Authentic Life Early Learning Center
6500 W COAL MINE AVE, LITTLETON, CO 80123Childery Rating: 3/5
Data last updated ·
Quality Indicators
See Methodology →- Overall QualityCombines daily care quality (interactions, learning, environment) with structural features like staff-to-child ratios and teacher qualifications.3 / 5
- Process QualityThe quality of daily care — caregiver-child interactions, learning activities, and the emotional climate. Drawn from the state QRIS rating, accreditations, and Head Start CLASS observations.3 / 5
- Structural QualityMeasurable features like staff-to-child ratios, group sizes, license status, and teacher qualifications. Provider-level data when available; otherwise the state regulatory baseline.4 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 3 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Colorado Shines rating of Level 2 (out of 5). Structural quality reflects Colorado's licensing baseline. Colorado caps infant ratios at 1:5, toddler ratios at 1:5, and preschool ratios at 1:12. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Teachers must complete 15 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- Colorado Shines Level 2 (Max 5) Learn more →
- Accreditations
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)Not Accredited
- National Accreditation Commission (NAC)Not Accredited
- National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)Not Accredited
- National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)Not Accredited
Facility Info
- Facility type
- Child Care Center
- Age groups served
- Infants, Toddlers, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- 208
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:5 10 Toddlers 1:5 10
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 20 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Staff-to-Child Ratios & Group Size (5), Building & Premises Safety (4), and Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (2). Of 22 total findings, 2 were critical.
See All 20 Inspection Visits
Mar 30, 20261 Finding1 Critical
- 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…2.121.J.1
Reviewed 13 staff files and observed one staff to be missing an out of state clearance letter. This is a direct violation of stipulation "M" on the probationary license.
Mar 2, 20261 Finding1 Important
- 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.2.229.M
2 ceramic pots in the Preschool room.
Feb 5, 20262 Findings2 Important
- All Staff Must Complete a Department-approved Standard Precautions Training Prior to Working with Children. This Training Must Be Renewed Annually and Will Be Counted Towards…2.213.B
Reviewed 2 staff files and found one to have an expired Department-approved Standard Precautions training. This is in direct violation of stipulation L on the probationary license. 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."
- 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.2.230.C.1.a
On the preschool playground, the resilient material to measure 2-3 inches and the bottom of the slides.
Oct 30, 20251 Finding1 Important
- All Staff at the Center Must Demonstrate Knowledgeable Decision-making, Judgment, and Concern for the Proper Care and Well-being of Children.2.212.A
SM1 did not properly help the child to their feet, resulting in an injury. This is in direct violation of stipulation O.
Sep 24, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Indoor and Outdoor Equipment, Materials, and Furnishings Must Be Sturdy, Safe, and Free of Hazards.2.230.B
On the preschool playground, a broken water can toy.
✓ Corrected at visit
Aug 7, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Indoor and Outdoor Equipment, Materials, and Furnishings Must Be Sturdy, Safe, and Free of Hazards.2.230.B
Weed matting on the playground exposed, causing a potential tripping hazard.
✓ Corrected at visit
Jul 8, 20251 Finding1 Important
- An Admission Record Must Be Completed for Each Child Prior to or at the Time of the Child's Admission. This Record Must Be Updated Annually and When Changes Occur. The Admission…2.209.A.7
Review CH1's file and observed the emergency medical statement to be expired.
Jun 18, 20251 Finding1 Important
- The Required Staff to Child Ratio Must Be Maintained at All Times2.227.C.7
In the Toddler 2 classroom on 5/23/2025 teachers signed out of the classroom for about 10 minutes with no replacement causing the ratio in that room to be 1:9 with a licensed ratio of 1:5.
Apr 28, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Staff to Child Ratios by Ages of Children and Number of Staff- 6 Weeks to 18 Months (infants):1 Staff Member to 5 Infants; 12 Months to 36 Months: 1 Staff Member to 5 Toddlers; 24…2.217.A.14
Outside on the toddler playground, toddler 3 classroom was outside, the Licensing Specialist witnessed Hannah go inside leaving Ayla outside with 8 children ages 1.5 - 2 years of age for approximately 2 minutes. Previously cited on 1/14/25. This is a direct violation of stipulation C.
