Little Harvard Academy

Center · Lakewood · 6381 W Alameda Ave

What kind of place is this?

Size 148 children licensed Larger than the middle half of Denver centers, where the middle half licenses 40–113. Measured across 1,156 Denver centers, 2026-08-17.
Approach play-based

In the program’s own words

“At Little Harvard, we believe that play is the most powerful way children learn.” littleharvard-preschool.com, July 2026

Who runs it

Ownership For-profit Colorado Department of Early Childhood names a limited company as the licensee, and it is not in the IRS register of tax-exempt organisations. data.colorado.gov

Will it fit our family?

Ages served 6 weeks – 6 years

What will it cost us?

This provider does not publish pricing.

What Shortlist has verified

State quality rating Colorado Shines Level 4
License status Active

State record — Colorado Department of Early Childhood

Last visit
June 16, 2026
On file
3 visits since September 2024 · 6 complaint investigations
Fixed?
The latest correction deadline was July 16, 2026. Colorado Department of Early Childhood does not publish whether it was made.
Most serious
Colorado Department of Early Childhood does not publish a severity level for a citation, so there is no most-serious to name.

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.

Jun 2026 Supervisory visit 5 findings

Supervisory visit · June 16, 2026

2.237.H · Correction due June 16, 2026

In the school-age classroom in the basement three outlets accessible to children we observed uncovered.

Required correction: All non-safety outlets must be covered and inaccessible to children at all times. Correct immediately and respond with a plan for ongoing compliance to licensing specialist. ** Corrected at time of inspection, Assistant Director placed covers on the outlets**. Correct by 06/16/2026

2.220.K

Reviewed thirteen (13) child files and observed CH1, CH2 and CH5's files to be missing a current topical authorization form, signed and dated by parent/guardian.

2.209.A.7 · Correction due June 16, 2026

Reviewed thirteen (13) child files and observed the files to be missing current emergency medical authorization form, signed and dated by parent/guardian.

Required correction: Correct immediately and submit photograph of verification of signed emergency medical authorization form to licensing specialists. Correct by 06/16/2026

2.219.B.1

Reviewed thirteen (13) child files and observed CH13's file to be missing immunization record on an approved form.

2.219.B.2 · Correction due July 16, 2026

Reviewed thirteen (13) child files and observed CH1, and CH10's files to be missing a current health statement signed and dated by a health care provider.

Required correction: Obtain documentation of updated Health Statement and submit picture of document to to licensing specialists. Correct by 07/16/2026

State records file

Apr 2026 Complaint 3 findings

Complaint · April 2, 2026

2.223.D.5.c · Correction due April 2, 2026

Identified through staff statements, staff do not permit children to move to another area and be provided with quiet toys if they do not fall asleep after the first thirty (30) minutes.

Required correction: Immediately ensure children who do not sleep after thirty (30) minutes be allowed to move to another area and be provided with quiet toys and equipment to play with such as puzzles or books. Correct immediately and submit written plan of future compliance to Licensing Specialist. Correct by 04/02/2026

Accessible choking hazards were observed: six (6) unsecured sensory containers in the Sesame Street classroom and three (3) in the Bumblebees classroom.

2.124.A.3.b · Correction due April 2, 2026

Identified though staff statements, preschool age children are cared for in the front lobby of the building for approximately the last fifteen- to twenty minutes of the day.

Required correction: Immediately ensure that all rooms used for care have been previously approved by the department prior to use by children. Correct immediately and submit written plan of future compliance to Licensing Specialist. Correct by 04/02/2026 Complaint Allegation :

State records file

Apr 2026 Complaint Founded

Complaint · April 2, 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.

State records file

Jan 2026 Complaint 3 findings

Complaint · January 28, 2026

2.229.C · Correction due January 28, 2026

In the Incredibles' classroom, one bottle of hand sanitizer labeled "Keep out of reach of children" was observed on a low shelf accessible to children

Required correction: All hazardous items and items labeled "Keep out of reach of children" must be inaccessible to children at all times. **Corrected at the time of inspection** The assistant director removed the bottle of hand sanitizer, making it inaccessible. Document future compliance to the licensing specialist with a written response. Correct by 01/28/2026

2.230.C.1.a · Correction due January 28, 2026

The resilient surfacing under the preschool Looney Tunes climbing equipment was observed to be less than the required six (6) inches in depth.

Required correction: The provider must ensure that all climbing equipment eighteen (18) inches or higher has at least six (6) inches of Department-approved resilient surfacing in the use zone surrounding the equipment. ** Corrected at time of inspection** Staff member raked the wood chips to be at least six (6) inches under climbing equipment. Document future compliance to the licensing specialist with a written response. Correct by 01/28/2026

2.223.C.2

In the Baby Angels classroom, two loose-fitting sheets were observed in two cribs where children nap.

