Colorado Department of Early Childhood cited something at 18 of the 31 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 · July 15, 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.
Renewal-Probationary visit · February 9, 2026
2.213.F
While reviewing 24 staff files observed 2 staff had expired full First Aid and CPR cards (2/3/2026 & 2/2/2026) and did not have verification of completing the First Aid and CPR module training certificate. 1 staff member had an expired First Aid & CPR module training certificate (8/6/2025) and did not have the full First Aid and CPR card. This is a direct violation of Stipulation (L). Stipulation (L) states, "Staff members must complete any trainings required for their assigned position prior to being placed in the classroom and/ or per timelines as prescribed in rule. This may include, but may not be limited to: training and orientation in facility policies and procedures, standard precautions, CPR and first aid, safe sleep, shaken baby/ abusive head trauma prevention and medication administration. Verification of completed training must be available for review at all times."
2.212.A · Correction due February 9, 2026
While reviewing 24 staff files observed the Playground Safety for Child Care Centers course was not taken by 1 staff member and another took the Playground Safety course for Child Care Homes instead of the child care center training. This is a direct violation of Stipulation (U) of the probationary license. Stipulation (U) states, "All staff must complete the Department’s free online training on Playground Safety for Child Care Centers, found in the CO Shines PDIS at https://www.coloradoshinespdis.com/s/login/. Verification of training completion must be available for review before the end of the six month term."
Required correction: Ensure all staff have completed the Playground Safety for Child Care Centers, per the stipulations of the probationary license. Submit copies of the training certificates and a written statement of compliance by 3/11/2026. Correct by 02/09/2026
While reviewing 24 staff files observed 1 staff file had an expired Prevention of Shaken Baby/ Abusive Head Trauma training certificate. The training certificate expired on 8/24/2025. This is a direct violation of Stipulation (L). Stipulation (L) states, "Staff members must complete any trainings required for their assigned position prior to being
2.121.J.1 · Correction due February 9, 2026
While reviewing 24 staff files, observed two staff files were missing the out-of-state clearance letters. Staff member 1 was hired on 12/16/2024 and Staff member 2 was hired on 8/12/2025. This is a direct violation of Stipulation (M). Stipulation (M) states, "Licensee shall timely submit fingerprint-based background checks, Trails abuse/neglect background inquiry request, and complete out-of-state background check process for any new hire. Documentation of the background checks 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 members have reviewed the powerpoint within 24 hours. Submit documentation of Out of State Clearance Letters with written response to the Specialist by 3/11/2026. Correct by 02/09/2026
2.213.G · Correction due February 9, 2026
While reviewing 24 staff files observed 1 person did not take the required in person mandated reporter training course, per the stipulations of the probationary license. This is a direct violation of Stipulation (S) of the probationary license. Stipulation (S) states, "During the probationary period, all staff, including management/ administration, must participate in at least one mandated reporter training with an agency. This training must be held in-person, if possible. Licensee is responsible for reaching out to at least two appropriate agencies to inquire on the availability of this training. Licensee shall provide written documentation from the agencies to the Department if the agencies are unable to provide this type of training within the required time frame. Verification of this completed training must be available for review by the end of the six-month term."
Required correction: Ensure all staff have completed the in person mandated reporter training. Submit copies of the training certificate and a written statement of compliance by 3/11/2026. Correct by 02/09/2026
Probationary visit · January 29, 2026
2.205.B · Correction due January 29, 2026
During the walk-through, observed in the Cardinal B classroom observd the teachers did not follow their name-to-face policy. This is a direct violation of Stipulation (G) of the probationary license. Stipulation (G) states, " Licensee will use a name-to-face attendance verification tool and complete attendance verifcation for all transitions and at frequest intervals throughout the day. Licensee shall provide training for all staff on how to use the attendance verification tool and must maintain veification of the traingin in each employee's staff file."
Required correction: Immediately ensure all staff follow the name-to-face policy that has been developed by the facility. Corrected at the time of the visit, the director had the staff member sign into the classroom with the correct time. Submit a written statement of future compliance by 2/5/2026. Correct by 01/29/2026
2.237.D · Correction due January 29, 2026
During the walk-through, observed a purse on the cubbies in the Penguins B classroom that was accessible to children.
