KinderCare runs 23 licensed locations in Denver.
Colorado Department of Early Childhood cited something at 19 of the 26 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.
Renewal-Probationary visit · January 22, 2026
2.213.B · Correction due January 22, 2026
Reviewed 19 staff files and identified one staff member with expired Standard Precautions training.
Required correction: The training must be renewed annually. Submit documentation with written statement of compliance to specialist. Correct by 01/22/2026
2.219.B.1
Reviewed 10 child files and identified 2 children's immunization record documented on an unapproved form.
2.213.F · Correction due January 22, 2026
Reviewed 19 staff files and identified one staff member to be missing the First Aid/CPR Module and no First Aid/CPR certification.
Required correction: Staff not required by rule to be certified, must complete the First Aid/CPR Module. CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. Staff completed the training. No response required. Correct by 01/22/2026
2.213.G · Correction due January 22, 2026
Reviewed 19 staff files and identified one staff member with expired child abuse prevention training.
Required correction: The training must be completed annually. Submit documentation with written statement of compliance to specialist. Correct by 01/22/2026
2.213.N
Staff member responsible for children's immunization record with expired immunization training.
2.216.C.2 · Correction due January 22, 2026
Reviewed 19 staff files and identified 2 staff members to be missing documentation of the 8 hours of Toddler orientation and working in the Toddler room.
Required correction: Toddler Aides must complete 8 hours of orientation. Submit documentation with written statement of compliance to specialist. Correct by 01/22/2026
2.138.A · Correction due January 22, 2026
Reviewed the drill logs for 2025 and identified that no documentation for Tornado drills for March, May, July, September and October.
Required correction: Tornado drills must be completed from March through October. Submit a written statement of compliance to specialist. Correct by 01/22/2026
2.219.B.2
Reviewed 10 child files and identified one child's health statement to be expired.
2.229.L · Correction due January 22, 2026
In the DPS B room, in the container, a small toy bug accessible to children under 3 years of age.
Required correction: Choke hazards must be inaccessible to children. CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. Staff removed the hazard. No response required. Correct by 01/22/2026
2.229.S.1 · Correction due February 22, 2026
Six washable books in the DPS A (Toddler) room. 9 children were in attendance.
Required correction: Ensure that more books are accessible to children in the Toddler room. CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. Director added more books to the classroom. No response required. Correct by 02/22/2026
2.230.B · Correction due January 22, 2026
In the PreK room, one of the sinks not draining, causing dirty water to stand in the sink.
Required correction: Ensure that the sinks are safe and free of hazard. Submit a written statement of compliance to specialist. Correct by 01/22/2026
2.230.C.8 · Correction due January 22, 2026
On the Preschool playground debris such as paper cups, plastic cups and orange peel and on the Toddler playground tissue paper.
Required correction: Ensure that the outdoor play area is free of debris. CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. Staff member removed the debris. No response required. Correct by 01/22/2026
Complaint · November 5, 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.
Probationary visit · November 5, 2025
2.229.L · Correction due November 5, 2025
In the Preschool room, small pieces of Bristle Blocks, marker caps and highlighter caps and on the Preschool playground broken chalk accessible for children under 3 years of age. This is a violation of stipulation K on the probationary license. Stipulation K states: Choking hazards must be inaccessible to children under three (3) years of age.
Required correction: Choke hazards must be inaccessible to children. CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. Director removed the choke hazards from the classroom. No reponse required. Correct by 11/05/2025
On the Preschool Playground, debris such as pieces of snack wrapper, torn ziplock bags, empty water bottle and paper accessible to children. This is a violation of stipulation L on the probationary license. Stipulation L states:
Probationary visit · October 15, 2025
2.230.C.8 · Correction due October 15, 2025
Exposed weed covering on the Toddler A playground under the tree, posing a potential tripping hazard. This is a violation of stipulation (L). Stipulation (L) states "Licensee shall ensure all indoor and outdoor play areas are maintained in safe condition and that hazardous, high-risk areas are made inaccessible to children."
