Colorado

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

8 CCR 1402-1 — Child Care Facility Licensing Rules (Part 2: Rules Regulating Child Care Centers)

Researched 2026-09 · Summary, not legal advice — confirm with the agency before acting on a figure.

Staff-child ratios

Infants

1:5

6 weeks to 18 months

max group 10

Toddlers

1:5

12 months to 36 months (toddlers)

max group 10

Preschool

1:10

3 years to 4 years

max group 20

School-age

1:15

5 years and older

max group 30

Annual training: All staff working with children: at least 15 clock hours of ongoing professional development per year, including at least 3 hours in social-emotional development; a person certified in first aid and CPR for all ages must be with the children at all times; 1 hour of child development training within 90 days of hire.
Lead teacher: An early childhood teacher (ECT) must be at least 18 and qualify via one of several routes: a bachelor's/master's/doctorate in a listed field (e.g., ECE, child development); a degree in another field plus two 3-credit ECE courses; or an associate degree (60 credits) in ECE/child development including two specified courses, among other Department-recognized pathways.
Director: A large-center director needs a Department-issued director qualifications letter: either a bachelor's or higher in a listed early childhood field (no additional experience required), or completion of ten specified 3-credit courses (including ECE administration) plus verified experience; an associate-degree holder needs 455 hours (3 months) of verified experience.
Worth knowing: Full ratio/group table (rule 2.217): 6 weeks-18 months 1:5/10; 12-36 months 1:5/10; 24-36 months 1:7/14; 2½-3 years 1:8/16; 3-4 years 1:10/20; 4-5 years 1:12/24; 5+ years 1:15/30; mixed 2½-6 years 1:10/20. Rules current per the Feb 2025 filing of 8 CCR 1402-1.

A ratio is easy to read and hard to hold at 3pm on the playground.