Colorado Department of Early Childhood cited something at 4 of the 4 visits below. Across Denver home daycares it cites something at about 57% 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.
Supervisory visit · July 9, 2026
2.320.A.7 · Correction due July 9, 2026
Reviewed five (5) child files and observed CH1, CH2, CH3 and CH5's file to have an expired emergency medical authorization.
Required correction: Correct immediately and submit photograph of verification of signed emergency medical authorization form to licensing specialists Correct by 07/09/2026
2.336.C.1
On the basement windowsill, one container of disinfectant wipes labeled 'keep out of reach of children' was observed to be accessible to children, posing a potential safety hazard.
2.312.J · Correction due July 9, 2026
Reviewed staff files and observed provider's file to be missing documentation of completion of CDPHE immunization training.
Required correction: Obtain documentation of completion of Department-approved training for CDPHE immunization training for Provider and all applicable staff. Correct and respond with a copy of the training certificate to Licensing specialists. Correct by 07/09/2026
2.312.R.1 · Correction due August 9, 2026
Reviewed one staff file and observed provider's file to be missing documentation of completion of 15 annual clock hours of ongoing training, including 3 hours of social emotional content.
Required correction: Obtain documentation of completion of 15 annual clock hours of ongoing training, including 3 hours of social emotional content, for Provider and all applicable staff Correct by 08/09/2026
2.320.A.10
Reviewed (5) child files and observed they were missing written authorization for media use.
2.336.B.1 · Correction due July 9, 2026
During the inspection, the following items small enough to pose a choking hazard were observed: magnets on the side of the fridge (kitchen), one container of uninflated water balloons (back porch), and pasta, googly eyes, and erasers (kitchen).
Required correction: Ensure all toys, toy parts, furnishings, equipment, and any materials accessible to children under three (3) years of age do not pose a choking or inhalation hazard. Submit written documentation of future compliance to the licensing specialist. Correct by 07/09/2026
2.321.A.3 · Correction due August 9, 2026
Reviewed five (5) child files and observed CH1 and CH2's files to be missing a current health statement.
Required correction: Obtain documentation of updated Health Statement and submit picture of document to to licensing specialists. Correct by 08/09/2026
2.336.C.2 · Correction due July 9, 2026
In the nap room on the second floor of the home, two electrical outlets were observed to be uncovered posing a potential safety hazard.
Required correction: All non-safety outlets must be covered and inaccessible to children at all times. Ensure cords are out of reach of children. Correct immediately and submit written response of future compliance to the licensing specialists Correct by 07/09/2026
2.337.B.1.a · Correction due July 9, 2026
In the playroom near the kitchen, a Little Tikes climber with an attached slide measuring approximately 18 inches in height was found to have no resilient surfacing.
Required correction: Ensure all climbing equipment and sliding equipment eighteen (18) inches or higher has a resilient surfacing of at least six (6) inches in the use zone. Correct immediately and submit written response of future compliance to the licensing specialists. This was previously cited 2/09/2026. Correct by 07/09/2026
2.329.H.2.a
In the nap room on the second floor a pack and play was observed with a loose fitting sheet posing a potential safety hazard.
Required correction: Mattresses for cribs and futons must have a properly fitted clean sheet. Correct immediately and respond with a written plan of future compliance. This was previously cited on 08/11/2025 09/29/2026 and 2/09/2026. Correct by
2.121.F · Correction due July 9, 2026
On 2/16/2026, the provider submitted a written response verifying that corrective actions had been implemented to resolve previous hazards regarding the Little Tikes climber and the Pack and Play sheets. During the subsequent inspection, it was observed that these statements were inaccurate and the corrections had not been made, as a loose sheet was still present in a Pack and Play and the climber did not have a minimum of six inches of resilient surfacing in its use zone. 26.5-5-317(2)(9) C.R.S. Furnishes or makes any misleading or false statement or report to the department by providing a statement of compliance that was found to be inaccurate upon inspection.
