Colorado Department of Early Childhood cited something at 8 of the 23 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.
Probationary visit · July 7, 2026
2.229.C · Correction due July 7, 2026
Observed a sunscreen bottle labeled "keep out of reach of children" on the Preschool Playground on a low shelf accessible to children. This is a direct violation of stipulation (L) on the probationary license. Probationary stipulation (L) states "Hazardous items, including items labeled “keep out of reach of children,” must be inaccessible to children at all times, both indoors and outside. Choking hazards must be inaccessible to children under three (3) years of age".
Required correction: Items labeled "keep out of reach of children" must be inaccessible to children. ***Corrected at the time of inspection. staff removed sunscreen from playground and made inaccessible to children. No response required. Correct by 07/07/2026
2.237.H · Correction due July 7, 2026
Observed an electrical outlet without a protective cover in the Bumblebees classroom accessible to children.
Required correction: All electrical outlets that are accessible to children must have protective covers or safety outlets must be installed. ***Corrected at the time of inspection. Staff placed a protective cover on the outlet in the bumblebees classroom. No response required. Correct by 07/07/2026
Probationary visit · June 8, 2026
2.229.M · Correction due June 8, 2026
Observed a glass container in the reception area on a low shelf accessible to children under the age of 5.
Required correction: Glass is not permitted for children less than five years of age. ***Corrected at the time of inspection. Staff placed glass container is an area inaccessible to children. No response required. Correct by 06/08/2026
Limited Supervisory visit · February 18, 2026
2.229.H · Correction due February 18, 2026
Observed adult scissors placed on the half-shared wall between the Dragonflies and Butterflies rooms, accessible to children.
Required correction: Sharp tools must be stored in areas inaccessible to children. ***Corrected at the time of inspection. Staff removed scissors from classroom and made inaccessible to children. No response required. Correct by 02/18/2026
Limited Supervisory visit · December 22, 2025
2.229.L · Correction due December 22, 2025
Observed small pom poms posing a potential choking hazard on a counter accessible to children under the age of 3 in the Caterpillar room.
Required correction: Materials accessible to children under the age of three must not be a choking hazard. ***Corrected at the time of inspection. Staff removed the pom poms from the classroom. No response required. Correct by 12/22/2025
Complaint · December 2, 2025
2.229.L · Correction due December 2, 2025
Observed small manipulative toys posing a potential choke hazard on a low shelf in the gym accessible to children under the age of three.
Required correction: Toys must not be a choke hazard to children under the age of 3. Respond with verification and ongoing plan of compliance. Correct by 12/02/2025
2.223.A.2 · Correction due December 2, 2025
At the time of inspection, the Dragonfly room was combined with the ladybug and caterpillar room with 2 staff and 9 children in the gym. Specialist requested name to face sheet for the Dragonfly classroom and staff stated they had left it in the classroom. Name to face from the classroom to the gym was not completed. Staff stepped out to get the name to face from the classroom and corrected the name to face sheet while specialist was present in the gym.
Required correction: Staff members must complete written attendance verification periodically throughout the day, including during transitions. Respond with verification and ongoing plan of compliance. Correct by 12/02/2025
Complaint · December 2, 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.
Probationary visit · November 24, 2025
2.230.C.1.a · Correction due November 24, 2025
The resilient material on the playground with equipment higher than 18 inches was measured at the time of inspection and observed it to be between 1-2' in depth, lacking the 6 inches of resilient surfacing around the use zone.
Required correction: Equipment 18 inches or higher must have resilient surfacing of at least 6 inches in the use zone surrounding the equipment. Respond with plan of compliance. Correct by 11/24/2025
Supervisory visit · July 17, 2025
2.209.A.8 · Correction due July 17, 2025
Reviewed 4 child files and observed 2 to have an expired field trip authorization.
Required correction: An admission record for each child must be completed annually with written authorization for field trips. Correct by 07/17/2025
2.127.D · Correction due July 17, 2025
Observed the Butterfly classroom to be lacking the licensed capacity and staff-to-child ratio posted.
Required correction: All facilities must post in every room of the facility, the licensed capacity of the room and the staff-to-child ratio. Correct by 07/17/2025
2.213.G · Correction due July 17, 2025
Reviewed 8 staff files and observed Susana M. to be lacking child abuse prevention training.
Required correction: Within 30 days of employment, all employees must be trained in child abuse prevention. This training must be renewed annually. Correct by 07/17/2025
2.212.G · Correction due August 17, 2025
Reviewed 8 staff files and observed Andi B. to be lacking a medical statement from a health care provider.
Required correction: All staff must submit to the center a medical statement, signed and dated by a health care professional. Correct by 08/17/2025
2.138.A
Reviewed facilities drill log and observed it to be lacking a record of a fire and tornado drill held in August of 2024 and lacking 3 lockdown drills for the last 12 months.
