“Curriculum HighScope™ Children learn best by exploring and doing! There is no better curriculum to support them than HighScope™! ... "Active Learning" is its core principle: a learn-by-doing or hands-on approach.” porterchildrenscenter.com, July 2026
“We believe in an Emergent Curriculum that uses your child's interests as a starting point in lesson planning.” porterchildrenscenter.com, July 2026
Colorado Department of Early Childhood cited something at 6 of the 9 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 · June 9, 2026
2.236.A.1
Identified through multiple staff's statements that on 8/15/25 SM1 was caring for CH1 in the office of the facility, and SM1 was placed CH1 on the floor of the office. At the time of the inspection and during previous inspections specialist observed the office of the facility to contain items that pose a potential hazard to children.
Required correction: Immediately (6/9/26) ensure all office spaces are locked and/or does not contain any potential hazards.
2.124.A.3.b · Correction due June 9, 2026
Identified through multiple staff's statements that on 8/15/25 SM1 was caring for CH1 in the office of the facility, and SM1 was placed CH1 on the floor of the office. The office is not room licensed for child care.
Required correction: Immediately (6/9/26) ensure that all rooms used for care have been previously approved by the Department prior to use. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response. Correct by 06/09/2026 Complaint Allegation : RP states on 4/29/26 in the ECE classroom SM1 did not assist CH2 after having an accident. - FOUNDED
2.212.A · Correction due June 9, 2026
Identified through multiple staff's statements and provided pictures that SM1 left CH2 alone in the dark restroom of the ECE classroom to clean themselves up after having a BM toileting accident resulting in fecal matter being spread through out the bathroom.
Required correction: Immediately (6/9/26) ensure that all staff demonstrate knowledgeable decision making , judgment, and concern for the proper care and well being of children. Provide a written plan of action along with a written statement of compliance within the overall response Correct by 06/09/2026 Complaint Allegation : RP states, SM2 drug CH1 across the floor of the infant classroom. - FOUNDED
2.225.B
Identified through staff statements that in August 2024 SM2 roughly handled CH1 in the infant room.
Required correction: Immediately (6/9/26) ensure all children are not subjected to physical or emotional harm, humiliation, or
2.124.A.1.d · Correction due June 9, 2026
Identified through multiple staff's statements that in August 2024 SM2 roughly handled CH1 and the incident was not reported to the department as required.
Required correction: Immediately (6/9/29) ensure the facility reports all reportable incidents within the required time frames. Provide a written plan for ongoing compliance with in the overall response. Correct by 06/09/2026
2.126.B · Correction due June 9, 2026
Identified through multiple staff's statements that in August 2024 SM2 roughly handled CH1 and the incident was not immediately reported as required.
Required correction: Immediately (6/9/29) ensure the facility reports all reportable incidents within the required time frames. Provide a written plan for ongoing compliance with in the overall response. Correct by 06/09/2026 Complaint Allegation :
2.237.B · Correction due June 9, 2026
Identified through multiple staff's statements during the week of 4/23/26 the program did not have an adequate supply of toilet paper, paper towel and hand soap resulting in the program not being maintained in a safe condition.
Required correction: Immediately (6/9/26) ensure that the program maintains and adequate supply of toilet paper, paper towel and hand soap to ensure that the program can maintained in a safe condition. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response. Correct by 06/09/2026 Complaint Allegation : RP states the Pre-K and ECE classrooms are consistently out of ratio in the morning. - FOUNDED
2.217.A.14 · Correction due June 9, 2026
Identified through multiple staff's statements that at times the ECE and Pre-K classroom are out of ratio in the mornings due to staff call outs.
Required correction: Immediately (6/9/26) ensure the facility is in compliance with all staff to child ratios at all times. Provide a written plan of action along with a written statement of compliance within the overall response. Correct by 06/09/2026 Complaint Allegation : RP states that SM1 rations the morning and afternoon snacks provided by the program and children do not get enough to eat. - FOUNDED
2.224.A.4 · Correction due June 9, 2026
Identified through multiple staff's statements that at times the portions of snack provided by the program are not suitable for the child's age.