Required correction: The outdoor area must be safe and free of hazards. CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. Staff cut the exposed weed covering. No response required. Correct by 10/15/2025
Identified through Director statement that CH1 was not signed in on the day when CH1 was in the classroom.
Complaint · September 17, 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.
Probationary visit · September 17, 2025
2.120.C.1.a.1 · Correction due September 17, 2025
Reviewed one staff file and identified SM (DOH 7/14/25) to be missing TRAILS clearance letter. SM was observed working in the classroom alone.
Required correction: All individuals requiring a background check must review Navigating the Background Check Investigation Unit's (BIU) Webpage powerpoint. Submit verification that staff member has reviewed the powerpoint within 24 hours. Submit documentation of TRAILS clearance letter with written statement of compliance to specialist. Correct by 09/17/2025 ,
2.120.D · Correction due September 17, 2025
Reviewed one staff file and identified that SM was hired on 7/14/25 and the TRAILS request was submitted on 9/ 5/25. This is a violation of stipulation (I) on the probationary license. Probationary stipulation (I) states: Licensee shall timely submit a fingerprint-based background check and Trails abuse/neglect background inquiry request for any new hire. Documentation of the background check must be maintained in the staff file at all times.
Required correction: TRAILS request must be submitted within 10 calendar days of first day of hire. Submit a written statement of compliance to specialist. Correct by 09/17/2025
2.212.G · Correction due October 17, 2025
Reviewed one staff file and identified SM (DOH 7/14/25) to be missing a health statement.
Required correction: All staff must submit a health statement. Submit a written statement of compliance to specialist. Correct by 10/17/2025
Complaint · September 3, 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 · August 19, 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.
Probationary visit · August 19, 2025
2.121.D · Correction due August 19, 2025
Reviewed 3 staff files and identified SM3 to be missing CBI and FBI Clearance letter and SM1 to be missing FBI Clearance letter. This is a violation of stipulation "I" on the probationary license. Probationary stipulation "I" states: Licensee shall timely submit a fingerprint-based background check and Trails abuse/neglect background inquiry request for any new hire. Documentation of the background check must be maintained in the staff file at all times.
Required correction: All individuals requiring a background check must review Navigating the Background Check Investigation Unit's (BIU) Webpage powerpoint. Submit verification that staff member has reviewed the powerpoint within 24 hours. Submit documentation of CBI and FBI clearance letter for SM3 and FBI clearance letter for SM1 with written response to the Specialist. Correct by 08/19/2025
2.229.S.1 · Correction due August 19, 2025
In the Toddler C (2 A) classroom, 3 vinyl books accessible gto children on the bookshelf. Nine children were present at the time of the inspection.
Required correction: Toddler classrooms must have books available to children. CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. Staff added more books to the shelf. No response required. Correct by 08/19/2025
2.230.E · Correction due August 19, 2025
On the preschool playground, two wheeled rider bikes accessible to children and no helmets were observed. LS asked director where they keep the helmets and Director stated they do not have any helmets.
Required correction: Children must wear helmets when using riding bikes. CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. Director removed the riding bikes from the playground. Submit a written statement of compliance to specialist. Correct by 08/19/2025
2.120.C.1.a
Reviewed 3 staff files and identified SM3 to be missing TRAILS Clearance letter. This is a violation of stipulation "I" on the probationary license. Probationary stipulation "I" states: Licensee shall timely submit a fingerprint-based background check and Trails abuse/neglect background inquiry request for any new hire. Documentation of the background check must be maintained in the staff file at all times.
Limited Supervisory visit · July 10, 2025
2.223.C.2.a · Correction due July 10, 2025
In the Infant A room, two crib mattresses had loose sheet on.
