Colorado Department of Early Childhood cited something at 3 of the 4 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.
Supervisory visit · September 16, 2025
2.223.A.2 · Correction due September 16, 2025
Reviewed sign in and out documentation and observed the record lacking written verification of transitions for all children within the classroom.
Required correction: Immediately (9/16/2025) 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 09/16/2025
2.120.D
Reviewed (4) staff files and observed (3) staff to be lacking documentation of a verification of submission and/or clearance letters for TRAILS.
Required correction: All individuals requiring a background check must review Navigating the Background Check Investigation Unit's (BIU) Webpage powerpoint. Submit verification that the above listed staff have reviewed the powerpoint within 24 hours.
2.230.C.1.a · Correction due September 16, 2025
Wood chips under blue slides on the playground measured 3" in the use zone.
Required correction: Immediately (9/16/2025) 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 09/16/2025
2.213.G · Correction due September 16, 2025
Reviewed (4) staff files and observed (1) staff lacking documentation of the Department-approved training regarding child abuse prevention.
Required correction: Immediately (9/16/2025) ensure that the program obtains and maintains current documentation of the Mandated reporter (Child Abuse Preventions and reporting) training to include the above listed staff. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response. Correct by 09/16/2025
2.213.B
Reviewed 4 staff files and observed (1) staff member to be lacking documentation of a current certificate of training in Standard Precautions.
Required correction: Immediately (9/16/2025) ensure that the program obtains and maintains documentation of a current standard
2.122.C · Correction due September 16, 2025
Reviewed provider's files and identified provider lacking documentation of a current business license.
Required correction: Immediately (9/16/2025) ensure the child care facility operates in compliance with local planning and zoning requirements of the municipality, city, and county where the facility is located. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response. Correct by 09/16/2025
Supervisory visit · October 22, 2024
2.120.C.1.a.1 · Correction due October 22, 2024
Two staff members working alone with children on the playground lacking documentation of TRAILS clearance.
Required correction: The director, with completed background checks, immediately (10/22/2024) went to the classroom to supervise staff with the children. NO response required. Correct by 10/22/2024
2.230.C.1.a
Two inches of resilient surfacing was observed around the blue slides on the playground.
2.232.B.1.c.1 · Correction due October 22, 2024
Reviewed attendance tracking and observed it to be lacking transition times.
Required correction: Immediately (10/22/2024) 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 10/22/2024
Supervisory visit · November 17, 2023
7.701.33.D.5 · Correction due November 17, 2023
Reviewed 4 staff files and observed Kathy O to be lacking documentation of an updated FBI clearance letter required every 5 years.
Required correction: All individuals requiring a background check must review Navigating the Background Check Investigation Unit's (BIU) Webpage powerpoint. Submit verification that the above listed staff have reviewed the powerpoint within 24 hours. Submit documentation of Clearance Letters for above listed staff members with written response to Specialist. Correct by 11/17/2023
Reviewed 4 staff files and observed Kathy O to be lacking documentation of an updated TRAILS clearance letter required every 5 years.
Correction due November 17, 2023
Reviewed 4 staff files and observed Allison G to be lacking documentation of submission of TRAILS.
Required correction: All individuals requiring a background check must review Navigating the Background Check Investigation Unit's (BIU) Webpage powerpoint. Submit verification that the above listed staff have reviewed the powerpoint within 24 hours. Submit documentation of Clearance Letters for above listed staff members with written response to Specialist. Correct by 11/17/2023
Complaint · February 16, 2023
Founded · 7.701.32.K. · Correction due March 10, 2023
The results of the abuse and neglect inquiry must be maintained at the center, facility, or agency and must be available for review upon request by a Licensing Specialist.
Required correction: Within 24 hours (3/10/23) ensure that the request is made for the TRAILS child abuse and neglect inquiry for the above listed staff and provide documentation of the completed Facility Inquiry form and payment made. Also ensure the review of th Colorado Child Care Background clearance powerpoint presentation is viewed. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.36.F · Correction due March 9, 2023
Records of enrollment, daily attendance for each child and daily records of the time the child arrives at and departs from the center for the past twelve (12) months must be on file at the center. The previous two (2) years must be on file at either the center or a central location or storage.
Required correction: Immediately (3/09/23) ensure that all records of enrollment are maintained at the center for the past twelve months and the previous two years on file at a central location or storage. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.71.C · Equipment/Materials · Correction due March 9, 2023
Items labeled ?keep out of reach of children? must be inaccessible to children.
Required correction: Immediately (3/09/23) ensure that all items labeled "keep out of reach" are made inaccessible to children. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.71.E · Equipment/Materials · Correction due March 9, 2023
Thumb tacks must not be used in areas accessible to children less than three (3) years of age.
Required correction: Immediately (3/09/23) ensure all thumb tacks are made inaccessible to children less than 3 years of age. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.71.G · Equipment/Materials · Correction due March 9, 2023
Loose plastic bags must be stored in areas inaccessible to children.
