Colorado Title 26.5. Early Childhood Programs and Services § 26.5-5-322. Periodic review of licensing rules and procedures--legislative declaration

(1) The general assembly finds that changes in demographics and economic trends in Colorado have increased the need for high-quality and affordable child care. The general assembly also recognizes that the provision of child care in this state and in the nation is a rapidly growing industry subject to many changes. The general assembly further finds that there is a need for continuing comprehensive review of the rules and the licensing procedures governing child care centers and family child care homes that includes the adequate and full participation of parents, consumers, child care providers, and interested persons. The general assembly finds that such a review with the goal of identifying problems in the fragmentation and lack of uniformity of standards in the licensing process would benefit the state and result in improvements in the regulation of this industry that is so vital to the health and well-being of the state's children and citizens.

(2) By July 1, 2023, and at least every five years thereafter, the department shall conduct a comprehensive review of the licensing rules for child care centers and family child care homes and the procedures relating to and governing child care centers and family child care homes, including procedures for the review of backgrounds of employees and owners. In conducting such periodic review, the department shall consult with parents and consumers of child care, child care providers, the department of public health and environment, the department of human services, experts in the child care field, and other interested parties throughout the state. The periodic review must include an examination of the rules applicable to child care centers and family child care homes, the process of licensing such facilities, uniformity of standards or lack thereof in the licensing process, statewide standardization of investigations and enforcement of licensing by the department, duplication and conflicts in rules, requirements, or procedures between the department and the department of public health and environment, and recommendations for streamlining and unifying the licensing process. The review must also include an examination of rules and procedures regarding the general physical and mental health of employees and owners. At the conclusion of each review, the department shall report its findings and conclusions and its recommendations for administrative changes and for legislation to the executive director of the department of early childhood and the executive director of the department of public health and environment.