Code of Colorado Regulations
1400 - Department of Early Childhood
1402 - Division of Early Learning, Licensing, and Administration
8 CCR 1402-1 - CHILD CARE FACILITY LICENSING RULES AND REGULATIONS
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Section 8 CCR 1402-1-2.505 - STATEMENT OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Universal Citation: 1400 CO Code Regs 8 CCR 1402-1-2.505

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 17, September 10, 2024

A. At the time of enrollment, and upon amendments to policies and procedures, the center must give the parent(s) or guardian(s)) the center's policies and procedures and provide the opportunity to ask questions. Written copies must be available either electronically or in hard copy. The center must obtain a signed document stating that the parent(s) or guardian(s) have received the policies and procedures, and by signing the policies and procedures document, the parent(s) or guardian(s) agree to follow, accept the conditions of, and give authorization and approval for the activities described in the policies and procedures.

B. Policies and procedures must be reviewed annually. Any changes must be incorporated and must be communicated to the parent(s) or guardian(s).

C. The written policies and procedures must be developed, implemented, and followed, and must include at a minimum the following information:

1. The center's purpose and its philosophy on child care.

2. The ages of children accepted.

3. Services offered for special needs children in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (see rule section 2.119 of the General Rules for Child Care Facilities).

4. The hours and dates when the center is in operation, specific hours during which special programs are offered, and holidays when the center is closed.

5. The policy regarding adverse weather, and Air Quality Index Advisory Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups as defined in rule 2.504.E..

6. The procedure concerning admission and registration of children including whether non-immunized or under immunized children are enrolled in the school-age child care center.

7. An itemized fee schedule.

8. The procedure for identifying where children are at all times, how children are accounted for throughout the day, and that children are supervised at all times by their assigned staff member.

9. The procedure on positive guidance, behavior expectations, positive instruction, supporting positive behaviors, as well as the strategies and techniques for supporting children with challenging behaviors, including how the center will:
a. Promote responsive and positive child, staff and family relationships and interactions;

b. Create and maintain a program-wide culture that promotes children's mental health, social, and emotional well-being;

c. Implement teaching strategies supporting positive behavior, pro-social peer interaction, and overall social and emotional competence in young children; and

d. Provide individualized social and emotional intervention supports for children who need them, including methods for understanding child behavior; and developing, adopting and implementing a team-based positive behavior support plan with the intent to reduce challenging behavior and prevent suspensions and expulsions.

10. How decisions are made and what steps are taken prior to the suspension, expulsion, or request to parent(s) or guardian(s) to withdraw a child from care due to concerns about the child's behavioral issues. These procedures must be consistent with the center's policy on guidance and positive instruction, and include documentation of the steps taken to understand and respond to challenging behaviors including:
a. Accessing an early childhood mental health consultant, as defined in section 26.5-3-701, C.R.S., or other specialists as needed.

11. The procedure, including notification of parent(s) or guardian(s), for handling children's illnesses, accidents, and injuries, including when children will be excluded from care and notification of parent(s) or guardian(s).

12. The procedures including notification of parent(s) or guardian(s) when a child is separated from their group and is not under the direct supervision of their assigned staff member or for whom the local authorities have been contacted.

13. The procedure for transporting children, if applicable, including children's safety related to riding in a vehicle; seating, supervision, and emergency procedures on the road; transportation arrangements; and parental permission for excursions and related activities.

14. The written policy and procedure governing field trips, television and video viewing, and special activities, including the staff's role for the supervision of children.

15. Media and internet usage policy outlining screen and media use related to their curriculum. The media plan must have information on ongoing communication with children about online safe practices for children over the age of four (4).

16. The procedure for releasing children from the center only to persons for whom the center has written authorization and the procedure for picking-up the child during an emergency.

17. The procedures followed when a child is picked up from the center after the closing hours of the center or not picked up at all, and the procedure to ensure that all children are picked up before the staff leave for the day.

18. The procedure for caring for children who arrive late to the center and their class/group is away from the center on a field trip or excursion.

19. The procedure for storing and administering children's medications and delegation of medication administration in compliance with section 12-255-131, C.R.S., of the "Nurse and Nurse Aide Practice Act."

20. The procedure concerning children's personal belongings and money.

21. The policy concerning meals and snacks

22. The policy and procedure regarding visitors.

23. The procedure for filing a complaint about child care including the name, address, and telephone number of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (see rule section 2.125 of the General Rules for Child Care Facilities).

24. The procedure for reporting child abuse and/or neglect, including the name of the county department of social/ human services and phone number of where a child abuse report should be made (see section 2.126 of the General Rules for Child Care Facilities).

25. The policy for notification when child care service is withdrawn by the program, or when parent(s) or guardian(s) withdraw their child(ren) from the center.

26. The procedure, if applicable, for transitioning children between school or community sponsored activities.

27. The procedures for emergencies and disaster preparedness such as but not limited to lost children, tornadoes, fires, shelter in place, lockdown, active shooter on premises, reunification with families after emergency or disaster, and evacuating children with disabilities as specified in rule sections 2.133 through 2.138 of the General Rules for Child Care Facilities.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Colorado may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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