Required correction: Crib mattresses must have properly fitted sheets. CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. Director flattened the sheets. No response required. Correct by 07/10/2025
Limited Supervisory visit · May 14, 2025
2.229.L · Correction due May 14, 2025
In the DPS-A classroom, Melissa and Doug latch puzzle labeled 3+ accessible to children under 3 years of age, posing a potential hazard.
Required correction: Toys labeled 3+ must be inaccessible to children. CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. Staff placed the latch puzzle to an area inaccessible to children. No response required. Correct by 05/14/2025
Limited Supervisory visit · April 17, 2025
2.223.A.2 · Correction due April 17, 2025
Specialist asked how many children are in the room and staff reported 23. Specialist counted 24 children. Staff stated one child just arrived.
Required correction: Staff must be aware of the number of children in the classroom at all times. Submit a written statement of compliance to specialist. Correct by 04/17/2025
2.229.L
Broken chalk, marker cap, glue stick cap, and elastic tie in the Preschool room and small geo shape, glue stick cap, small wooden piece, and flower pedal from artificial flower in the Discovery Preschool, accessible to children under 3 years of age.
Required correction: Choke hazards must be inaccessible to children under 3 years of age. Corrected at the time of the inspection.
Renewal-Probationary visit · December 12, 2024
2.229.L · Correction due December 12, 2024
In the Preschool room (2.5 year olds in attendance), plastic cubes, plastic letters, broken crayons, and bristle blocks posing potential choking hazards. *This is a direct violation of stipulation "M" on the probationary license.
Required correction: Materials that could pose a choking hazard must be inaccessible to children, correct immediately 12/12/24. *Corrected at time of inspection, Director removed the items from the classroom. No response is required. Correct by 12/12/2024
2.222.A.1.b · Correction due December 12, 2024
A tub on the floor in the Toddler C bathroom with diaper supplies.
Required correction: Diaper supplies must be inaccessible to children, correct immediately 12/12/24. *Corrected at time of inspection, Director moved the tub to a high shelf. No response is required. Correct by 12/12/2024
Probationary visit · November 21, 2024
2.212.G · Correction due December 21, 2024
Reviewed 16 staff files and observed 2 staff to be missing medical statements signed by health care provider
Required correction: Obtain current medical statements for staff, correct by 12/21/24. Correct by 12/21/2024
2.212.J
Reviewed 16 staff files and observed 1 staff to be missing documentation of reading policies and procedures.
2.213.B · Correction due November 21, 2024
Reviewed 16 staff files and observed 2 staff to be missing and 1 staff to have an expired department approved standard precautions training. *This is a direct violation of stipulation "J" on the probationary license.
Required correction: Obtain and update annually department approved standard precautions training for staff, correct immediately 11/21/24. Correct by 11/21/2024
2.213.C · Correction due November 21, 2024
Reviewed 16 staff files and observed 1 staff to be missing a department approved safe sleep training. *This is a direct violation of stipulation "J" on the probationary license.
Required correction: Obtain department approved safe sleep training for staff, correct immediately 11/21/24. Correct by 11/21/2024
2.213.D · Correction due November 21, 2024
Reviewed 16 staff files and observed 2 staff to be missing a department approved shaken baby/abusive head trauma training. *This is a direct violation of stipulation "J" on the probationary license.
Required correction: Obtain department approved shaken baby/abusive head trauma training, correct immediately 11/21/24. Correct by 11/21/2024
2.213.G · Correction due December 21, 2024
Reviewed 16 staff files and observed 1 staff to be missing and 1 staff to have expired department approved child abuse training. *This is a direct violation of stipulation "J" on the probationary license.
Required correction: Obtain department approved child abuse training, correct by 12/21/24. Correct by 12/21/2024
2.213.L · Correction due December 21, 2024
Reviewed 16 staff files and observed 2 staff to be missing a department approved child development training. *This is a direct violation of stipulation "J" on the probationary license.
Required correction: Obtain a department approved child development training, correct by 12/21/24. Correct by 12/21/2024
2.214.F.1.a · Correction due November 21, 2024
Assistant Director to be missing qualifications. *This is a direct violation of stipulation "I" on the probationary license.