State records file

Jan 2026 Complaint Unfounded

Complaint · January 28, 2026

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.

State records file

Aug 2025 Supervisory visit 10 findings

Supervisory visit · August 5, 2025

2.230.C.1.a · Correction due August 5, 2025

Outside on the toddler playground under the double slide and single slide, resilient surfacing measuread at half an inch of depth.On the school age playground at the bottom of the large slide and climbing wall was observed to be missing adequeate resilient surfacing depth, measuring approximately half an inch.

Required correction: Loose fill resilient surface must be raked regularly to retain its resiliency and to retain a depth of at least six inches. Correct immediately and respond with a plan for ongoing compliance by 9/5/25. Correct by 08/05/2025

Missing posting of the information regarding the procedures for filing a complaint with the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, including the telephone number and correct address, in a prominent and conspicuous area.

2.230.B · Correction due August 5, 2025

On the the toddler playground observed at least twelve resilient surfacing tiles to be lifted and posing a potential tripping hazard.

Required correction: Indoor and outdoor equipment, materials, and furnishings must be sturdy, safe, and free of hazards. This includes the resilient surfacing tiles on the toddler playground. Correct immediately and submit a plan of ongoing compliance by 9/5/25. Correct by 08/05/2025

2.237.K · Correction due August 5, 2025

During health and safety walk through observed kitchen door to be open making kitchen accessible to children and posing a potential safety hazard.

Required correction: Kitchens, including all hazardous items, must be inaccessible to children at all times. ** Corrected at time of visit-Director Diane closed door making kitchen inaccessible to children on 8/05/2025. ** No response required. Correct by 08/05/2025

2.219.B.3

Reviewed six child files and observed CH1's file to be missing updated health statement.

2.209.A.7 · Correction due August 5, 2025

Reviewed six child files and observed CH2 and CH5's files to be missing current emergency medical authorization form, signed and dated by parent/guardian.

Required correction: Obtain a current emergency medical authorization form, signed and dated by parent/guardian, for all children at the time of enrollment and annually thereafter. Correct immediately and respond with verification of compliance by 9/5/25. Correct by 08/05/2025

2.121.D.4.a

Reviewed eighteen staff files and observed SM12 and SM17 to be missing FBI criminal record check.

Required correction: All individuals requiring a background check must review' Navigating the Background Check', the Investigation Unit's (BIU) Webpage powerpoint on the CDEC website. Submit verification (via email) that SM12 and SM17 have

2.213.G · Correction due August 5, 2025

Reviewed eighteen staff files and observed SM1, SM2, SM3, SM4, SM8 and SM14 to be missing current documentation of completion of the Department-approved training about child abuse prevention including common symptoms and signs.

Required correction: Obtain documentation of completion of Department-approved training about child abuse prevention and common signs and symptoms, for all staff within thirty days of date of hire and annually thereafter. Correct immediately and respond with verification of compliance by 9/5/25. Correct by 08/05/2025

2.213.N · Correction due September 5, 2025

Reviewed eighteen staff files and identified through SM1's statement that SM1 is responsible for the collection, review and maintenance of immunization records. Observed SM1's file to be missing documentation of completion of Department-approved CDPHE immunization training.

Required correction: Obtain documentation of completion of Department-approved CDHPE immunization training for all staff responsible for the collection, review, and maintenance of enrolled children's immunization record. Correct and respond with verification of compliance by 9/5/25. Correct by 09/05/2025

Reviewed eighteen staff files and observed SM9 and SM15 to be missing current documentation of

State records file

Dec 2024 Complaint

Complaint · December 13, 2024

2.229.J · Correction due December 13, 2024

evacuation cribs in both infant classrooms to not be designed for emergency evacuation and to be missing reinforcement kits.

Required correction: Obtain evacuation cribs or reinforce current cribs. Document compliance to the licensing specialist with the written response. Correct by 12/13/2024

State records file

Dec 2024 Complaint Unfounded

Complaint · December 13, 2024

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.

State records file

Sep 2024 Original-Change of Owner visit report not read State records file

Where this record comes from

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.

Ask for this program’s record now

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 Little Harvard Academy’s file specifically, instead of waiting for the next one.

Before you tour

Little Harvard Academy hasn’t published

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.

Sources and dates

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.

What kind of place is this

Not yet reported: established.

Who runs it

Will it fit our family

Not yet reported: hours, days / week, schedule, holiday closures.

Licensing and contact

State record

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 Little Harvard Academy? 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.