Colorado Department of Early Childhood cited something at 6 of the 7 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.
Limited Supervisory visit · August 12, 2026
2.229.D · Correction due August 12, 2026
Observed loose staples in the wall of the preschool classroom accessible to children under the age of 3.
Required correction: Staples must be inaccessible to children less than 3 years of age. Correct by 08/12/2026
2.229.C · Correction due August 12, 2026
Observed a Swiffer mop in the bathroom of the Toddler 1 classroom and in the bathroom of the Toddler 2 classroom with the cleaning solution attached, labeled "keep out of reach of children" and accessible to children.
Required correction: Items labeled "keep out of reach of children must be inaccessible to children at all times. Correct by 08/12/2026
Observed the toddler 1 classroom to be using Tadpoles app for attendance tracking. Tadpoles app showed 8 children signed in and only 3 children were in the classroom. Toddler 2 classroom did not have Tadpoles app available and was using meal tracker as attendance roster which stated 7 children and 6 children were present in the classroom. Meal tracker does not state when children signed in for the day. Preschool classroom Tadpoles app stated 12 children and 13
2.217.A.7 · Correction due August 12, 2026
Observed SM1 and SM2 in the preschool classroom. SM1 and SM2 are not qualified as ECT staff.
Required correction: There must be at least 1 qualified early childhood teacher supervising each group of children. Corrected at the time of inspection. Facility combined children to ensure ECT qualified staff in each classroom. Send plan of ongoing compliance. Correct by 08/12/2026
2.217.A.14 · Correction due August 12, 2026
Observed SM1 leave the Preschool classroom and go upstairs with one child, leaving SM2 in the preschool room with 12 children. The preschool room is a mixed age group with a ratio of 1:10.
Required correction: Mixed-age group ratio for children 2.5-6 years of age is 1 staff member to 10 children. Ensure all classrooms are following classroom staff-to-child ratios at all times. Corrected at the time of inspection. Facility combined children to ensure correct ratio in each classroom. Send plan of ongoing compliance. Correct by 08/12/2026
2.212.A · Correction due August 12, 2026
Preschool staff stated that there were 12 children in the preschool classroom and showed 12 children on their attendance tracking. LS counted children and there were 13 children in the preschool room at the time of inspection.
Required correction: All staff at the center must demonstrate knowledgeable decision-making, judgment and concern for the proper care and well-being of children. Ensure all staff are aware of the number of children in their care at all times. Correct by 08/12/2026
2.121.D.4.a · Correction due August 12, 2026
Reviewed 3 staff files and observed SM1 and SM2 to be lacking FBI clearance letter and working unsupervised with children.
Required correction: Criminal background checks mst be successfuly completed prior to allowing an individual unspervised access to children in child care centers. All individuals requiring a background check must review the Navigating the BIU's Webpage powerpoint within 24 hours. Send verification that SM1 and SM2 reviewed powerpoint within 24 hours and send verification of FBI clearance letter with written response to specialist. Correct by 08/12/2026
2.210.A.2 · Correction due August 12, 2026
Reviewed 3 staff files and observed SM1 and SM2 (DOH for both staff 8/10/26) lacking verification of qualifications on file.
Required correction: A record must be maintained for each staff member that incudes verification of qualfications. Correct by 08/12/2026
Limited Supervisory visit · June 16, 2026
2.237.E · Correction due June 16, 2026
Observed a swifer spray mop with a cleaning compound container attached to the mop accessible to children in an unlocked closet in the Preschool room.
Required correction: Cleaning compounds must be stored in areas inaccessible to children. *** Corrected at the time of inspection. Staff locked the closet containing the cleaning compound. No response required. Correct by 06/16/2026
2.229.H · Correction due June 16, 2026
Observed adult scissors on a low cart accessible to children in the Preschool room.
Required correction: Sharp tools must be stored in areas inaccessible to children. ***Corrected at the time of inspection. Staff placed adult scissors in a cabinet inaccessible to children. No response required. Correct by 06/16/2026
Limited Supervisory visit · May 19, 2026
2.223.A.1 · Correction due May 19, 2026
At the time of inspection, LS observed 5 children sleeping in the Toddler 1 room with no staff present in the classroom. Children were not under direct supervision.