Required correction: Obtain qualifications for Assistant Director, correct immediately 11/21/24. Correct by 11/21/2024
Reviewed 16 staff files and observed two staff to be missing a department approved emergency disaster preparedness training. *This is a direct violation of stipulation "J" on the probationary license.
2.212.K · Correction due November 21, 2024
Reviewed 16 staff files and observed one staff to be missing documentation staff have read and been instructed on licensing rules and regulations.
Required correction: Obtain documentation staff have read and been instructed on licensing rules and regulations. Correct by 11/21/2024
2.213.A · Correction due November 21, 2024
Reviewed 16 staff files and observed as 1 staff to be missing a preservice training. *This is a direct violation of stipulation "J" on the probationary license.
Required correction: Obtain preservice training for staff, correct immediately 11/21/24. Correct by 11/21/2024
Reviewed 16 staff files and observed one staff employed over 90 days to be missing a department approved Introduction to Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education training. *This is a direct violation of
2.213.I · Correction due December 21, 2024
Reviewed 16 staff files and observed one staff employed over 90 days to be missing a department approved Recognizing the Impact of Bias on Early Childhood Professionals training. *This is a direct violation of stipulation "J" on the probationary license.
Required correction: Obtain a department approved Recognizing the Impact of Bias on Early Childhood Professionals training, correct by 12/21/24. Correct by 12/21/2024
2.216.C.2 · Correction due November 21, 2024
A staff member to be working in the toddler classroom and missing an 8 hour toddler orientation.
Required correction: Obtain 8 hour toddler orientation for staff, correct immediately 12/21/24. Correct by 11/21/2024
2 containers of diaper wipes in an unlocked lower cabinet, labeled "keep out of the reach of children". *This
2.229.I · Correction due November 21, 2024
Only one evacuation crib in the older infant room which is licensed for 10 infants.
Required correction: Obtain one more evacuation crib, correct immediately 11/21/24 Correct by 11/21/2024
Probationary visit · October 3, 2024
2.229.L · Correction due October 3, 2024
Glue sticks and paint dobbers with small lids on a low shelf in Toddler C room, posing a potential choking hazard. *This is a direct violation of stipulation "M" on the probationary license.
Required correction: Materials that might pose a choking hazard must not be accessible to children under 3 years of age, correct immediately 10/3/24. *Corrected at the time of inspection, teacher put the materials on a high shelf. No response is required. Correct by 10/03/2024
2.229.C · Correction due October 3, 2024
Diaper creams, sunscreens and wipes in an unlocked cabinet under the diaper changing station in Toddler B room, labeled "keep out of the reach of children". *This is a direct violation of stipulation "L" on the probationary license.
Required correction: Items labeled "keep out of the reach of children" must be inaccessible to children, correct immediately 10/3/24. *Corrected at time of inspection, teacher locked the cabinet. No response is required. Correct by 10/03/2024
2.230.B · Correction due October 3, 2024
A small, broken plastic piece on the Preschool playground, an exposed hose on the PreK playground, posing potential safety hazards. This is a direct violation of stipulation "N" on the probationary license.
Required correction: Materials must be safe and free of hazards, correct immediately 10/3/24. *Corrected at time of inspection, teacher covered the hose with mulch. No response is required. Correct by 10/03/2024
2.212.G · Correction due November 3, 2024
Reviewed 4 staff files and observed Julianna (DOH 8/26/24), Melissa O (DOH 8/29/24), Brianna O (DOH 8/29/24) to be missing a health statement.
Required correction: Obtain current health statements for staff, correct by 11/3/24. Correct by 11/03/2024
2.213.C · Correction due October 3, 2024
Reviewed 4 staff files and observed Julianna M to be missing a department approved safe sleep training.
Required correction: Obtain a department approved safe sleep training for staff, correct immediately 10/3/24. Correct by 10/03/2024
2.213.B
Reviewed 4 staff files and observed 4 staff to be missing the required signature on the standard precautions certificates.
