Chaffee County Childcare Initiative DBA Ark Valley Preschool
330 BURNETT AVENUE, PONCHA SPRINGS, CO 81242Childery Rating: 2/5
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.2 / 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.2 / 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 2 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Colorado Shines rating of Level 1 (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 1 (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
- Toddlers
- Licensed capacity
- 25
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Toddlers 1:5 10
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 7 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (3), Children's Records & Files (1), and Hazardous Materials Handling (1). None of the 7 findings were critical.
See All 7 Inspection Visits
Mar 24, 20261 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
Reviewed 4 children's files and found 3 files having expired emergency medical authorization.
✓ Corrected at visit
Apr 9, 20251 Finding1 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 6 staff files and observed C. Russo, J. Chambliss, and M. Townsend having an expired standard precautions training.
✓ Corrected at visit
May 20, 20241 Finding1 Important
- Within Ninety (90) Calendar Days of Employment, All Staff Required to Register with the Colorado Shines Professional Development Information System (Listed in Rule Section…2.213.I
Reviewed 5 staff files. Observed Janet as Assistant Director to be missing documentation of department approved Recognizing the Impact of Bias Training.
✓ Corrected at visit
Mar 26, 20241 Finding1 Important
- Items Labeled “Keep Out of Reach of Children” Must Be Inaccessible to Children.2.229.C
Observed entrance to playground to have Rustoleum Primer Can on right shelf labeled "keep out of reach of children" accessible to children. Observed two multi-purpose solution labeled "keep out of reach of children" under unlocked sink in Moose Crew classroom accessible to children.
✓ Corrected at visit
Jan 9, 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
Observed Bear Buddies classroom to have small-sized pom poms on tree art posted above white board causing potential choking hazard.
✓ Corrected at visit
Nov 16, 20231 Finding1 Important
- All Staff at the Center Must Demonstrate Knowledgeable Decision-making, Judgment, and Concern N_a_m_e _: C_h_af_fee_ C_o_un_ty_ C_hi_ld_ca_re_ In_iti_at_ive_ D_B_A _Ar_k…7.702.41.A
Identified through staff statements, SM left entire classroom without supervision and allowed three children to go to bathroom together creating an unsafe environment during multiple occassions.
Sep 29, 20231 Finding1 Important
- A Child Care Facility Must Require Each Staff Member of the Facility to Read and Sign a Statement Department of Human Services 1575 Sherman Street Denver, Colorado 80203-1714…7.701.53.A
Reviewed 4 staff files and observed all staff members to be missing documentation of a signed statement defining child abuse and neglect.
✓ Corrected at visit
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