The Nest Schools

Center · Littleton · 6768 W Ottawa 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.

How this compares

Colorado Department of Early Childhood cited something at 10 of the 14 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.

Will it fit our family?

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

What will it cost us?

This provider does not publish pricing.

What Shortlist has verified

State quality rating Colorado Shines Level 1
License status Active

State record — Colorado Department of Early Childhood

Last visit
June 16, 2026
On file
14 visits since March 2024 · 1 complaint investigation
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 Renewal-Probationary visit 11 findings

Renewal-Probationary visit · June 16, 2026

2.218.C.5 · Correction due June 16, 2026

An expired (exp: 6/4/2026) health care plan for a child requiring emergency medication located in the Ducks B classroom.

Required correction: Obtain current documentation of health care plan. Submit written response of compliance to specialist. Correct prior to approval of license. Correct by 06/16/2026

2.213.L · Correction due July 16, 2026

Reviewed 15 staff files, observed SM4 (DOH: 1/5/26), SM 6 (DOH: 2/12/26), SM11 (DOH: 2/9/26) to be missing documentation of required child development training. Direct violation of stipulation K. on the probationary license.

Required correction: Obtain documentation of required 1 hour child development training, retain in staff files. Submit documentation of compliance to specialist. Correct prior to approval of license. Correct by 07/16/2026

Small pieces of chalk located on the toddler playground, small broken pieces of crayon located in the Penguin A classroom accessible to children under the age of 3 years, posing a choking hazard. Previously cited on Document ID: 7b62c65e7040e7330a5c5a2b7282af85fc6a41655b167fe76488bd5422c0fc05

2.230.B · Correction due June 16, 2026

A sensory table on the preschool playground with a worn cover, beginning to splinter and a moldy white/tan substance inside the bin, trash and a rusty metal round piece inside, accessible to children. A large gap in the gate between the toddler and preschool playground measuring greater than 3 1/2 inches and less than 9 inches, posing an entrapment hazard. This is a direct violation of stipulation of M. on the probationary license.

Required correction: All equipment, materials and furnishings accessible to children must not pose a hazard. Correct prior to approval of license. Correct by 06/16/2026

2.212.G

Reviewed 15 staff files, observed 7 staff members (SM3, SM4, SM6, SM7, SM11,SM14, SM15) to be missing signed medical statements. Previously cited on 3/12/2026.

Required correction: Obtain current documentation of medical statement signed and dated by a physician for all staff. Retain in the staff file, submit written documentation of compliance to specialist. Correct prior to approval of license. . Correct by Document ID: 7b62c65e7040e7330a5c5a2b7282af85fc6a41655b167fe76488bd5422c0fc05

2.223.A.2 · Correction due June 16, 2026

11 children signed into the Hummingbird B classroom with 10 children present. Previously cited on 3/12/2026, 10/23/2025. Direct violation of stipulation G. on the probationary license

Required correction: Attendance records must be completed to fidelity. Corrected at the time of inspection, staff corrected the attendance record to show that CH4 transitioned to the Duck B classroom at 9:10am. Submit written plan of ongoing compliance. Correct prior to approval of license. Correct by 06/16/2026

2.213.G · Correction due June 16, 2026

SM12 (exp: 4/16/26), SM13 (exp: 4/7/26) ,to have expired Child Abuse prevention training. Direct violation of stipulation K. on the probationary license.

Required correction: Obtain documentation of current child abuse training for SM 12 and SM 13. Retain in staff file, submit documentation of compliance to specialist. Correct prior to approval of license. Correct by 06/16/2026

2.121.J.1

Reviewed 15 staff files, observed SM11 to be missing documentation of out of state clearance letter for two states. Direct violation of stipulation L. on the probationary license.

2.206.B.31 · Correction due July 16, 2026

Reviewed current policies and procedures, identified procedure for separation of a child to be missing.

