Does CDPHE or the local health department issue licenses for child care facilities?
No. Child care centers as defined in 26-6-102(1.5), 2.5)(a), (5), (5.1), (8), (9), (10)(a), C.R.S., are licensed by the Colorado Department of Human Services, Division of Child Care (DHS-DCC). However, these licensed child care facilities are required to have an inspection by the state or local health department and comply with the Regulations Governing the Health and Sanitation of Child Care Facilities in the State of Colorado prior to licensing and at least once every two years of operation. Certain child care facility types not licensed by (DHS-DCC), such as Head Start programs, are subject to Retail Food Establishment licensing by CDPHE or the local health department if they serve food to the children in care.
