Colorado Preschool Program (CPP)

CPP Online Handbook: Program Requirements

Licensure through Colorado Department of Human Services

Programs must be licensed through the Division of Child Care, Colorado Department of Human Services.

• Every classroom where CPP preschool services are provided must have a valid license from the Division of Child Care at the Department of Human Services (22-28-108 (1) (a) C.R.S.).
• This license indicates that minimum health and safety standards have been followed.
  • A license is required for any space where CPP services are delivered, including public school classrooms.
  • If a school moves CPP to a different place every year, they must ensure that each new setting is also licensed.
• If a school changes the location of its CPP, the new space must also be licensed. The Division of Child Care has made staff available to work with you throughout this process.
  
   

  CDHS Contact Information: (303) 866-5958 or 1-800-799-5876 FAX No: (303) 866-4453 Colorado Department of Human Services Links: CDHS Child Care Licensing Home Page CDHS Rules Regulating Child Care Centers

Programs are also encouraged to pursue NAEYC accreditation and/or Qualistar ratings, which include ECERS evaluations.

The CPP rules and regulations encourage all programs receiving money from the Colorado Preschool Program to become accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (6.03 C.C.R.).

We also strongly encourage participation in the Qualistar Rating System. More than 65 school districts have programs which serve CPP children in a Qualistar rated site.

A comprehensive Qualistar rating uses the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS) in the rating process, but programs may choose to only seek an ECERS evaluation to measure quality. The ECERS-R is published through Teachers College Press (http://store.tcpress.com) and is available through a number of distributors.

Next: Legislated CPP Requirements