Required correction: Immediately ensure all purses are made in accessible to children. Corrected at the time of the visit, the director placed the purse in a locked closet making the purse inaccessible to children. Submit a written statement of future compliance by 2/5/2026. Correct by 01/29/2026
2.229.C · Correction due January 29, 2026
During the walk-through, observed a jar of Aquaphor on top of the cubbies in the Penguins B classroom, which was accessible to children. This is a direct violation of Stipulation (N) of the probationary license. Stipulation (N) states, "Hazardous items, including items labeled "keep out of reach of children," must be inaccessible to children at all times, both indoors and outside."
Required correction: Immediately ensure all items labeled, "keep out off reach of children" are inaccessible to children at all times. Corrected at time of visit, the director moved the aquaphor to the bathroom shelf which is inaccessible to children. Submit a written statement of future compliance by 2/5/2026. Correct by 01/29/2026
Probationary visit · November 19, 2025
2.222.A.1.b · Correction due November 19, 2025
During the safety walk-through, observed diapers and wipes were in the Cardinals A bathroom on the trash can in the children's bathroom accessible to children. In the Penguins B classroom, oberserved three pull-ups in a child's cubby accessible to children.
Required correction: Immediately ensure that all diaper-changing supplies are inaccessible to children. Corrected at the time of visit, the teachers moved the diaper-changing supplies making them inaccessible to children. Submit a written statement of future compliance by 11/26/2025. Correct by 11/19/2025
During the walk-through, in the Cardinals A classroom, the name-to-face attendance sheet showed only 12 children signed in, but there were 13 children in attendance. This is a direct violation of Stipulation G of the probationary license. Stipulation (G) states, "Licensee will use a name-to-face attendance verification tool (paper or electronic form) and complete attendance verification for all transitions and at frequent intervals throughout the day. Licensee shall provide training for all staff on how to use the attendance
2.230.B · Correction due November 19, 2025
During the walk-through, observed the changing table mat, in the Duckling A classroom, was torn in two corners making it a potential hazard for the toddler children.
Required correction: Immediately ensure all indoor furnishings are safe and free of hazards. Corrected at the time of the visit, the director removed the changing pad and disposed of it. Submit a written statement of future compliance by 11/26/2025. Correct by 11/19/2025
Probationary visit · October 28, 2025
2.230.B · Correction due October 28, 2025
During the walk-through, observed that the changing table door in the Cardinals A classroom was broken.
Required correction: Immediately ensure all furniture is safe, sturdy, and free of hazards. Corrected at time of visit, the teacher removed the broken changing table and put a new changing table in the classroom. Submit a written statement of future compliance by 11/11/2025. Correct by 10/28/2025
2.222.A.1.b · Correction due October 28, 2025
During the walk-through, observed that the changing table door in the Cardinals A classroom was broken and not locked, allowing children to have access the diaper-changing supplies.
Required correction: Immediately ensure all diaper supplies are made inaccessible to children. Corrected at the time of the visit, the teacher moved the diaper-changing supplies, making them inaccessible to the children. Submit a written statement of future compliance by 11/11/2025. Correct by 10/28/2025
Probationary visit · September 17, 2025
2.205.B
At the time of the visit, observed the Duckling A classroom’s name-to-face sheet at 10:51 am, there were only 4 children checked in from the playground, and 8 children were in the classroom. The class transitioned at 10:15 am. While on the playground, observed the name-to-face sheet for Cardinals B and saw that there were 13 children checked into the playground and there were 14 children on the playground. This is a direct violation of Stipulation (G) of the probationary license. Stipulation (G) states, “Licensee will use a name-to-face attendance verification tool (paper or electronic form) and complete attendance verification for all transitions and at frequent intervals throughout the day. Licensee shall provide training for all staff on how to use the attendance verification tool and must maintain verification of the training in each employee’s staff file.”