Required correction: Immediately (6/9/26) ensure that the serving size of the snacks provided by the center are suitable for the child's age. Correct by 06/09/2026
2.224.A.10 · Correction due June 9, 2026
Identified through multiple staff's statements that the program does not post or follow snack menus.
Required correction: Immediately ensure that the program posts menus at least 1 week in advance in an area visible to parents and follows the menus consistently. Correct by 06/09/2026
Complaint · June 9, 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.
Limited Supervisory visit · May 26, 2026
2.219.B.2 · Correction due June 26, 2026
Reviewed 3 children's files and observed 2 children's files lacking documentation of a current health statement signed by a health care provider.
Required correction: Provide a written statement of compliance ensuring all student files have a current health statement signed and dated by a health care provider per the above guidelines. Correct by 06/26/2026
Broken crayons accessible to children less than 3 years of age in the ECE classroom and posing a potential choking hazard.
2.237.B · Correction due May 26, 2026
Exposed metal wire attached to the base board heating element accessible to children in the Toddler 1 classroom posing a potential hazard.
Required correction: Immediately (5/26/26) ensure that all areas used for child care are kept in good repair and maintained in a safe condition. Corrected at time of inspection, provider secured the wire in the base board heating element making it inaccessible to children. NO RESPONSE REQUIRED Correct by 05/26/2026
Limited Supervisory visit · April 28, 2026
2.220.J · Correction due April 28, 2026
Reviewed medications for 4 children and observed 1 child to have an expired over the counter medication.
Required correction: Immediately (4/28/26) ensure that any medication that is out of date or left over is disposed of by the parent/guardian. If the parent/guardians do not respond the center must dispose of the expired medications per CDPHE guidelines. Provide a written statement of compliance with in the overall response. Correct by 04/28/2026
2.220.A
Reviewed medications for 4 children and observed 1 child to have an expired prescription medication.
Required correction: Immediately (4/28/26) ensure that all medication prescription or non-prescription is unexpired and only
Limited Supervisory visit · March 5, 2026
2.223.A.2 · Correction due March 5, 2026
Identified through review of name to face documentation that o 3/5/26 the Toddler 1 classroom did not complete name to face when transitioning inside from the outdoor play space.
Required correction: Immediately (3/5/26) ensure that the program maintains documentation of written attendance verification periodically throughout the day, to include during transitions. Provide a written plan of action along with a written statement of compliance within the overall response. Correct by 03/05/2026
2.237.K · Correction due March 5, 2026
The kitchen door was propped open and accessible to children.
Required correction: Immediately (3/5/26) make Kitchen inaccessible to children. Corrected at time of inspection, provider closed and locked to door to the kitchen. NO RESPONSE REQUIRED. Correct by 03/05/2026
Supervisory visit · February 6, 2026
2.219.B.2 · Correction due March 6, 2026
Reviewed 6 children's files and observed 3 children lacking documentation of a current health statement per AAP guidelines, CH1 due 10/24/25, CH4 due 11/22/25, CH5 due 12/19/25.
Required correction: Provide a written statement of compliance ensuring all student files have a current health statement signed and dated by a health care provider per the above AAP guidelines. Correct by 03/06/2026
2.229.C · Correction due February 6, 2026
Baby wipes labeled "keep out of reach of children" accessible to children and posing a potential hazard in the restrooms of the preschool and pre-k classrooms.
Required correction: Immediately (2/6/26) ensure that all items labeled "keep out of reach of children" are inaccessible to children at all times. Corrected at time of inspection, staff moved the above listed items to an area inaccessible to children. NO RESPONSE REQUIRED. Correct by 02/06/2026
2.229.L · Correction due February 6, 2026
Small seashells in a basket on a shelf in the ECE classroom accessible to children less than 3 years of age an posing a potential choking hazard.
Required correction: Immediately (2/6/26) ensure that all items that pose a potential choking hazard are inaccessible to children less than three years of age. Corrected at time of inspection, staff removed the small seashells from the basket, making them inaccessible. NO RESPONSE REQUIRED, Correct by 02/06/2026
2.230.C.1.a · Correction due February 6, 2026
Resilient material under the swings on the preschool playground to measure approximately 1 inch.
