes and non-home child care facilities.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://cdec.colorado.gov/for-providers/child-care-licensing-and-administration

Click the button below to access all licensing forms, applications, and the Trails background check applications. Applications can be completed, submitted, and paid for online in the Provider Hub.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

15 hours

15

all licensed child care providers are required to have fifteen (15) hours of annual training

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

At least three annual hours in social-emotional development; twelve hours across child growth/development, observation/assessment, family/community partnership, guidance, health/safety/nutrition, professional development/leadership, program planning/development, and teaching practices.

At least three annual hours in social-emotional development; twelve hours across child growth/development, observation/assessment, family/community partnership, guidance, health/safety/nutrition, professional development/leadership, program planning/development, and teaching practices.

fifteen (15) hours of annual training with at least three (3) hours focused on social-emotional development and twelve (12) hours focused on the eight competencies listed below: ... Child growth and development ... Child observation and assessment ... Family and community partnership ... Guidance ... Health, safety, and nutrition ... Professional development and leadership ... Program planning and development ... Teaching practices

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Family home applicants must complete First Aid/CPR certification training before the initial licensing visit.

Family home applicants must complete First Aid/CPR certification training before the initial licensing visit.

First Aid and CPR Certification ... Family Child Care Home applicants must complete this training prior to the initial licensing visit.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

DELLA licenses family homes and non-home facilities providing care for less than 24 hours.

DELLA licenses family homes and non-home facilities providing care for less than 24 hours.

The Division of Early Learning and Licensing and Administration (DELLA) licenses family child care homes and non-home child care facilities. The Division of Early Learning and Licensing and Administration (DELLA) licenses over 5,000 child care facilities in Colorado that provide less than 24-hour care.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Submit the original application at least 60–90 calendar days before planned opening; licensing inspection and background checks are required before opening.

Submit the original application at least 60–90 calendar days before planned opening; licensing inspection and background checks are required before opening.

Submit your original child care license application at least 60-90 calendar days prior to the date you plan to start providing care. Because a licensing inspection and background checks are required prior to opening for business, the entire licensing process can take up to 90 days

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Criminal and child abuse/neglect background checks are required for licensing and for employees or volunteers.

Criminal and child abuse/neglect background checks are required for licensing and for employees or volunteers.

There are two separate background check processes that must be completed in order to become licensed to provide child care in Colorado OR to work as an employee or volunteer of a child care facility: criminal background check and child abuse and neglect background check.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Continuation forms become available in the Provider Hub 90 days before the license anniversary. Continuation fees may be paid there, or by mailed check/money order with a signed continuation form.

Continuation forms become available in the Provider Hub 90 days before the license anniversary. Continuation fees may be paid there, or by mailed check/money order with a signed continuation form.

The Division of Early Learning and Licensing and Administration (DELLA) will have your child care facility's continuation form available to you on the Provider Hub 90 days prior to your license anniversary date. ... You can pay the continuation fee with a credit card or e-check on the Provider Hub through a third-party vendor or you can mail a check or money order to our office with your signed paper continuation form.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026