Required correction: Immediately (3/09/23) remove plastic bags and make sure they are inaccessible to children. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.71.H · Equipment/Materials · Correction due March 9, 2023
Sharp tools and instruments must be stored in areas inaccessible to children.
Required correction: Immediately (3/09/23) ensure that all sharp tools to include the above listed items are made inaccessible to children at all times. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.71.L · Equipment/Materials · Correction due March 9, 2023
Toys, toy parts, furnishings, equipment, and any materials accessible to children under than three (3) years of age must not be a choke hazard or able to be inhaled. Any area of the facility accessible to children less than three (3) years of age must be free of any choke or inhalation hazards.
Required correction: Immediately (3/09/23) ensure that all toys, toy parts, furnishings and equipment that is accessible to children less than 3 years of age is large enough to not be a choke hazard or able to be swallowed. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.71.M · Correction due March 9, 2023
Toys, toy parts, furnishings, equipment, and materials made of brittle, easily breakable plastic or glass are not permitted for children less than five (5) years of age.
Required correction: Immediately (3/09/23) ensure that all materials made of glass are inaccessible to children less than 5 years of age. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.72.B · Correction due March 9, 2023
Indoor and outdoor equipment, materials, and furnishings must be sturdy, safe, and free of hazards.
Required correction: Immediately (3/09/23) ensure all indoor and outdoor equipment, materials, and furnishings are sturdy, safe, and free of hazards. Provide documentation through photos, along with a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.72.C.1.a · Correction due March 9, 2023
All climbing equipment eighteen (18) inches or higher must have resilient surfacing of at least six (6) inches in the use zone surrounding the equipment.
Required correction: Immediately (3/09/23) ensure that all climbing equipment over 18 inches has a department approved resilient surfacing of at least 6 inches. Provide documentation through photos, along with a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.72.C.3.c · Outdoor Requirements · Correction due March 9, 2023
Preschool and school-age climbing equipment must have a six (6) foot use zone surrounding the equipment. For slides exceeding six (6) feet in height, the use zone from the base of the slide must be as long as the slide height.
Required correction: Immediately (3/09/23) ensure all preschool climbing equipment has a 6 foot use zone surrounding the equipment. Provide documentation through photos, along with a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.91.D · Indoor/Safety Requirements · Correction due March 9, 2023
Volatile substances such as gasoline, kerosene, fuel oil, oil-based paints, firearms, explosives, and other hazardous items must not be stored in any area of the building used for childcare.
Required correction: Immediately (3/09/23) ensure all volatile substances and other hazardous items are not stored in any area of the building used for care. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.91.K · Building Requirements · Correction due March 9, 2023
Kitchens, including all hazardous items, must be inaccessible to children at all times.
Required correction: Immedietly (3/09/23) make Kitchen and all hazardous items inaccessible to children at all times. Provide documentation through photos, along with a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.701.33.J.1.a.b.c · Correction due March 10, 2023
The following background check requests must be submitted and successfully completed for each state an individual has resided in, in the past five years, prior to an individual caring for children or allowing the individual unsupervised access to children in child care centers (less than 24-hour care), school-aged child care facilities, family child care homes, and qualified exempt provider homes: a. State criminal history check b. State sex offender registry check c. State abuse and neglect registry check
Required correction: Within 24 hours (03/09/2023) ensure that all staff have completed the State Based Background Check checklist along with any followups initiated to outside states if applicable. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.46.A.7 · General Requirement/Physical Care · Correction due March 9, 2023
There must be assigned at least one (1) qualified Early Childhood Teacher supervising each group of children unless otherwise specified in rules. A Director may be the assigned teacher for one (1) group of children.
Required correction: Immediately (3/09/23) ensure that a qualified staff member is supervising the children at all times. Provide a written plan of action, along with documentation of qualifications for assigned ECT and a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.31.B.9.a · Correction due March 9, 2023
The written policies and procedures must be developed, implemented, and followed, and must include at a minimum the following information: How decisions are made and what steps are taken prior to the suspension, expulsion, or request to parents or guardians to withdraw a child from care due to concerns about the child?s behavioral issues. These procedures must be consistent with the center?s policy on guidance and positive instruction, and include documentation of the steps taken to understand and respond to challenging behavior including: Identify and consult with an early childhood mental health consultant or other specialist as needed.
Required correction: Immediately (3/09/23) ensure the center develops a policy to identify and consult with an early childhood mental health consultant. Provide documentation through a copy of the center's policies regarding the information listed above along with a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.41.A · Personnel · Correction due March 9, 2023
All staff at the center must demonstrate knowledgeable decision-making, judgment, and concern for the proper care and well-being of children.
