Colorado Department of Early Childhood cited something at 4 of the 14 visits below. Across Denver centers it cites something at about 55% of visits. Each state decides what gets written up, so this compares Denver with Denver and never with another state.
Not yet reported: ages served, hours, days / week, schedule, holiday closures.
This provider does not publish pricing.
Colorado’s Department of Early Childhood lists each program’s complaints on its Colorado Shines page, with the department’s verdict on each and a report behind it, going back about three years. Older complaints are released only on request. The department does not rank complaints by severity in either place.
Complaint · May 14, 2026
Founded
The state lists this complaint on the provider’s record and publishes an investigation report for it. Shortlist has not read that report, so this row includes no citation detail.
Probationary visit · February 5, 2026
2.219.B.2 · Correction due March 5, 2026
Reviewed 5 child files and observed 3 children to have expired health statements.
Required correction: Obtain current health statements for children, correct by 3/5/26. Correct by 03/05/2026
Probationary visit · January 8, 2026
2.127.A · Correction due January 8, 2026
The current probationary license to not be posted.
Required correction: Current probationary childcare license needs to be posted in a prominent location, correct immediately 1/8/26. *Corrected at time of inspection, teacher posted the probationary license. No response is required. Correct by 01/08/2026
Complaint · August 22, 2025
Unfounded
The state lists this complaint on the provider’s record and publishes an investigation report for it. Shortlist has not read that report, so this row includes no citation detail.
Supervisory visit · August 1, 2025
2.209.A.7 · Correction due August 1, 2025
Reviewed 5 children's files and observe four children to have expired written authorization for emergency medical health care treatment
Required correction: Obtain updated written authorization for emergency medical health care treatment for all children. Correct immediately Correct by 08/01/2025
Limited Supervisory visit · July 7, 2025
2.223.C.2 · Correction due July 7, 2025
Observed in the Infant Room three (3) mattresses covered with three (3) big loose fitting sheets. Children were not sleeping on the cribs. Previously cited on 6/12/2025.
Required correction: Soft bedding or materials that could pose a suffocation hazard are not permitted in cribs. Correct immediately. The facility's Director corrected the violation at the time of the inspection by removing the crib sheets and placing the correct fitted size sheets on the cribs. No response is necessary. Correct by 07/07/2025
2.212.G
Reviewed four (4) staff files and observed Yusra N. file to be missing a medical statement signed and dated by a physician or other health care provider. Yusra N. hire date was 5/29/2025.
Complaint · April 24, 2025
2.233.C.1 · Correction due April 24, 2025
Per staff members statements, the toddlers walk through the preschool rooms for drop off and pick up daily. Licensing Specialists observed the toddler Step 2 room open, with children and staff in the room.
Required correction: Toddlers must be physically separated from other age groups at all times. Submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist. Correct by 04/24/2025
2.229.C · Correction due April 24, 2025
In Step 4 classroom there was Cetaphil sunscreen with a manufacture label of 'Keep out of reach of children'.
Required correction: All items with a manufacture label of 'keep out of reach of children'. Corrected at the time of visit: Kristi put the sunscreen up to a higher shelf inaccessible to children. No written response needed. Correct by 04/24/2025
2.229.G · Correction due April 24, 2025
In Step 4 classroom, in the bathroom on a shelf accessible to children was a basket full of loose white trash bags, on the same shelf a roll of clear bags.
Required correction: All loose plastic bags must be stored inaccessible to all children. Corrected at the time of visit: Kristi removed the shelf with all the plastic bags to a locked cabinet. No written response needed. Correct by 04/24/2025
2.229.H · Correction due April 24, 2025
In Step 5 classroom, there was a pair of adult scissors on a shelf accessible to children.
Required correction: All sharp tools must be stored inaccessible to all children. Corrected at the time of visit: Denise removed the scissors to a locked cabinet No written response needed. Correct by 04/24/2025
2.233.B.1 · Correction due April 24, 2025
Per staff members statements, infants walk through the preschool and toddler rooms to be dropped off and picked up daily.