Required correction: Update polices and procedures to include procedure for any child who has been separated from the group outside the supervision of their assigned staff or for whom local authorities have been contacted. Correct prior to approval of license. Correct by 07/16/2026

2.206.B.32 · Correction due July 16, 2026

Reviewed current policies and procedures, identified procedure for regularly identifying recalled toys, equipments, furnishings and food and a plan for removing the recalled items to be missing.

Required correction: Update polices and procedures to include procedure for regularly identifying recalled toys, equipments, furnishings and food and develop a plan for removing the recalled items. Correct prior to approval of license. Correct by 07/16/2026

2.138.A

Emergency drill logs to be incomplete- last documented fire drill logged was in January of 2026. No drills were logged in September or October 2025.

State records file

Jun 2026 Probationary visit 2 findings

Probationary visit · June 3, 2026

2.229.C · Correction due June 3, 2026

Multiple tubes of diaper creams labeled "keep out of reach of children" located in a low unlocked cabinet under the diaper changing table, accessible to children in the Hummingbird A classroom and a bottle of Aveeno Eczema Relief labeled "keep out of reach of children" located in a low cubby accessible to children in the Robins classroom.

Required correction: All items labeled "keep out of reach of children" must be inaccessible to children. Corrected at the time of inspection, staff locked the diaper changing table cabinet making the diaper cream inaccessible to children and moved the Aveeno to a locked cabinet in the Robins classroom, making it inaccessible to children. No response is necessary. Correct by 06/03/2026

2.229.L

A sensory bottle with a loose lid containing small bird seed located in the Ducks B classroom and a sensory table with small pompoms located in the Penguins A classroom, accessible to children under the age of three, posing a choking hazard.

State records file

May 2026 Probationary visit report not read State records file
Apr 2026 Probationary visit 3 findings

Probationary visit · April 13, 2026

2.223.C.17 · Correction due April 13, 2026

An 11 month old infant placed in an unsafe sleep environment; two sound machines hung on cribs in the Hummingbird B classroom, one machine was observed to be less than 3 feet from a sleeping infant.

Required correction: All infants must immediately be placed in a safe sleep environment. Immediately move sound machine more than 3 feet from sleeping infant. Corrected at the time of inspection, director moved both sound machines more than 3 feet away from the sleeping infant. Correct by 04/13/2026

2.230.C.8

Broken metal shovel with a sharp edge and a piece of a broken plastic toy on the preschool playground.

Required correction: Outdoor play areas must be checked daily and kept free from hazards by removal of debris and broken

2.212.A · Correction due April 13, 2026

Identified that the providers completed infant safe sleep training on (8/5/2025, 2/10/2026, 2/20/2026), and a child in their care was found in an unsafe sleep environment.

Required correction: All staff at the center must demonstrate knowledgeable decision-making, judgement, and concern for the proper care and well-being of children. Submit a written response of compliance to the specialist. Correct by 04/13/2026

State records file

Mar 2026 Supervisory visit 5 findings

Supervisory visit · March 12, 2026

2.121.J.1 · Correction due March 12, 2026

Reviewed 15 staff files, obsevered 2 staff members, SM7 and SM11, to be missing out of state background check clearance letters and to have lived out of state within the past 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 staff members 7 & 11 have reviewed the powerpoint within 24 hours. Submit documentation of Out of State background check, Out of State Clearance Letters for staff members 7 & 11 with written response to the Specialist. Correct by 03/12/2026

Reviewed 15 staff files, observed 6 staff to have missing health statements and be past 30 days of employment. SM2 (DOH 3/10/2025), SM4 (DOH 1/26/2026, SM6 (DOH 2/12/2026), SM7 (11/18/2025), SM8 (8/4/2025), SM11 (DOH 2/9/2026)

2.219.B.4 · Correction due April 12, 2026

Reviewed 5 childrens files, observed CH1 and CH2 to have expired health statements.