Required correction: Immediately (3/09/23) ensure that the program demonstrates proper decision making, judgment, and concern for the proper care and well-being of children. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.36.E · Correction due March 9, 2023
The health and mental health consultation records must be maintained by the center for at least three (3) years from the date of consultation.
Required correction: Immediately (3/09/23) ensure all health and mental health consultation records are maintained by the center for at least three years from the date of the consultation.
Founded · 7.702.31.A · General Requirement/Physical Care · Correction due March 9, 2023
At the time of enrollment, and upon amendments to policies and procedures, the center must give the parent(s)/guardian(s) the center?s policies and procedures and provide the opportunity to ask questions. Written copies must be available either electronically or in hard copy. The center must obtain a signed document stating that the parent(s)/guardian(s) have received the policies and procedures, and by signing the policies and procedures document, the parent(s)/guardian(s) agree to follow, accept the conditions of, and give authorization and approval for the activities described in the policies and procedures.
Required correction: Immediately (3/09/23) ensure that the program obtains and maintains documentation of the signed policies and procedures document by the parent(s)/ guardians for all children. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.31.B.9 · Correction due March 9, 2023
The written policies and procedures must be developed, implemented, and followed, and must include at a minimum the following information: How decisions are made and what steps are taken prior to the suspension, expulsion, or request to parents or guardians to withdraw a child from care due to concerns about the child?s behavioral issues. These procedures must be consistent with the center?s policy on guidance and positive instruction, and include documentation of the steps taken to understand and respond to challenging behavior including:
Required correction: Immediately (3/09/23) ensure that the program develops, implements, and follows a written policy and procedure on how decisions are made and what steps are taken prior to the suspension, expulsion or request to parents or guardians to withdraw a child from care due to concerns about the child's behavioral issues. Provide documentation of the above listed policy and procedure along with a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.31.B.8 · Correction due March 23, 2023
The written policies and procedures must be developed, implemented, and followed, and must include at a minimum the following information: 8.The center?s procedure on positive guidance, behavior expectations, positive instruction, supporting positive behaviors, as well as strategies and techniques for supporting children with challenging behaviors, including how the center will:
Required correction: Ensure that the center creates written policies and procedures that develop, implement, and follow, and must include the procedure on positive guidance, behavior expectations, positive and instruction, supporting positive behaviors, as well as the strategies and techniques for supporting children with challenging behaviors. Provide documentation of policy as well as a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.31.B.8.a · Correction due March 23, 2023
The center?s procedure on positive guidance, behavior expectations, positive instruction, supporting positive behaviors, as well as strategies and techniques for supporting children with challenging behaviors, including how the center will: Promote responsive and positive child, staff, and family relationships and interactions.
Required correction: Ensure the center creates a procedure on positive guidance, behavior expectations, positive instruction, supporting positive behaviors, as well as strategies and techniques for supporting children with challenging behaviors including promoting responsive and positive child, staff and family relationship and interactions. Provide documentation of policy as well as a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.31.B.8.b · Correction due March 23, 2023
The center?s procedure on positive guidance, behavior expectations, positive instruction, supporting positive behaviors, as well as strategies and techniques for supporting children with challenging behaviors, including how the center will: Create and maintain a program-wide culture that promotes children?s mental health, social, and emotional well-being.
Required correction: Ensure the center creates a procedure on positive guidance, behavior expectations, positive instruction, supporting positive behaviors, as well as strategies and techniques for supporting children with challenging behaviors including the creation and maintenance of a program-wide culture that promotes children's mental health, social and emotional well-being.
Founded · 7.702.31.B.8.c · Correction due March 23, 2023
The center?s procedure on positive guidance, behavior expectations, positive instruction, supporting positive behaviors, as well as strategies and techniques for supporting children with challenging behaviors, including how the center will: Implement teaching strategies supporting positive behavior, pro-social peer interaction, and overall social and emotional competence in young children; and.
Required correction: Ensure the center creates a procedure on positive guidance, behavior expectations, positive instruction, supporting positive behaviors, as well as strategies and techniques for supporting children with challenging behaviors including the teaching strategies supporting positive behavior, pro-social peer interaction, and overall social and emotional competence in young children. Provide documentation along with a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.2.D · Correction due March 9, 2023
Any center having a Director assigned to a classroom must have qualified and adequate staff, allowing the Director or qualified staff the ability to attend to the duties of a director as they arise.
Required correction: Immediately (03/09/23) ensure the center has qualified and adequate staff to allow director the ability to attend to the duties of the director as they arise. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
Founded · 7.702.51.B.4 · Health/Medication · Correction due March 9, 2023
Over-the-counter medication must be kept in the originally labeled container and be labeled with the child's first and last name.
Required correction: Immediately (3/09/23) ensure all topical preparations are labeled with each child's first and last name. Provide a written statement of compliance within the overall response.
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 13, 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 Sunflower Hill Child Care’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.
Do you run Sunflower Hill Child Care? 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.