Required correction: Immediately ensure all staff are following the facilities' name-to-face policy. Corrected at time of visit, the assistant director updated the Duckling A's name-to-face sheet and the teacher in Cardinal B updated their name-to-face
2.230.C.8 · Correction due September 17, 2025
At the time of the visit trash was observed on the preschool playground.
Required correction: Immediately ensure that all children's play areas are checked daily and kept free of debris. Submit a written statement of future compliance by 9/24/2025. Correct by 09/17/2025
Limited Supervisory visit · August 1, 2025
2.237.B · Correction due August 1, 2025
At the time of visit, observed in the Penguin A room to have paint chipping on the right wall under the outlet.
Required correction: Immediately 8/1/2025, the building must be kept in good repair and maintained in a safe condition. Submit a written statement of compliance by 8/8/2025. Correct by 08/01/2025
Limited Supervisory visit · June 3, 2025
2.229.C · Correction due June 3, 2025
During the safety walk-through, observed a disinfectant cleaner sitting on the back of the toilet in the unlocked bathroom in the hallway.
Required correction: Immediately ensure all items labeled "keep out of reach of children" are made inaccessible to children. Corrected at the time of visit, the director placed the disinfectant in an area that was inaccessible to children. Submit a written statement of compliance by 6/10/2025. Correct by 06/03/2025
2.237.B · Correction due June 3, 2025
During the safety walk-through, observed that one of the children's sink basins was covered with packing tape due to the water not draining appropriately.
Required correction: Immediately ensure that the building is maintained in a safe condition. Submit pictures of the fixed sink and a written statement of compliance by 6/10/2025. Correct by 06/03/2025
Limited Supervisory visit · May 7, 2025
2.205.B · Correction due May 7, 2025
At the time of the visit, observed Hummingbird B's name-to-face sheet and observed there were 9 children listed on the sheet and there were 8 children in attendance. In Penguins A classroom, the name-to-face sheet shows 15 children were in attendance at 9 am but there were only 10 children in attendance. In Cardinals B classroom, the name-to-face sheet listed 8 children in the classroom at 8 am, but the children came into the classroom at 8:10 am and the teachers did not sign into the classroom at 8:10 am.
Required correction: Immediately ensure all staff are following the name-to-face policy established by the facility. Submit a written statement of compliance by 5/14/2025. Correct by 05/07/2025
2.230.B
During the walk-through, observed the rug by the library in the Penguins A classroom, could cause a potential tripping hazard.
2.238.C · Correction due May 7, 2025
During the walk-through, observed a tray of planted flowers sitting in front of the emergency exit in the Hummingbirds B classroom.
Required correction: Immediately ensure all exits have unobstructed egress from the builiding. Corrected at time of the visit, the Assistant Director removed the tray from in front of the exit. Submit a written statement of compliance by 5/14/2025. Correct by 05/07/2025
Limited Supervisory visit · April 15, 2025
2.230.B · Correction due April 15, 2025
During the safety walk-through of the preschool playground, observed the drumsticks on the music wall has paint that is coming off, and the wood is splitting.
Required correction: Immediately ensure all indoor and outdoor materials are safe and free of hazards. Submit pictures and a written statment of compliance by 4/22/2025. Correct by 04/15/2025
2.205.B
During the safety walk-through, observed that Megan, in Ducklings B, and Karla, in Penguins A, had not signed onto the facilities name-to-face and did not follow their name-to-face policy.
Required correction: Immediately ensure that all staff are following the facility's name-to-face policy. Submit a written statement of
2.212.A · Correction due April 15, 2025
During the safety walk-through, the teacher in Penguins B stated that there were 18 children in attendance and when the licensing specialist counted the children, there were 19 children in attendance. This is a direct violation of stipulation (F) & (G) of the probationary license. Stipulation (G) states, "At all times, staff members shall know the attendance of the classroom to which they are assigned. The Facility Director shall be able to account for all children in care at the facility. Stipulation (F) states, " All staff shall demonstrate knowledge of, interest in, and concern for children's proper care and well-being."