Required correction: Obtain current health statements, retain in the childs file, submit written documentation of compliance to specialist. Correct by 04/12/2026

2.229.L · Correction due March 12, 2026

A loose glue stick lid on a low shelf in the multipurpose room, accessible to children under the age of three, posing a potential choking hazard.

Required correction: All materials accessible to children under the age of three must not pose a choking hazard. Corrected at the time of inspection, director removed the loose glue stick lid, making it inaccessible to children. No response is necessary. Correct by 03/12/2026

Name to face attendance record in the Ducklings B classroom was completed incorrectly, one child was not

State records file

Feb 2026 Probationary visit report not read State records file
Jan 2026 Probationary visit report not read State records file
Dec 2025 Limited Supervisory visit 3 findings

Limited Supervisory visit · December 8, 2025

2.226.A.3 · Correction due December 8, 2025

Identified by multiple staff statements that all classrooms have not had access to outdoor play areas since at least Tuesday 12/2.

Required correction: Children must have access to outdoor space daily except during inclement weather. Correct by 12/08/2025

2.230.B · Correction due December 8, 2025

Icy sidewalk areas on all playgrounds posing a fall hazard.

Required correction: Outdoor areas must be free from hazards. Correct by 12/08/2025

2.225.B · Correction due December 8, 2025

In the Cardinals A classroom at approx 12pm, licensing specialist observed SM1 was speaking harshly in a raised voice to a child in the book area.

Required correction: Children must not be subjected to phyiscal or emotional harm, humiliation or threats. Correct by 12/08/2025

State records file

Nov 2025 Limited Supervisory visit 5 findings

Limited Supervisory visit · November 13, 2025

2.217.A.15.d · Correction due November 13, 2025

Ducklings B classroom had 12 children signed in at 8:30am exceeding the licensed capacity of 10 children and Cardinals A classroom had 15 children from 9:07am-9:22am exceeding the licensed capacity of 14 children, posing a safety hazard.

Required correction: Licensed capacity must not be exceeded at any time. Corrected at the time of inspection. Children were moved into additional classrooms to meet the required capacities for each classroom. Submit a written response for ongoing compliance. Correct by 11/13/2025

An unlocked cabinet under the diaper changing table with several tubes of diaper creams labeled "keep out of reach of children" accessible to children in the Cardinals A classroom. Corrected at the time of inspection, staff locked the cabinet making the dipaer creams inaccessible to children. No response necessary.

2.229.L · Correction due November 13, 2025

A large bottle of bubbles labeled for ages 3+ on a low shelf in the Ducklings B classroom accessible to children under age 3, posing a safety hazard.

Required correction: Items that pose a choking or inhalation hazard must not be accessible to children under the age of 3 years. Corrected at the time of inspection, staff moved the bubbles to an area inaccessible to children. No response is necessary. Correct by 11/13/2025

2.230.C.8 · Correction due November 13, 2025

Several items of trash and debris including broken disposable cups, food wrappers and a used bandaid were observed on the preschool playground.

Required correction: Outdoor play areas must be checked daily and kept free from hazardous materials and debris. Correct by 11/13/2025

2.226.A.6

Penguins classroom was outside on the playground without their firstaid kit and unable to access a glove when needed due to the first aid kit being left inside the building.

State records file

Oct 2025 Limited Supervisory visit 1 finding

Limited Supervisory visit · October 23, 2025

2.230.B · Correction due October 23, 2025

Exposed weed mating on the preschool playground posing a tripping hazard. A large broken bin with sharp edges located on the preschool playground, accessible to children, posing a safety hazard.

Required correction: Ensure all outdoor spaces and materials are free from hazards. Correct by 10/23/2025

State records file

Sep 2025 Limited Supervisory visit report not read State records file
Aug 2025 Limited Supervisory visit 3 findings

Limited Supervisory visit · August 28, 2025

2.229.L · Correction due August 28, 2025

A ball labeled for "ages 3+" on the toddler playground, accessible to children under the age of three, posing a potential safety hazard.