Required correction: The provider must ensure all statements of compliance submitted to the Department are accurate and that all hazards remain inaccessible to children at all times. Furnishing a false or misleading report to the department may result in adverse action. Document compliance to licensing specialist with written response. Correct by 07/09/2026
2.331.C · Correction due July 9, 2026
The provider failed to utilize developmentally appropriate guidance and subjected a child to inappropriate physical and verbal handling. Specifically, when two children were observed fighting over a toy truck, the provider pulled Child One's hand away from the truck to give it to Child Two and spoke to the children in a harsh tone.
Required correction: Children must not be subjected to a physical or emotional harm or humiliation. Submit written documentation of ongoing compliance to licensing specialist. Correct by 07/09/2026
The provider failed to demonstrate a sufficient understanding of child development and a concern for the safe care of children. Specifically, when two children were observed fighting over a toy truck, the provider pulled Child
Supervisory visit · August 11, 2025
The following items were observed to be accessible to children, posing a potential safety hazard: Unsecured cabinet in changing table in front living room: -1 pack of Kirkland wipes (labeled “Keep out of reach of children”) Upstairs restroom in unlocked cabinet under sink: -1 spray bottle of window cleaner (labeled “Keep out of reach of children”) -1 bottle of Scrubbing Bubbles Cleaner (labeled “Keep out of reach of children”) -1 bottle of Lysol Toilet Cleaner (labeled “Keep out of reach of children”) -1 shaving Razor -1 bottle of Bar Keepers Friend (labeled “Keep out of reach of children”)
2.312.I · Correction due August 11, 2025
Reviewed Provider’s file and observed it to be missing current documentation of completion of Department-approved “Safe Sleep” training, expired as of 7/12/25, with one child under 12 months in care at the time of the visit.
Required correction: Obtain documentation of completion of Department-approved “Safe Sleep” training for Provider and all applicable staff. Correct immediately and respond with verification of compliance by 9/11/25. Correct by 08/11/2025
2.336.C.2
In the front family room observed 1 non-safety outlet and in the dining area observed two non-safety outlets to be uncovered and accessible to children, posing a potential safety hazard.
2.138.A · Correction due August 11, 2025
Reviewed drill logs and observed all fire and tornado drills to be missing between July 2024 and December of 2024 and June and July of 2025.
Required correction: Fire drills must be conducted monthly; tornado drills must be conducted monthly. March through October and other type drills must be conducted quarterly. Correct immediately and respond with a plan for ongoing compliance by 9/11/2025. Correct by 08/11/2025
2.120.D · Correction due August 11, 2025
Identified through Provider’s statement that Aide (hired approximately 3 weeks ago), was observed to be working directly with children at the time of inspection, and had not yet gotten any of the background checks done.
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 Aide has reviewed the powerpoint within 24 hours. Correct immediately and submit documentation of TRAILS clearance letter for Aide with written response to Specialist by 9/11/25. Correct by 08/11/2025
2.121.D.5 · Correction due August 11, 2025
Reviewed Provider’s FBI criminal record check in database and observed expiration date to be 8/06/24.
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 Provider and Aide have reviewed the powerpoint within 24 hours. Correct immediately and submit documentation of FBI/CBI background clearance check for Provider and Aide with written response to Specialist by 09/11/25. Correct by 08/11/2025
2.321.A.5 · Correction due September 11, 2025
Reviewed eight child files and observed CH3’s file to be missing current Health Statement.
Required correction: Obtain current Health Statement for all children enrolled in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines within 30 days of enrollment. Correct and respond with a statement of compliance by 9/11/25. Correct by 09/11/2025
2.312.R.1
Reviewed Provider’s file and observed it to be missing documentation of completion of 15 annual clock hours of ongoing training, including 3 hours of social emotional content.
Required correction: Obtain documentation of completion of 15 annual clock hours of ongoing training, including 3 hours of social emotional content, for Provider and all applicable staff. Correct and respond with a plan for ongoing compliance by
2.312.P · Correction due September 11, 2025
Reviewed Provider’s file and observed it to be missing documentation of completion of Department-approved “Injury Prevention for Homes" training.
Required correction: Obtain documentation of completion of Department-approved “Injury Prevention for Homes" training for Provider and all applicable staff. Correct and respond with verification of compliance by 9/11/25. Correct by 09/11/2025
2.312.G · Correction due August 11, 2025
Reviewed Provider’s file and observed it to be missing documentation of completion of Department-approved “Shaken Baby/Abusive Head Trauma” training, expired as of 1/15/25 with seven children under the age of three years in care during the visit.