✓ Corrected at visit
Apr 22, 20251 Finding1 Important
- All Staff at the Center Must Demonstrate Knowledgeable Decision-making, Judgment, and Concern for the Proper Care and Well-being of Children.2.212.A
Through staff members statements, they are not assigned to Infant 1 room. Ch1 and Ch2 look alike. In infant 2, an unmarked bottle was in the mini fridge, this did not have a label with child's name or if it was breast/ whole milk. Previously cited on 8/23/2024, this is a direct violation of Stipulation N
✓ Corrected at visit
Mar 31, 20251 Finding1 Important
- All Diaper Change Areas Must: Have a Place Inaccessible to Children for Storing All Diaper Change Supplies and Disinfecting Solutions and Products;2.222.A.1.b
In Toddler 1 room, the door was open under the diaper changing table with diaper ointments accessible to children. This is a direct violation of stipulation M.
✓ Corrected at visit
Mar 3, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Items Labeled “Keep Out of Reach of Children” Must Be Inaccessible to Children.2.229.C
In the pre-k bathroom, members mark baby wipes with a manufacture label of keep out of reach of children, was on the sink, accessible to all children.
✓ Corrected at visit
Jan 14, 20252 Findings2 Important
- Staff to Child Ratios by Ages of Children and Number of Staff- 6 Weeks to 18 Months (infants):1 Staff Member to 5 Infants; 12 Months to 36 Months: 1 Staff Member to 5 Toddlers; 24…2.217.A.14
In toddler 2, observed staff member Jen alone with 6 toddlers. This is a direct violation of stipulation C.
✓ Corrected at visit
- All Children Must Be Under the Direct Supervision at All Times of a Qualified Adult Who Has Been Assigned the Responsibility to Supervise2.223.A.1
Identified SM didn't notice ch1 sticking items in their mouth and nose. This is a direct violation of stipulation D.
Dec 16, 20241 Finding1 Important
- The Time a Child Arrives and Leaves the Center Each Day Must Be Recorded. Staff Members Must Complete Written Attendance Verification Periodically Throughout the Day, Including…2.223.A.2
In the infant 2 room, 5 infants were signed in and 4 in attendance. This is a direct violation of stipulation F. In the pre-k classroom, SM didn't know the number of children in attendance, this is a direct violation of stipulation E.
Oct 29, 20241 Finding1 Important
- 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…2.229.L
In toddler 3 room, observed mini clips hanging on yarn, posing a potential choking hazard.
✓ Corrected at visit
Oct 2, 20241 Finding1 Important
- The Time a Child Arrives and Leaves the Center Each Day Must Be Recorded. Staff Members Must Complete Written Attendance Verification Periodically Throughout the Day, Including…2.223.A.2
In infant 1 room 6 children were in attendance and 5 were on the attendance sheet. In infant 2 room, 5 were in attendance and 6 on the attendance sheet. In preschool 1 room 6 were in attendance, 7 were on the attendance log.
✓ Corrected at visit
Sep 11, 20241 Finding1 Important
- Sharp Tools and Instruments Must Be Stored in Areas Inaccessible to Children.2.229.H
In preschool 1 room, observed adult scissors on the self that divides the classroom. These scissors were accessible to children.
✓ Corrected at visit
Aug 23, 20241 Finding1 Critical
- All Children Must Be Under the Direct Supervision at All Times of a Qualified Adult Who Has Been Assigned the Responsibility to Supervise2.223.A.1
Per video, Licensing Specialist and Assistant Director observed staff member not directly supervising children for approximately one (1) hour. A child was unsupervised in the hallway for approximately two (2) minutes. Four (4) preschool children were unattended in their room for approximately 20 seconds.
Jun 24, 20241 Finding1 Important
- Medications Must Be Kept in the Original Labeled Bottle or Container. Prescription Medications Must Contain the Original Pharmacy Label.2.220.C
In the Early Preschool room, identified one emergency medication (epi pen) without the pharmacy label.
Jul 20, 20231 Finding1 Important
- All Department-approved Child Care Health Consultants Must Complete the Department- Approved Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Immunization Course Annually. The…7.702.46.C.8
Identified through staff statement there is no documentation for their nurse's current department approved Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment immunization training.
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