Required correction: All materials accessible to children under the age of three must not be a choking hazard. The ball was removed from the playground by staff, no response is necessary for this violation. . Correct by 08/28/2025

2.229.C

The closet in the Penguins A classroom to be unlocked and containing chemicals including Windex and Clorox toilet bowl cleaner stored on a low shelf, accessible to children, posing a potential safety hazard.

Required correction: All items labeled "keep out of reach of children" must be inaccessible to children. Corrected at the time of

2.223.A.3 · Correction due August 28, 2025

Observed four children from the Cardinals A/B classroom placing woodchips in their mouths while on the Cardinals A playground without the staff noticing, posing a choking hazard.

Required correction: Staff must be actively supervising children at all times. Correct by 08/28/2025

State records file

Mar 2025 Supervisory visit 7 findings

Supervisory visit · March 21, 2025

2.121.D.5 · Correction due March 21, 2025

Reviewed 18 staff files, observed Michelle S. to be missing documentation of current FBI background clearance letter.

Required correction: All individuals requiring a background check must review Navigating the Background Check Investigation Unit's (BIU) Webpage powerpoint. Submit verification that staff member Michelle S. has reviewed the powerpoint within 24 hours. Submit documentation of FBI Clearance Letters for staff members Michelle S. with written response to the Specialist. Correct by 03/21/2025

2.216.B.1.c

Reviewed 18 staff files, observed staff member Paige G. to be working with infants and missing documentation of the required 8 hour infant/toddler orientation.

2.213.M · Correction due April 21, 2025

Reviewed 18 staff files, observed staff members Paula B. and Tracy Y. to be missing documentation of required 15 clock hours of ongoing professional development.

Required correction: Obtain documentation of the required 15 clock hours of ongoing professional development. Submit documentation of compliance to licensing specialist with written response. Correct by 04/21/2025

2.209.A.7 · Correction due March 21, 2025

Reviewed 9 child files, observed CH5 to be missing documentation of current emergency medical care authorization.

Required correction: Obtain documentation of current emergency medical care authorization. Retain in child file. Correct by 03/21/2025

2.220.K

Reviewed 9 child files, observed CH7 and Ch 8 to be missing documentation of current topical preparation authorization.

2.230.B · Correction due March 21, 2025

Broken busy box toy on the infant playground posing a potential safety hazard.

Required correction: Ensure all materials are safe and free from hazards. Corrected at time of inspection, removed from playground. No response is necessary. Correct by 03/21/2025

2.229.L · Correction due March 21, 2025

Several containers of bubbles labeled "For ages 3+" in a low unlocked drawer accessible to children in the Cardinals B classroom, posing a potential safety hazard.

Required correction: Ensure all materials accessible to children under the age of three are safe, free from any choke or inhalation hazards. Corrected at time of inspection, removed from the classroom. No response is necessary. Correct by 03/21/2025

State records file

May 2024 Complaint Founded

Complaint · May 1, 2024

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

Mar 2024 Original-Change of Owner visit 1 finding

Original-Change of Owner visit · March 22, 2024

2.230.C.1.a · Correction due March 22, 2024

The climbing equipment on the preschool playground, to have mud, and little or no resilient surfacing, under the fall zone near the hanging bar area. Observed the lack of six inches of resilient surfacing in this area to pose a potential safety hazard.

Required correction: All climbing equipment must be surrounded by at least six inches of resilient surfacing. Correct immediately and prior to the recommendation of the permanent childcare license. Submit a written statement of compliance to the Specialist by 3.29.2024. Correct by 03/22/2024

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 The Nest Schools’s file specifically, instead of waiting for the next one.

Before you tour

The Nest Schools 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.

All checked July 2026.

What kind of place is this

Not yet reported: established, teaching approach.

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 The Nest Schools? 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.