Required correction: Obtain documentation of completion of Department-approved “Shaken Baby/Abusive Head Trauma” training for Provider and all applicable staff. C.I. and respond with verification of compliance by 9/11/25. Correct by 08/11/2025
2.313.A
Identified through Provider’s statement that no file was available for review by Specialists for SM2 (Aide).
Required correction: Obtain file that contains all required components for SM2. Correct immediately and respond with verification of
2.312.K · Correction due September 11, 2025
Reviewed Provider’s file and observed it to be missing documentation of completion of Department-approved “Playground Safety for Homes” training.
Required correction: Obtain documentation of completion of Department-approved “Playground Safety for Homes” training for Provider and all applicable staff. Correct and respond with verification of compliance by 9/11/25. Correct by 09/11/2025
2.312.M · Correction due September 11, 2025
Reviewed Provider’s file and observed it to be missing documentation of completion of Department-approved “introduction to the early intervention and preschool special education programs” training.
Required correction: Obtain documentation of completion of Department-approved “introduction to the early intervention and preschool special education programs” training for Provider and all applicable staff. Correct and respond with verification of compliance by 9/11/25. Correct by 09/11/2025
2.312.N
Reviewed Provider’s file and observed it to be missing documentation of completion of Department-approved “recognizing the impact of bias on early childhood professionals” training.
2.311.A.14 · Correction due September 11, 2025
Reviewed Provider’s file and observed file to be missing documentation of current health statement.
Required correction: Obtain current health statement for Provider, as required. Correct and respond with verification of compliance by 9/11/25. Correct by 09/11/2025
2.133.A · Correction due August 11, 2025
Reviewed Provider’s file and observed it to be missing documentation of completion of Department-approved “ emergency and disaster preparedness” training”
Required correction: Correction: Obtain documentation of completion of Department-approved “emergency and disaster preparedness" training for Provider and all applicable staff. Correct immediately and respond with verification of compliance by 9/11/25. Correct by 08/11/2025
Identified through Provider’s statement that a ten-month-old infant had been asleep in the nap room on the
2.311.A.7 · Correction due August 11, 2025
Identified through Provider’s statement that a ten-month-old infant had been asleep in the nap room on the second floor of the home in a Pack and Play that was observed to have a loose fitting sheet (fistful), posing a potential safe sleep hazard. Provider’s Safe Sleep training expired on 7/12/25.
Required correction: Primary providers, applicant 2, equally qualified providers, qualified substitutes, staff members, and volunteers must demonstrate an interest in and knowledge of children and a concern for their proper care and well-being. Correct immediately and provide a plan for ongoing compliance by 9/11/25. Correct by 08/11/2025
2.321.A.2.b
Reviewed eight child files and observed one child to have an individual health care plan for the administration of emergency medicine and identified through the Provider's statement that the medication was not on site.
2.337.A.13 · Correction due August 11, 2025
During safety walk through of outdoor environment a trampoline was observed with a step ladder leading to opening of unsecured net making it accessible to children.
Required correction: The use of any trampoline by children in care is prohibited. If there is a trampoline on the property of the family child care home, it must be stored in a way that makes it inaccessible to children. Correct immediately and respond with verification of compliance by 9/11/2025. Correct by 08/11/2025
2.121.D.4 · Correction due August 11, 2025
Identified through Provider’s statement the Aide works directly with children. Licensing Specialist observed the Aide to be working with children at the time of inspection and was missing a CBI and FBi 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 Aide has reviewed the powerpoint within 24 hours. Correct immediately and submit documentation of CBI and FBI clearance letters for Aide with the written response to the Specialist.by 9/11/25. Correct by 08/11/2025
Individual employees are shown by initials. The state’s report, linked above, names them in full.
Complaint · February 28, 2025
2.309.A · Correction due February 28, 2025
Observed that there were 3 children under 18 months old in attendance. Confirmed through enrollment records that the children in care were 5 months, 9 months, and 12 months old.