Required correction: Immediately (2/6/26) ensure that all climbing equipment over 18 inches has a department approved resilient surfacing of at least 6 inches. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response. Correct by 02/06/2026
Chipping paint on the wall behind the rocking chair in the infant classroom posing a potential hazard.
2.220.J · Correction due February 6, 2026
Reveiwed medications for 4 children and observed 1 child to have an expired medication (expired 1/2026).
Required correction: Immediately (2/6/26) ensure that the parent/guardian is responsible for picking up all out of date or left over medication. If the parent/guardians do not respond the center must dispose of the expired medications per CDPHE guidelines. Provide a written statement of compliance with in the overall response. Correct by 02/06/2026
Supervisory visit · March 26, 2025
2.209.A.7 · Correction due March 26, 2025
Reviewed 6 children's files and observed 4 children lacking a current emergency medical authorization signed by a parent/gaurdian.
Required correction: Immediately (3/26/25) ensure that the program obtains and maintains documentation of current written authorization for emergency medical care for all children in care. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response. Correct by 03/26/2025
2.230.B
An exposed tree root near the stairs on the toddler playground posing a possible tripping hazard.
Required correction: Immediately (3/26/25) ensure all indoor and outdoor equipment, materials, and furnishings are sturdy, safe, and free of hazards. Provider removed the exposed tree root at the time of the inspection, NO RESPONSE REQUIRED.
2.218.C.5 · Correction due March 26, 2025
Reviewed medications and health care plans for 5 children, observed 1 child lacking documentation of a health care plan signed by a health care provider and the parent/guardian.
Required correction: Immediately (3/26/25) ensure that all health care plans are signed by a health care provider and the parent/guardian. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response. Correct by 03/26/2025
2.122.A · Correction due March 26, 2025
Program lacking documentation of a current building fire inspection.
Required correction: Provide documentation through an approving fire inspection from the local fire department along with a written statement of compliance within the overall response ensuring that a current fire inspection has been obtained and will be maintained. Correct by 03/26/2025
Supervisory visit · April 29, 2024
2.229.C · Correction due April 29, 2024
A packages of baby wipes labeled "keep out of reach of children" accessible to children in the Preschool 1 Classroom.
Required correction: Immediately (4/29/23) ensure all items labled "Keep out of reach of children" are in accessible to children at all times. Staff moved the items listed above to a location inaccessible to children at the time of the inspection. NO RESPOSNE REQUIRED. Correct by 04/29/2024
2.230.B · Correction due April 29, 2024
A laundry basket with a cracked handle in the Toddler 1 Classroom and a gap in the middle of the slide on the Preschool Playground accessible to children and posing a possible hazard.
Required correction: Immediately (4/29/24) ensure all indoor and outdoor equipment, materials, and furnishings are sturdy, safe, and free of hazards. Staff removed the laundry basket at the time of the inspection, making it inaccessible to children. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response. Correct by 04/29/2024
Reviewed 6 children's files and observed 1 file lacking documentation of a current health statement signed a A site visit was conducted today, 4/29/2024. Staff files are maintained at the main office and will be reviewed on a later date.
2.223.C.19.a · Correction due April 29, 2024
A Magic Merlin sleep suit in one of the cribs the infant classroom.
Required correction: The Magic Merlin sleep suit was removed from the classroom at the time of the inspection. Provide a written plan of action with in the overall response. Correct by 04/29/2024
2.212.A · Correction due April 29, 2024
A Magic Merlin sleep suit in one of the cribs the infant classroom.
Required correction: Immediately (4/29/24) ensure that all staff demonstrate knowledgeable decision making, judgment, and concern for the proper care and well being of children. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response. Correct by 04/29/2024
Reviewed 6 children's files and observed 1 child lacking documentation of a current emergency medical
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 Porter Children's Center’s file specifically, instead of waiting for the next one.
Cost, hours and late pickup, 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.
Not yet reported: children per teacher.
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 Porter Children's 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.