2.133.A · Correction due October 3, 2024
Reviewed 4 staff files and observed Julianna M to be missing an emergency and disaster preparedness training.
Required correction: Obtain an emergency and disaster preparedness training, correct immediately 10/3/24. Correct by 10/03/2024
Probationary visit · September 4, 2024
2.230.B · Correction due September 4, 2024
Weed matting on the infant/toddler playground to be exposed, a trike on the preschool playground to be missing a plastic handle. *This is a direct violation of stipulation "N" on the probationary license.
Required correction: Materials must be safe and free of hazards, correct immediately 9/4/24. Correct by 09/04/2024
2.217.A.14 · Correction due September 4, 2024
In the prek room, the staff to child ratio was exceeded by one child. There were 2 staff to 21 children and 7-3 years olds were in attendance. *This is a direct violation of stipulation "B" on the probationary license.
Required correction: Staff to child ratios must be kept at all times, correct immediately 9/4/24. *Corrected at the time of inspection, Director moved a child to the preschool room. Correct by 09/04/2024
2.217.A.15 · Correction due September 4, 2024
Maximum group size in the prek room was exceeded. The classroom had 21 children on the playground with 7-3 year olds in attendance. *This is a direct violation of stipulation "C" on the probationary license.
Required correction: Max group size must not be exceeded, correct immediately 9/4/24. *Corrected at the time of inspection, Director moved a child to the preschool room. Correct by 09/04/2024
2.223.A.2 · Correction due September 4, 2024
Upon arrival to the Prek room, specialist asked how many children were in care. Teachers reported 20 children, there were 21 children in care. *This is a direct violation of stipulation "F" on the probationary license.
Required correction: Attendance must be verified throughout the day, correct immediately 9/4/24. Correct by 09/04/2024
2.237.B · Correction due September 4, 2024
Several cracks on the window sills in the Preschool room. The fence on the infant playground to have a gap at the bottom. *Previously cited 8/9/24. *This is a direct violation of stipulation "N" on the probationary license.
Required correction: Buildings must be kept in good repair and safe condition, correct immediately 9/4/24. Correct by 09/04/2024
Complaint · August 9, 2024
2.233.A.3 · Correction due August 9, 2024
Reviewed CSR's and observed toddlers (age 2) to be in the Prek room during morning transition.
Required correction: Children must be in the rooms licensed for that age of children, correct immediately 8/9/24. Correct by 08/09/2024
2.217.A.15 · Correction due August 9, 2024
Reviewed CSR's and observed 25 children in the school age room with several 4 year olds present. *This is a direct violation of stipulation "C" on the probationary license.
Required correction: Max group size must be maintained at all times, correct immediately 8/9/24. Correct by 08/09/2024 Complaint Allegation : RP states staff are harsh; talk angrily and "snap" at children verbally. - FOUNDED
Complaint · August 9, 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.
Probationary visit · July 26, 2024
2.221.C · Correction due July 26, 2024
Several bottles of sunscreen to be missing children's first and last names.
Required correction: Sunscreen must be labeled with child's first and last name, correct immediately 7/26/24. Correct by 07/26/2024
2.233.C.2 · Correction due July 26, 2024
Identified through staff statements that toddlers are using the preschool playground for water day.
Required correction: Indoor and outdoor facilities for toddlers must be completely separate from other areas, correct immediately 7/26/24. Correct by 07/26/2024
Complaint · June 25, 2024
2.221.B · Correction due June 25, 2024
Identified through staff statements that sunscreen is applied to children right before going outside.
Required correction: Sunscreen must be applied according to product label, correct immediately 6/25/24. Document compliance to specialist by 7/2/24. Correct by 06/25/2024
Complaint · June 25, 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.
Showing 25 of 39 records. The rest are in the state record linked above.
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 KINDERCARE LEARNING CENTERS LLC’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.
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