Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Denver, CO

Complete permit and license guide for starting a home daycare in Denver, Denver County, Colorado.

$300 -- $800 3–6 months (CDEC licensing process dominates timeline) 6 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Denver / Denver County Requirements

2 requirements
1

Denver Business License

Required for home-based businesses in Denver, including licensed family child care homes. Issued by the Denver Department of Excise & Licenses.

$25–$50/year1–2 weeks
Official government source
2

Denver Zoning Certificate / Home Occupation

Operating a home daycare in Denver requires verification that the property's zoning allows for the use. Contact Denver Community Planning and Development to confirm your zone and obtain any required home occupation approval.

$50–$1501–3 weeks
Official government source

Colorado State Requirements

3 requirements
1

Colorado Dept of Early Childhood Family Child Care Home License

Required for family child care homes serving 3 or more children (including the provider's own) in Colorado. Issued by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). The process includes a home safety inspection, background checks for all household members (18+), first aid/CPR training, and a pre-licensing inspection. The process is thorough and takes several months.

$0 (state fee waived) + background check costs ($75–$150/person)3–6 months
Official government source
2

Colorado Background Check (CDEC)

All adults residing in or regularly present in the home must pass an FBI fingerprint and Colorado criminal history background check through the CDEC background check unit.

$75–$150 per person2–8 weeks
Official government source
3

First Aid and CPR Certification

Colorado requires all family child care home providers to hold current Pediatric First Aid and CPR certifications before receiving a license from CDEC.

$50–$1001–2 days (course completion)
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS, obtained instantly online.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

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