2.209.A.7 · Correction due July 17, 2025
Reviewed 4 child files and observed 2 to have an expired emergency medical authorization.
Required correction: A dated, written authorization for emrgency medical care signed and updated annually by the parents is required for each child. Correct by 07/17/2025
2.229.H · Correction due July 17, 2025
Observed 2 adult sized scissors on the counter in the Dragonfly classroom accessible to children.
Required correction: Sharp tools and instruments must be stored in areas inaccessible to children. *Corrected at the time of inspection. Director made scissors inaccessible. No response required. Correct by 07/17/2025
2.230.C.1.a · Correction due July 17, 2025
Observed the playground climbing equipment to be lacking 6" of resilient material within the 6 foot use zone and around the slide.
Required correction: All climbing equipment 18" or higher must have resilient surfacing of at least 6" in the use zone surrounding the equipment. Correct by 07/17/2025
Observed a roll of loose plastic bags in the bathroom, on the counter, accessible to children in the Bumblebees classroom.
2.223.A.2 · Correction due July 17, 2025
Observed the Bumblebees classroom to be outside at the time of inspection and lacking a transition record on their name-to-face form.
Required correction: Staff must complete written attendance verification throughout the day, including during transitions. Correct by 07/17/2025
2.127.A · Correction due July 17, 2025
Observed the facility to not have their probationary license posted.
Required correction: At all times during the operating hours of the facility, the facility must post the current child care license in a prominent and conspicuous location. Correct by 07/17/2025
Limited Supervisory visit · January 17, 2025
2.229.L · Correction due January 17, 2025
Observed a puzzle with small pieces and 2 bins of small manipulative toys accessible to children under the age of 3 and posing a potential choking hazard.
Required correction: Toys, toy parts, and materials accessible to children under the age of 3 must not be a choke hazard or able to be inhaled. ***Corrected at the time of inspection. Teacher moved items to be inaccessible to children. No response required. Correct by 01/17/2025
2.217.A.7 · Correction due January 17, 2025
Observed the Moose classroom to be lacking a qualified ECT at the time of inspection.
Required correction: There must be assigned at least one early childhood teacher supervising each group of children. Correct by 01/17/2025
2.229.D · Correction due January 17, 2025
Observed staples in the wall of the Foxes classroom, accessible to children under the age of 3.
Required correction: Staples must be inaccessible to children less than 3 years of age. Correct by 01/17/2025
2.229.E · Correction due January 17, 2025
Observed thumb tacks in the wall of the Foxes classroom, accessible to children under the age of 3.
Required correction: Thumb tacks must not be used in areas accessible to children under the age of 3. Correct by 01/17/2025
2.229.M · Correction due January 17, 2025
Observed 7 plants in breakable material on a low shelf accessible to children under the age of 5 in the Moose classroom.
Required correction: Toys, furnishings and materials made of easily breakable material or glass are not permitted for children less than 5 years of age. Correct by 01/17/2025
2.121.D
Reviewed 3 staff files and observed Vianca R. to be lacking documentation of FBI clearance letter.
Required correction: Results of the criminal record check, the CBI and/or the FBI response letters must be maintained at the facility and be available for review upon request. ***All individuals requiring a background check must review the Navigating the BIU's Website powerpoint within 24 hours. Send documentation of FBI clearance letter with written response to specialist.
Supervisory visit · August 20, 2024
2.120.D · Correction due August 20, 2024
Reviewed 7 staff files and observed the TRAILS record request to have not been submitted within 10 days for Micaela G. and Krysta C..
Required correction: The TRAILS records request must be made within 10 calendar days of the first day of employment. ***All individuals requiring a background check must review Navigating the BIU's Webpage powerpoint within 24 hours. Submit documentation of TRAILS clearance for Micaela and Krysta with written response to specialist. Correct by 08/20/2024
2.213.G
Reviewed 7 staff files and observed Esmeralds to have an expired child abuse prevention training and Stephanie and Krysta to be lacking child abuse prevention training.
Required correction: Within 30 calendar days of employment, all employees must be trained about child abuse prevention. Correct
2.120.C.1.a · Correction due August 20, 2024
Reviewed 7 staff files and observed Stephanie, Micaela, and Krysta to be lacking TRAILS abuse and neglect records check and working alone with children.
Required correction: For all individuals whose activities involve the care and supervision of children, requests must be submitted and successfully completed prior to caring for or allowing unsupervised access to children. ***All individuals requiring a background check must review Navigating the BIU's Webpage powerpoint within 24 hours. Submit documentation of TRAILS clearance for Stephanie, Micaela, and Krysta with written response to specialist. Correct by 08/20/2024
2.121.D.5 · Correction due August 20, 2024
Reviewed 7 staff files and observed Esmeralda to be lacking an updated FBI clearance letter prior to the 5 years from the date reflected on the current clearance letter.