Required correction: Immediately ensure all staff know how many children are in attendance at all times. Submit a written statement of compliance by 4/22/2025. Correct by 04/15/2025
Complaint · February 25, 2025
Reviewed attendance logs. Observed on 2/24/2025, at 3:56 pm, 1 staff member was alone with 9 children
2.217.A.15 · Correction due February 25, 2025
Reviewed attendance logs. Observed 12 children with 2 teachers at 8:30 am on 2/20/2025 in the Ducklings A classroom, licensed for 1-3 years of age. This is a direct violation of stipulation (D) on the probationary license. Stipulation (D) states, "Licensee shall comply with required maximum group size at all times."
Required correction: Immediately, max group size must not be exceeded at any time. Submit a written statement of compliance by 3/4/2025. Correct by 02/25/2025
Complaint · February 25, 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 · February 3, 2025
2.223.A.2 · Correction due February 3, 2025
In the Ducklings A classroom, 8 children were in attendance, however, 9 children were signed in. This is a direct violation of stipulation (H) on the probationary license. Stipulation (H) states, "Licensee will use a name-to-face attendance verification tool (paper or electronic form) and complete attendance verification for all transitions and at frequent intervals throughout the day. Licensee shall provide training for all staff on how to use the attendance verification tool and must maintain verification of the training in each employee’s staff file."
Required correction: Immediately, the time a child leaves must be recorded. Corrected at the time of visit, the director signed the child out. Submit a written statement of future compliance by 2/10/2025. Correct by 02/03/2025
2.223.D.5.a
In the Penguins B classroom, a child was lacking a sheet.
Probationary visit · January 14, 2025
2.206.A · Correction due January 14, 2025
Reviewed 10 child files. Observed 5 files lacking a current signed authorization confirming the parent/guardian have received the amended policies and procedures. The policies and procedures were last updated 1/2024 and the signed authorizations were dated 2023. This is a direct violation of stipulation (Q) on the probationary license. Stipulation (Q) states, "The Licensee shall create a robust policy and procedure to ensure staff and child files are complete, up-to-date and compliant. Staff and child files must be available for review at all times."
Required correction: Review all child files. Immediately, upon the amendments to policies and procedures, the center must obtain a signature from the parent/guardian stating they received a copy. Submit a written statement of compliance by 1/21/2025. Correct by 01/14/2025
2.209.A.7 · Correction due January 14, 2025
Reviewed 10 child files. Observed 1 file lacking a current signed authorization for emergency medical care. This is a direct violation of stipulation (Q) on the probationary license. Stipulation (Q) states, "The Licensee shall create a robust policy and procedure to ensure staff and child files are complete, up-to-date and compliant. Staff and child files must be available for review at all times."
Required correction: Review all child files. Immediately, a written authorization for emergency medical care must be signed and updated annually. Submit a written statement of compliance by 1/21/2025. Correct by 01/14/2025
2.219.B.1
Reviewed 10 child files. Observed 1 file lacking documentation of an immunization status. This is a direct violation of stipulation (Q) on the probationary license. Stipulation (Q) states, "The Licensee shall create a robust policy and procedure to ensure staff and child files are complete, up-to-date and compliant. Staff and child files must be available for review at all times."
2.220.K · Correction due January 14, 2025
Reviewed 10 child files. Observed 5 files lacking an updated written authorization from a parent/guardian for topical preparations. This is a direct violation of stipulation (Q) on the probationary license. Stipulation (Q) states, "The Licensee shall create a robust policy and procedure to ensure staff and child files are complete, up-to-date and compliant. Staff and child files must be available for review at all times."
Required correction: Review all child files. Immediately, written authorization must be given by a parent/guardian to apply topical preparations and must be updated annually. Submit a written statement of compliance by 1/21/2025. Correct by 01/14/2025
Probationary visit · December 5, 2024
2.230.B · Correction due December 5, 2024
In the Cardinals A classroom, rugs were lifted on the corners in the dramatic play area. (Previously cited on 10/21/2024). This is a direct violation of stipulation (O) on the probationary license. Stipulation (O) states "Licensee shall ensure all indoor and outdoor play areas are maintained in safe condition and that hazardous, high-risk area are made inaccessible to children."