Required correction: All children must be under the direct supervision at all times. Corrected at the time of inspection. LS stepped in for SM1 who was covering Preschool breaks to locate a staff member to cover the Toddler 1 room. SM2 was located and went in the Toddler 1 room to provide direct supervision. Respond with ongoing plan for compliance, Correct by 05/19/2026
2.217.A.14
At the time of inspection, LS observed 5 children in the Toddler 1 room with no staff present. The ratio for the Toddler 1 room is 1 staff to 5 toddlers.
2.212.A · Correction due May 19, 2026
Identified through SM3’s statement that SM1 instructed SM3 to leave for lunch without another staff member present to provide supervision in the Toddler 1 classroom. SM3 stated that SM1 or SM2 would eventually enter the classroom to provide coverage. SM3 acknowledged leaving the classroom for break while no other staff member was present to supervise the children in care. At the time of inspection, LS observed the Toddler 1 classroom with five children present and no staff member providing supervision.
Required correction: All staff at the center must demonstrate knowledgeable decision-making, judgment, and concern for the proper care and well-being of children. Respond with ongoing plan for compliance. Correct by 05/19/2026
2.208.A.2 · Correction due May 19, 2026
At the time of inspection, LS requested staffing patterns to verify coverage of staff to child ratio. Staffing pattern was not avaiable upon request.
Required correction: A list of current staff members, substitutes, and staffing patterns must be on file at the center. Respond with ongoing plan for compliance. Correct by 05/19/2026
At the time of inspection, LS observed the Toddler 1 classroom with five children present and no staff supervision. SM1 stated SM3 was instructed to wait for coverage by SM1 or SM2 before leaving for break. SM2 stated they were on break and unaware they were expected to provide coverage. SM3 stated SM1 instructed them to begin their
Complaint · March 10, 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.
Supervisory visit · February 3, 2026
2.122.A · Correction due February 3, 2026
Reviewed fire inspection report and observed a next inspection date of 6/23/2025 with the last inspection date being 3/25/2024.
Required correction: All child care facilities must be inspected and obtain an approving inspection report from the local fire department. Respond with verification of compliance. Correct by 02/03/2026
2.127.D
Observed the Toddler 2 room to be lacking a posting of the licensed capacity and staff-to-child ratio.
Required correction: Child care facilities must post in every room the license capacity of the room and the staff-to-child ratio.
2.229.L · Correction due February 3, 2026
Observed small counting dinosaurs and pom poms on a low shelf posing a potential choking hazard in the Preschool room accessible to children under the age of 3.
Required correction: Areas accessible to children under the age of 3 must be free of any choke hazards. *** Corrected at the time of inspection. Staff removed counting dinosaurs and pom poms from the classroom and made inaccessible to children. No response required. Correct by 02/03/2026
2.229.M · Correction due February 3, 2026
Observed a glass jar on a low shelf in the Preschool room accessible to children under the age of 5.
Required correction: Easily breakable plastic pr glass are not permitted for children under the age of 5. *** Corrected at the time of inspection. Staff removed glass jar from the classroom and made inaccessible to children. No response required. Correct by 02/03/2026
2.209.B.4 · Correction due March 3, 2026
Reviewed 4 child files and observed 1 file to be lacking an updated health statement completed by a health care provider. The last visit date was 2/10/2025 with an annual due date of 12/2025.
Required correction: The center must maintain and update annually a copy of the child's health statement completed by a health care provider. Respond with verification of compliance. Correct by 03/03/2026
Supervisory visit · February 19, 2025
2.219.B.1 · Correction due February 19, 2025
Reviewed 5 child files and observed 1 to have an immunization record on an unapproved form.
Required correction: At the time of admission, the parents must provide for each child, documentation of the school-required immunization status or certificate of exemption on the CDPHE certificate of immunization or other approved form. Correct by 02/19/2025
2.219.B.2 · Correction due March 19, 2025
Reviewed 5 child files and observed 1 to have an expired health statement.
Required correction: Within 30 days of admission and within 30 days following the expiration date of a previous health statement, the parents of each child must submit a statement of the child's current health status. Correct by 03/19/2025
2.229.C · Correction due February 19, 2025
Observed ointments labeled "keep out of reach of children" in an unlocked cabinet accessible to children in the Toddler 1 classroom.