Required correction: Immediately, care may be provided to no more than 2 children under 18 months of age. Submit a written statement of compliance to the Licensing Specialist. Correct by 02/28/2025
2.326.G · Correction due February 28, 2025
Observed 3 infants in their cribs with bottles. The infants were awake at the time of the inspection. Confirmed through the providers statement that if the infants stay awake they sometimes put the bottles in the cribs with them and then remove them when they are sleeping.
Required correction: Immediately, bottles must not be allowed in sleep equipment with the infant. Submit a written statement of complaince to the Licensing Specialist. Correct by 02/28/2025 Complaint Allegation : RP states that bottles are allowed in the infant's sleep equipment - FOUNDED
Complaint · February 28, 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.
Supervisory visit · September 13, 2024
2.316.B.21 · Correction due September 13, 2024
Observed an infant age 6 months, swaddled and sleeping in a pack and play with a pillow and blankets and an infant age 7 months sleeping in a pack and play with blankets. Reviewed policies and procedures and identified that the provider did not follow their policies on safe sleep environments. The policies state infants will not sleep with pillows or blankets.
Required correction: Immediately, written policies and procedures must be followed regarding safe sleep. Submit a written statement of compliance to the Licensing Specialist. Correct by 09/13/2024
2.329.H.2
Observed two infants placed in an unsafe sleeping environment. Observed an infant age 6 months, swaddled and sleeping in a pack and play with a pillow and blankets and an infant age 7 months sleeping in a pack and play with blankets.
2.329.H.5 · Correction due September 13, 2024
Observed two infants ages 6 months and 7 months old to be swaddled without a health care plan.
Required correction: Immediately, all infants must be placed in a safe sleep environment. Swaddling infants must only be allowed with a health care plan completed and signed by the child's physician. Submit a plan of compliance to the Licensing Specialist. Correct by 09/13/2024
2.311.A.7 · Correction due September 13, 2024
Identified that the provider completed infant safe sleep training on 7/12/2024, and a child in their care was found in an unsafe sleep environment
Required correction: Immediately ensure that all safe sleep practices are followed, for all infants, at all times. Submit a written statement of compliance to the Licensing Specialist. Correct by 09/13/2024
Reviewed the provider's file and observed that Maria P. was missing documentation of a current Standard Precautions training. The Standard Precautions training on file expired on 1/26/2024.
2.312.J · Correction due October 13, 2024
Reviewed the provider's file and observed that Maria P. was missing documentation of a current Immunization training. The Immunization training on file expired on 1/17/2024.
Required correction: Within 30 days, all individuals responsible for the collection, review, and maintenance of the child immunization records must complete the Immunization training annually. Submit documentation and a written statement of compliance to the Licensing Specialist. Correct by 10/13/2024
2.320.A.2
Reviewed 6 children's files and observed that 1 child was missing documentation of the parents/guardians home and email addresses, telephone numbers, employer information, and instructions on how to reach the parents/guardians during the hours the child is in care.
Required correction: Immediately, an admission record must be completed for each child prior to or at the time of the child's
Original Change of Location/Type visit · October 19, 2023
7.707.923.A · Correction due October 19, 2023
In the main level bathroom, the cabinet underneath the sink was unlocked and there were cleaning items labeled "keep out of reach of children" accessible to children.
Required correction: All hazardous items labeled "Keep out of reach of children" must be inaccessible to children. **Corrected at the time of the inspection, a lock was placed on the cabinet.** No response is required. Correct by 10/19/2023
7.707.71.A.2
Reviewed 6 child files and found one child to have an expired health statement.
7.707.31.A.10 · Correction due November 19, 2023
The providers health statement is expired.
Required correction: Health statements must be renewed every 2 years. Correct and respond with statement of compliance and date of physical by 11/19/23. Correct by 11/19/2023
Correction due October 19, 2023
The provider did not have a building and physical premise plan.
Required correction: All providers and their staff must complete a building and physical premise training prior to working with children. Correct immediately and provide documentation of training plan with written response by 11/19/23. Correct by 10/19/2023
Correction due October 19, 2023
The provider did not have a zoning letter.
Required correction: All programs must operate within compliance with local planning and zoning. Correct immediately and provide zoning letter with written response by 11/19/23. Correct by 10/19/2023
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 Maria Penaherrera’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 Maria Penaherrera? 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.