Required correction: Infants must be physically separated from other age groups at all times. Submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist. Correct by 04/24/2025
2.229.L · Correction due April 24, 2025
In the entry, where all children enter and exit, there was mini plastic eyes on the wall within reach of toddlers and older children, on the board in the entry way there was mini clothes pins both were posing a potential hazard. In the Step 4 room there was cotton balls on art projects in the children's cubbies, per staff members statements, there were children under the age of 3 in the room. In the infant room there was a purple ball with silver buttons, and a stuffed dog with plastic bubble eyes. In Step 2 room, there was two stuffed animals with plastic bubble eyes, and a purple ball with silver buttons, all posing a potential hazard to children under the age of 3.
Required correction: All toy parts must be free of choke hazards. Corrected at the time of visit: All items were removed to a safe place inaccessible to children. No written response needed. Correct by 04/24/2025
2.208.A.4 · Correction due April 24, 2025
Reviewed the visitor log, identified the construction workers and health department had not signed in before they removed the carpet or inspected the upstairs.
Required correction: All visitors must sign in. Submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist. Correct by 04/24/2025
2.234.A · Correction due April 24, 2025
Per the notice on the facility door, the facility began construction without proper permits.
Required correction: The facility must comply with all state and local building and fire codes. Submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist Correct by 04/24/2025
2.234.B · Correction due April 24, 2025
The facility failed to submit the architectural plans for the remodel of the upper level to the Department, local fire department and local building department for approval.
Required correction: Prior to construction, the facility must submit the plans to the Department, Fire department and local building department for approval. Submit a written response and documentation to the Specialist. Correct by 04/24/2025
2.216.A.1 · Correction due April 24, 2025
In Step 3, SM5 was alone with children. SM5 does not meet the ECT qualifications, SM5 is aide qualified.
Required correction: Each room must have an early childhood teacher or an early childhood assistant present at nap time. Submit a written statement of compliance with documentation to the Specialist. Correct by 04/24/2025
2.121.D.4.a · Correction due April 24, 2025
In Step 3 classroom, SM5 was alone with 7 children. SM5 does not have the FBI clearance letter.
Required correction: All individuals requiring a background check must review Navigating the Background Check Investigation Unit's (BIU) Webpage powerpoint. Submit verification that staff members have reviewed the powerpoint within 24 hours. Submit documentation of FBI Clearance Letters for staff members with written response to the Specialist. Correct by 04/24/2025
2.230.B · Correction due April 24, 2025
Inside: In Step 5 classroom, there were two blue chairs on a table with a child napping next to the table. In Step 2 classroom, there was an air purifier and AC unit on a shelf, a child was napping next to the shelf. In addition, identified upstairs contained asbestos, construction began before the abatement was completed. Outside: At the entrance outside there was a water table with water with a film on top/ sand/ debris and what looked like
Required correction: Indoor and outdoor equpment, materials and furnishings must be sturdy, safe and free of hazards. Corrected at the time of visit: All items were removed to a safe place inaccessible to all children. In addition, the facility ceased construction, and the abatement was completed. The final visual and air clearance report was dated 3/31/2025 confirming this facility passed with clean air. No written response needed. Correct by 04/24/2025 Complaint Allegation : RP states that the facility does not have a Director on site 60% operating hours daily. - FOUNDED
2.217.A.3 · Correction due April 24, 2025
Per staff members statements, the facility has not had a Director on site 60% of the day, daily.
Required correction: The Director must be present at least 60% of any day the center is open. Submit a written statement of compliance. Correct by 04/24/2025 Violations unrelated to Complaints are:
2.222.A.1.b · Correction due April 24, 2025
In Step 4 classroom, there were loose diapers and baby wipes in the children's cubbies, accessible to children.