Required correction: Immediately, all indoor and outdoor equipment and furnishings must be made safe and free of hazards. Submit photo documentation and a written statement of compliance by 12/12/2024. Correct by 12/05/2024
2.238.H
Observed all classrooms lacking an evacuation map in case of an emergency.
2.229.L · Correction due December 5, 2024
In the Cardinals B classroom, licensed for children 2.6 years of age, broken crayons were accessible to children and pose a potential choke hazard. This is a direct violation of stipulation (N) on the probationary license. Stipulation (N) states "Choking hazards must be inaccessbile to children under three (3) years of age.
Required correction: Immediately, materials accessible to children under three (3) years must not pose a choke hazard. Submit a written statement of compliance by 12/12/2024. Correct by 12/05/2024
2.229.C · Correction due December 5, 2024
In the Penguins B classroom, foam soap labeled "keep out of reach of children" was on the art shelf, accessible to children. (previously cited on 10/21/2024). This is a direct violation of stipulation (M) on the probationary license. Stipulation (M) states "Hazardous items, including items labeled “keep out of reach of children,” must be inaccessible to children at all times, both indoors and outside."
Required correction: Immediately, all items labeled "keep out of reach of children" must be inaccessible. Submit a written statement of compliance by 12/12/2024. Correct by 12/05/2024
2.222.A.1.b
In the Cardinals B classroom, gloves, diapers and wipes were on the window sill, accessible to children. This is a direct violation of stipulation (P) on the probationary license. Stipulation (P) states " Licensee shall ensure that all diaper change supplies and disinfecting solutions and products are kept inaccessible to children at all times."
2.224.A.1 · Correction due December 5, 2024
Observed in all the classrooms, breakfast was served for the children, however, the milk was not accessible to children.
Required correction: Immediately, all meals must meet the USDA guidelines. Corrected at the time of visit, the teachers provided milk to the children. Submit a written statement of future compliance by 12/12/2024. Correct by 12/05/2024
Probationary visit · November 11, 2024
2.212.G
Reviewed 2 staff files. Observed Hailie B., hired 10/7/2024, lacking a medical statement signed by a physician.
Required correction: Review all staff files. Within 30 days of employment all staff must have a signed medical statement by a
2.230.A · Correction due November 11, 2024
In the Ducklings B classroom, there were not enough toys accessible to children in the dramatic play area. The classsroom was lacking play food and play dishes. (Previously cited on 9/11/2024 and 10/21/2024).
Required correction: Immediately, all classrooms must have enough toys accessible to children. Submit photo documentation and a written statement of compliance by 11/18/2024. Correct by 11/11/2024
2.237.B · Correction due November 11, 2024
In the Robins classroom on the northeast wall in the dramatic play area, 2 large areas contained chipped paint. (Previously cited on 9/11/2024). This is a direct violation of stipulation (O) on the probation license. Probationary stipulation (O) 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: Immediately, buildings must be kept in good repair. Submit a written statement of compliance by 11/18/2024. Correct by 11/11/2024
In Hummingbirds A, five (5) children were in attendance, however, seven (7) children were signed in. (Previously cited on 10/21/2024). This is a direct violation of stipulation (H) on the probationary license. Stipulation (H) states "Licensee will use a name-to-face attendance verification tool (paper or electronic form) and complete attendance verification for all transitions and at frequent intervals throughout the day. Licensee shall provide training for all staff on how to use the attendance verification tool and must maintain verification of the training in each employee’s staff file."
2.230.B · Correction due November 11, 2024
In the Ducklings A classroom, rugs were lifted on the corners. (Previously cited on 10/21/2024). This is a direct violation of stipulation (O) on the probationary license. Stipulation (O) states "Licensee shall ensure all indoor and outdoor play areas are maintained in safe condition and that hazardous, high-risk area are made inaccessible to children."
Required correction: Immediately, all indoor and outdoor equipment and furnishings must be made safe and free of hazards. Submit photo documentation and a written statement of compliance by 11/18/2024. Correct by 11/11/2024
Showing 25 of 34 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 The Nest Schools’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.
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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