Child Care

Child care centers include full day centers, preschools, before- and after-school programs, summer camps, drop-in centers, and group homes. Tri-County Health Department inspects almost 750 child care centers in our three counties, which collectively serve about 55,000 children. These health inspections help to reduce the risk of exposure to infectious diseases and food-borne illnesses. Also some types of facilities (usually full-day childcare) who have children aged 0-4 years also receive an immunization record audit by our Nurses to ensure records are up-to-date.
Babies

Childcare Health Regulations

Regulations Governing the Health and Sanitation of Childcare Facilities, effective January 14, 2016
Childcare Violation Code Description Map

Online Provider Training:
2016 Regulation Training for Providers 
2016 Regulation Revision Overview (recorded Webinar) 

New Radon Testing Requirements - Radon testing must be conducted for existing licensed childcare facilities by May 17, 2017. For new childcare facilities, testing must be conducted within 6 months of occupancy. Test results must be on file at each facility and available for review. For more information:

Radon Information
Radon Testing and Results
How to Test for Radon (online quick train)

Health Requirements


Licensed childcare facilities are required to follow the Colorado Regulations Governing the Health and Sanitation of Child Care Facilities and maintain up-to-date immunization records. Additionally, prior to the construction, remodeling, or modification of a childcare center, contact one of our Tri-County Environmental Health offices. For new construction, a plan review packet must be filled out and submitted for review, along with the fee associated with the review. Once construction is completed an onsite opening inspection and approval is required by the health department. 

To seek a variance of the rules and regulations complete a variance request form. The requestor must present an undue hardship on the person, facility, or the community and meet minimum health and sanitation requirements. For embryology units where chicks are hatched OR for a non-plumbed portable handwashing sink, also complete the applicable supplemental variance form.
 


Health Inspection Reports Online

Health inspections are available online for all restaurants, childcare, public/semi-public pools and body art / tattooing in our area from July 2013 to the present

Education


Tri-County staff members provide education on sanitation, diapering, hand-washing, disease prevention, immunizations, healthy food choices, safe food preparation and other public health issues. 

Disease Prevention Fact Sheets

Food Service Fact Sheets


Infant & Toddlers Fact Sheets

 

Animals Fact Sheets


Poisonous & Toxic Materials


  1. Does Tri-County Health Department issue licenses for childcare facilities?
  2. When are health inspections conducted?
  3. Does Tri-County Health Department routinely inspect home day cares?
  4. How can I get a copy of past health inspection reports?
  5. What resources are available about serving nutritious foods in our childcare center?
  6. What sort of foods is my center permitted to serve?
  7. What is the difference between a sanitizer and a disinfectant?
  8. What are the requirements for sanitizing and disinifecting with bleach?
  9. Does Tri-County offer training for child care center staff?
  10. We will be constucting a new facility, what do we need to complete?
  11. I’m interested in buying an existing child care center, what do I need to do before purchasing it?
  12. We will be adding a room or changing one of our rooms. What do I need to do?
  13. Who can I contact if I have questions about adding equipment?
  14. When will I be invoiced for my health inspection?
  15. My child care center was built before 1978. What are the concerns regarding lead paint and renovations / repairs?
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