Required correction: All diaper supplies must be inaccessible to all children. Corrected at the time of visit: Kristi removed all the diapers to a locked cabinet. No written response needed. Correct by 04/24/2025
2.233.C.1 · Correction due April 24, 2025
Per staff members statements, the toddlers walk through the preschool rooms for drop off and pick up daily. Licensing Specialists observed the toddler Step 2 room open, with children and staff in the room.
Required correction: Toddlers must be physically separated from other age groups at all times. Submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist. Correct by 04/24/2025
2.229.C · Correction due April 24, 2025
In Step 4 classroom there was Cetaphil sunscreen with a manufacture label of 'Keep out of reach of children'.
Required correction: All items with a manufacture label of 'keep out of reach of children'. Corrected at the time of visit: Kristi put the sunscreen up to a higher shelf inaccessible to children. No written response needed. Correct by 04/24/2025
2.229.G · Correction due April 24, 2025
In Step 4 classroom, in the bathroom on a shelf accessible to children was a basket full of loose white trash bags, on the same shelf a roll of clear bags.
Required correction: All loose plastic bags must be stored inaccessible to all children. Corrected at the time of visit: Kristi removed the shelf with all the plastic bags to a locked cabinet. No written response needed. Correct by 04/24/2025
2.229.H · Correction due April 24, 2025
In Step 5 classroom, there was a pair of adult scissors on a shelf accessible to children.
Required correction: All sharp tools must be stored inaccessible to all children. Corrected at the time of visit: Denise removed the scissors to a locked cabinet No written response needed. Correct by 04/24/2025
2.233.B.1 · Correction due April 24, 2025
Per staff members statements, infants walk through the preschool and toddler rooms to be dropped off and picked up daily.
Required correction: Infants must be physically separated from other age groups at all times. Submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist. Correct by 04/24/2025
2.229.L · Correction due April 24, 2025
In the entry, where all children enter and exit, there was mini plastic eyes on the wall within reach of toddlers and older children, on the board in the entry way there was mini clothes pins both were posing a potential hazard. In the Step 4 room there was cotton balls on art projects in the children's cubbies, per staff members statements, there were children under the age of 3 in the room. In the infant room there was a purple ball with silver buttons, and a stuffed dog with plastic bubble eyes. In Step 2 room, there was two stuffed animals with plastic bubble eyes, and a purple ball with silver buttons, all posing a potential hazard to children under the age of 3.
Required correction: All toy parts must be free of choke hazards. Corrected at the time of visit: All items were removed to a safe place inaccessible to children. No written response needed. Correct by 04/24/2025
2.208.A.4 · Correction due April 24, 2025
Reviewed the visitor log, identified the construction workers and health department had not signed in before they removed the carpet or inspected the upstairs.
Required correction: All visitors must sign in. Submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist. Correct by 04/24/2025
2.234.A · Correction due April 24, 2025
Per the notice on the facility door, the facility began construction without proper permits.
Required correction: The facility must comply with all state and local building and fire codes. Submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist Correct by 04/24/2025
2.234.B · Correction due April 24, 2025
The facility failed to submit the architectural plans for the remodel of the upper level to the Department, local fire department and local building department for approval.
Required correction: Prior to construction, the facility must submit the plans to the Department, Fire department and local building department for approval. Submit a written response and documentation to the Specialist. Correct by 04/24/2025
2.216.A.1 · Correction due April 24, 2025
In Step 3, SM5 was alone with children. SM5 does not meet the ECT qualifications, SM5 is aide qualified.
Required correction: Each room must have an early childhood teacher or an early childhood assistant present at nap time. Submit a written statement of compliance with documentation to the Specialist. Correct by 04/24/2025
2.121.D.4.a · Correction due April 24, 2025
In Step 3 classroom, SM5 was alone with 7 children. SM5 does not have the FBI clearance letter.
Required correction: All individuals requiring a background check must review Navigating the Background Check Investigation Unit's (BIU) Webpage powerpoint. Submit verification that staff members have reviewed the powerpoint within 24 hours. Submit documentation of FBI Clearance Letters for staff members with written response to the Specialist. Correct by 04/24/2025
Complaint · April 24, 2025
Unfounded
The state lists this complaint on the provider’s record and publishes an investigation report for it. Shortlist has not read that report, so this row includes no citation detail.
Complaint · April 24, 2025
Founded
The state lists this complaint on the provider’s record and publishes an investigation report for it. Shortlist has not read that report, so this row includes no citation detail.
Complaint · March 13, 2025
2.223.A.1 · Correction due March 13, 2025
Identified through staff members statements that during transition from the toddler playground to CH1's classroom, CH1 was left alone and unsupervised in the fenced in toddler playground for about three (3) minutes.
Required correction: Ensure that at all times, all children are under the direct supervision of a qualified adult who have been assigned the responsibility to supervise. Correct immediately. Send verification with written response to Specialist. Correct by 03/13/2025 Complaint Allegation : RP states that there is a mouse problem in the entire building and is not being taken care of. - FOUNDED
2.237.B · Correction due March 13, 2025
Identified through staff member statements that staff have seeing three (3) mice walking in the toddler classroom Step 2A and one (1) dead mouse glued on the mouse trap. Also, identified through staff members statements that they have seeing mice walking in the kitchen, walking in the entryway where the parents sign in and out their children and in the teachers’ lounge. Additionally, identified through staff statement that two (2) mice were walking around the toddler Step 2A classroom while the children were present. Furthermore, the health Department received a complaint about a mouse infestation in the facility and an onsite inspection was conducted on 03/11/2025. There was a compliance agreement between the facility's owner and the Health Department, and the Health Department will be conducting random progress inspections.
Required correction: Buildings must be kept in good repair and maintained in a safe condition. Correct immediately. Send verification with written response to Specialist. Correct by 03/13/2025 Complaint Allegation : RP stated that the facility failed to report incident of CH1 separated from the group. Facility failed to inform POC of the incident. - FOUNDED
2.124.A.1.d
Identified through staff members statements that the facility failed to report to a county department of human or social services agency that CH1 was left alone and unsupervised for about three (3) minutes in the toddler playground area. Additionally, identified through staff statements that CH1 parent(s)/guardian(s) were not informed of the incident.
Complaint · March 13, 2025
Founded
The state lists this complaint on the provider’s record and publishes an investigation report for it. Shortlist has not read that report, so this row includes no citation detail.
Complaint · January 27, 2025
Founded
The state lists this complaint on the provider’s record and publishes an investigation report for it. Shortlist has not read that report, so this row includes no citation detail.
The Department of Early Childhood keeps about three years of complaints on a program’s public page. Anything older is released only on request, as a single file covering the whole state. Shortlist asked for that file under the Colorado Open Records Act and renews it yearly; it is what this page shows for complaints older than the department’s own window.
The file this page is built from arrived on September 1, 2026 and covers complaints the department publishes today, and complaints back to January 2023 obtained by records request. The next request goes in September 2027.
The department publishes a report for each of these visits. Shortlist has not read those reports yet, so this page shows when the state came and not what it found.
The department will also review one program’s complete file on request, which is more than either source above contains. Leave your email and Shortlist will ask for 7 Steps Academy - Arvada South’s file specifically, instead of waiting for the next one.
Cost, hours and late pickup, a typical day, sick and biting policies.
Ask which of these findings were serious, and what changed.Colorado Department of Early Childhood publishes a correction deadline, never whether the work was done or how serious it was.
Where every fact on this page came from, and when Shortlist last checked it against that source. Anything Shortlist could not source is named here rather than left blank.
Not yet reported: established, teaching approach.
Every state visit and complaint on file, shown in full and never edited. Open a date to read what the state wrote.
Do you run 7 Steps Academy - Arvada South? Shortlist has no tuition, hours or ratios for it, because the state does not publish that. Add what is missing. It is free and takes about ten minutes.