Required correction: Items labeled "keep out of reach of children" must be inaccessible to children at all times. ***Corrected at the time of inspection. Director removed ointments. No response required. Correct by 02/19/2025
Complaint · October 23, 2024
2.217.A.14
Observed staff member Cynthia bring 2 children to the bathroom at the time of inspection leaving staff member Dahlia with 19 children by herself outside on the preschool playground.
2.217.A.15 · Correction due October 23, 2024
Observed the pre-K classroom to have 21 children and over the max group size of 20 children for children ages 3-4 years old.
Required correction: Facility must always follow maximum group sizes as provided by the department. Maximum group sizes also apply on the playground. For children ages 3-4 years of age, the max group size is 20 children in one group. Correct by 10/23/2024
2.212.A · Correction due October 23, 2024
Staff member Cynthia stated that there were 20 children on the preschool playground at the time of inspection and there were 21 children.
Required correction: All staff must demonstrate knowledgeable decision making and concern for the proper well being of children. Staff must know how many children are in their care at all times. Correct by 10/23/2024
2.217.A.7
Observed staff member Cynthia take 2 children to the bathroom at the time of inspection leaving staff member Dahlia who is aide qualified with the rest of the group.
2.233.A.3 · Correction due October 23, 2024
Observed a 1 year old in the infant 2 room which is licensed for children up to 12 months of age.
Required correction: Rooms licensed for specific ages of children cannot be used for other ages of children without the written approval of the licensing authority. Correct by 10/23/2024
Complaint · October 23, 2024
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.
Supervisory visit · March 6, 2024
2.122.A · Correction due April 6, 2024
Program lacking documentation of a current building fire inspection.
Required correction: Provide documentation through an approving health inspection from the local health department (local fire department), along with a written statement of compliance within the overall response ensuring that a current health inspection has been obtained and will be maintained. Correct by 04/06/2024
2.209.A.7
Reviewed 4 children's files and observed 3 children lacking documentation of a current emergency medical authorization signed by a parent/guardian.
2.213.B · Correction due March 6, 2024
Reviewed 9 staff files and observed 6 staff (Annette H., Nayelly F., Nicole O., Shirley O., Cynthia F., and Abigail G.) lacking documentation of a current standard precautions training.
Required correction: Immediately (3/6/24) ensure that the program obtains and maintains documentation of a current standard precautions training for all staff to include the above listed staff. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response. Correct by 03/06/2024
2.219.B.1
Reveiwed 4 children's files and observed 3 children lacking documentation of a current immunization record on a state approved form.
2.219.B.2 · Correction due April 6, 2024
Reviewed 4 children's files and observed 2 children lacking documentation of a current health statement signed by a medical provider.
Required correction: Provide a written statement of compliance ensuring all student files have a current health statement signed and dated by a healthcare provider. Correct by 04/06/2024
2.217.C.7
Program lacking documentation of the child care health consultant introductory training for the appointed child care health consultant.
Required correction: Immediately (3/6/24) ensure that the program obtains and maintains documentation of the child care health
2.217.C.6 · Correction due March 6, 2024
Program lacking documentation of a brief biography for the child care health consultant.
Required correction: Immediately (3/6/24) ensure that a brief biography for the current child care health consultant is obtained and maintained. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response. Correct by 03/06/2024
2.217.A.7 · Correction due March 6, 2024
At the time of the inspection the teacher in the Infant 2 classroom was lacking documentation of early childhood teacher credentials.
Required correction: Immediately (3/6/24) ensure that a qualified Early Childhood Teacher is assigned to supervise each group of children at all times. Director moved a qualified early childhood teacher to the infant 2 classroom at the time of the inspection. Provide a written plan of action or documentation of qualifications for assigned ECT with in the overall response. Correct by 03/06/2024
2.230.B · Correction due March 6, 2024
A gap in the wall heater cover near window in the toddler 1 classroom causing a possible hazard.
Required correction: Immediately (3/6/24) ensure all indoor and outdoor equipment, materials, and furnishings are sturdy, safe, and free of hazards. Director fixed the cover and closed the gap on the heater at the time of the inspection. NO RESPONSE REQUIRED. Correct by 03/06/2024
Complaint · November 27, 2023
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 Back to Basics Child Care Center’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.
All checked July 2026.
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 Back to Basics Child Care Center? 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.