Colorado Academy Early Childhood Programs
3800 S PIERCE ST, DENVER, CO 80235Childery Rating: 4/5
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.4 / 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.4 / 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 4 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Colorado Shines rating of Level 4 (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 4 (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
- Licensed capacity
- 89
- 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 12 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Building & Premises Safety (4), Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (3), and Hazardous Materials Handling (2). Of 12 total findings, 1 was critical.
See All 12 Inspection Visits
Feb 18, 20261 Finding1 Important
- In Rooms Used by Children, All Electrical Outlets That Are Accessible to Children Must Have Protective Covers, or Safety Outlets Must Be Installed.2.237.H
In the 3's, observed a small power strip missing one plug cover, accessible to children.
✓ Corrected at visit
Nov 11, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Indoor and Outdoor Equipment, Materials, and Furnishings Must Be Sturdy, Safe, and Free of Hazards.2.230.B
In the preschool classroom, a cord plugged into the wall but not into a device. Previously cited on 10/14/2025.
✓ Corrected at visit
Oct 14, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Indoor and Outdoor Equipment, Materials, and Furnishings Must Be Sturdy, Safe, and Free of Hazards.2.230.B
A charging cord plugged into the wall, but not into a device in the preschool room, accessible to children.
✓ Corrected at visit
Aug 20, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Loose Fill Resilient Surface Must Be Raked Regularly to Retain Its Resiliency and to Retain a Depth of at Least Six (6) Inches.2.230.C.1.c
On the Pre-K playground, the resilient material compacted.
✓ Corrected at visit
Jun 25, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Each Staff Member of the Facility Must Be Trained in Fire Safety and the Use of Available Fire Extinguishers and Fire Alarms2.133.B
Reviewed 7 staff files and found no documentation that the staff have been trained on the use of available fire extinguishers.
✓ Corrected at visit
Sep 3, 20241 Finding1 Important
- Within Twenty-four (24) Hours, Excluding Weekends and Holidays, of the Occurrence of a Critical Incident at the Facility or Within Twenty-four (24) Hours of a Child’s Return To…2.124.A.1.b
Per injury summary and staff member statement, this injury was not reported within the correct time line.
✓ Corrected at visit
May 1, 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
At time of inspection a Melissa and Doug puzzle with a manufacture label of 4+ was on a low shelf, accessible to children, in the infant room. This is a direct violation of stipulation P on the probationary license. Probationary stipulation P states "Choking hazards must be inaccessible to children under three (3) years of age".
✓ Corrected at visit
Mar 13, 20241 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 3 staff files, identified one staff member missing the required signature on their standard precautions training.
Jan 9, 20241 Finding1 Important
- Items Labeled “Keep Out of Reach of Children” Must Be Inaccessible to Children.2.229.C
In preschool bathroom, observed a bottle of air freshener with a manufacture label of "keep out of reach of children", this bottle was in the shower behind a plastic curtain, and within reach of children.
✓ Corrected at visit
Dec 11, 20231 Finding1 Critical
- