Colorado Title 26.5. Early Childhood Programs and Services § 26.5-5-331. Outdoor nature-based preschool programs--child care centers--rules--definition

(a) Land-use agreement requirements for outdoor programs operating on public or private land;

(b) Policies for site-specific alternative shelter plans. An alternative shelter may include, but need not be limited to, a covered pavilion, building, tarp, or vehicle. For emergency circumstances, outdoor programs are not required to seek alternative shelter in licensed child care center buildings.

(c) Policies for site-specific risk mitigation plans;

(d) Policies for site-specific emergency and disaster preparedness plans;

(e) Policies for site-specific evacuation plans; and

(f) Policies and procedures for outdoor programs to opt out of certain department requirements through the site-specific risk mitigation plan described in subsection (1)(c) of this section. The policies and procedures must include guidance on the departmental evaluation and approval of the site-specific risk mitigation plan based on the geographic location of the outdoor program, the ages of the children participating, and the ability of the outdoor program to demonstrate adequate safety measures to protect children.

(2)(a) The department shall provide training to licensing staff who oversee site inspections for outdoor programs. The training must include information on how to:

(b) Beginning December 1, 2026, the department shall provide training to outdoor program operators and staff on how to implement and operate outdoor programs in Colorado. The department shall collaborate with existing outdoor programs to create and implement the training using a benefit-risk assessment.

(a) Local fire departments on fire prevention and protection requirements for outdoor programs; and

(b) The department of public health and environment on sanitary standards for outdoor programs.