Required correction: Every 5 years, requests for FBI criminal record checks must be renewed by completing the fingerprint process at an approved vendor. ***All individuals requiring a background check must review the Navigating the Background Check Investigation Unit's Webpage powerpoint within 24 hours. Submit documentation of FBI clearance letter for Esmeralda with written response to specialist. Correct by 08/20/2024
2.121.J.1 · Correction due August 20, 2024
Reviewed 7 staff files and observed Hannah L. to not have submitted out of state information to BIU for processing and was working alone with children.
Required correction: Background check requests must be submitted and successfully completed for each state the individual has resided in, in the past 5 years, prior to an individual having unsupervised access to children. ***All individuals requiring a background check must review the Navigating the BIU's Webpage powerpoint within 24 hours. Submit documentation of out of state clearance letter for Hannah with written response to specialist. Correct by 08/20/2024
2.212.G · Correction due September 20, 2024
Reviewed 7 staff files and observed Stephanie Y. to be lacking a medical statement from a health care professional and Hannah L. to be lacking a subsequent self reported annual health history.
Required correction: All staff must submit to the center a medical statement signed and dated by a health care provider. Subsequent self reported health histories must be submitted annually. Correct by 09/20/2024
2.210.A.3
Reviewed 7 staff files and observed Stephanie, Micaela, Krysta, and Hannah to be lacking authorization that to the best of their knowledge, they are up to date on all immunizations.
2.212.N · Correction due August 20, 2024
Reviewed 7 staff files and observed all to be lacking signature indicating that they have been trained on the center's administration of medications policies and procedures.
Required correction: Prior to working with children, each staff member must read and be trained on the center's policies for the administration of medications. Staff must sign a statement that they have read and been trained on these policies. Correct by 08/20/2024
2.213.B · Correction due August 20, 2024
Reviewed 7 staff files and observed Esmeralda to be lacking standard precautions training.
Required correction: All staff must complete standard precautions training prior to working with children. Correct by 08/20/2024
2.120.I
Reviewed 7 staff files and observed Esmeralda to be lacking an updated clearance letter prior to the 5 years from the date reflected on the current clearance letter.
Required correction: Every 5 years, all child abuse and neglect background checks must be renewed by resubmitting an inquiry form and fee to the department. An updated clearance letter must be maintained before 5 years from the date of the
2.122.A · Correction due August 20, 2024
Observed the facility to have an expired fire inspection.
Required correction: At least every 2 years, all child care facilities must be inspected and obtain an approving inspection report from the local fire department. Correct by 08/20/2024
2.138.A · Correction due September 20, 2024
Reviewed facilities drill log and observed it to be lacking a record of a fire drill held September through December of 2023 and March and April of 2024, a record of a Tornado drill held August through October of 2023 and April through July of 2024, and lacking a record of any lockdown drills held in the past 12 months.
Required correction: A record of all emergency drills held over the past 12 months must be maintained by the facility for review. Correct by 09/20/2024
2.230.A · Correction due August 20, 2024
Observed 2 stuffed animals labeled "3+" in the Chipmunks room accessible to children under the age of 3.
Required correction: A variety of play equipment and materials appropriate for children's ages and developmental needs must be provided for children. Correct by 08/20/2024
2.229.L · Correction due August 20, 2024
Observed a container of pens with caps posing a potential choking hazard on a low shelf accessible to children under the age of 3 years of age in the Chipmunks classroom.
Required correction: Toys, toy parts, furnishings and materials accessible to children under the age of 3 must not be a choke hazard or able to be inhaled. Correct by 08/20/2024
2.205.D · Correction due August 20, 2024
Licensing specialist arrived at the facility for supervisory inspection and there were no staff to attend to the duties of a director.
Required correction: 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. Correct by 08/20/2024
2.229.M
Observed 3 glass items in the Moose classroom accessible to children under the age of 5.
Required correction: Toys, toy parts and materials made of easily breakable material or glass are not permitted for children under
2.220.A · Correction due August 20, 2024
Observed an Epi medication with a health care plan lacking doctor's signature in the Hedgehogs classroom.
Required correction: Medication must be administered only with a current written order of a health care provider and with written parental consent. Correct by 08/20/2024
2.230.C.8 · Correction due August 20, 2024
Observed the fence on the playground to have a gate secured by a chain lock yet open enough on the bottom for preschool age children to fit through and leave the playground area posing a potential vehicular hazard.
Required correction: All outdoor play areas must be checked for hazardous, high risk areas. Those areas must be made inaccessible to children to reduce the possibility of injuries and accidents. Correct by 08/20/2024
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 YMCA’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 YMCA? 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.