Licensing Standards for Day Care Centres in the State of Colorado is separated from the licensing standards of Family Day Care Centres.
In the licensing standard of Colorado, it has been defined the requirements for day care centres, application process, and administration. It is not clearly stated in provisions or in articles of the licensing standards the educational requirement of the providers as well as the staff.
Classes offered through the State
Like any other states of America, Colorado Department of Human Services Division of Child Care recommends Early Childhood Education or Childhood Development courses. Other courses that are closely-related are being accepted as well.
Similar or equivalent classes included in Early Childhood Education degrees or Childhood Development can be enrolled by the day care providers and day care staff. Important classes that they should take are Introduction to Early Childhood Education, Literacy Development, Special Needs Children, Keeping Records and Assessing Children, and Professional Behaviour classes. There are also general education classes that are being taught, which include Mathematics, Writing, Sociology, Science, Psychology, and Communication.
Certifications Given for Completed Classes
Colorado offers the CCP, CDA, and NAC certificates for those providers and staff that complete day care classes.
- Certified Childcare Professional (CCP) – This credential is given to those individuals who intend to educate young children, particularly to those who demonstrate knowledge and skills in early childhood development.
- Child Development Associate (CDA) – This certificate is given to those staffs or teachers that have completed at least 4.5 continuing education units or a 3-credit-hour course for renewal. Classes or courses that can be credited for CDA include early childhood education and development, mental health counseling and principles of adult learning. For those renewal candidates, they are required to acquire 80-hour work experience either with young children or their families in the previous years. They should also become a member of any local or national early childhood professional organization as well as earn first aid certification.
- National Administrator Credential (NAC) – This certificate is intended for current and aspiring childcare managers and directors. Discussed issues include managing staff, maintaining facilities and developing programs. The NAC certification is required to be renewed every two (2) years through completion of 20-hour work in either business or administration.
The state also recommends First Aid course or a child cardiopulmonary-resuscitation (CPR) to be taken by daycare providers and the staff as well.
Cost of the Classes
The cost of childcare courses such as Early Childhood Development or Childhood Psychology, and other closely-related field ranges from $4,000 to $24,000 per year. The cost of the degree differs from university and degree level. There are certain universities that offers free of charge for those in-state enrollees and online courses offer cheap tuition fees or at times no tuition fee at all.
Required Classes that Day Care Providers Should Take
In the State of Colorado, aspiring day care workers should be at least 18 years of age and should attain a Bachelor’s degree in an accredited college or university. Either a two-year college degree in child development or early childhood education from an accredited college or university is accepted, current certification as a Child Development Associate (CDA) or Certified Childcare Professional (CCP), or any other Department-approved credential can be accepted.
Classes such as child development and psychology are very essential classes as this will broaden the understanding of day care providers and their staff on the behavior of the children. Providers and their staff should also take child literature, English, math, sociology, and computer classes.
Links and Contact Information for Class Application
For those who want to establish their own daycare or interested in daycare job positions, you can contact your state departments for inquiries about day care classes, child care trainings, and the licensing standards.
Listed here are the Colorado government agencies that you can contact:
Child Care Licensing Agency
Mailing:
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division of Child Care
1575 Sherman Street, First Floor
Denver, CO 80203-1714
Phone: (303) 866-5958
Toll Free: (800) 799-5876
Fax: (303) 866-4453
Head Start – State Collaboration Office
Mailing:
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
130 State Capitol
Denver, CO, 80203
Phone: (303) 866-6361
Fax: (303) 866-5469
Child Care Resource & Referral Contact
Mailing:
Qualistar Early Learning
3607 Martin Luther King Boulevard
Denver, CO 80205
Phone: (303) 339-6800
Toll Free: (877) 338-CARE(877-338-2273)
Fax: (303) 339-6833
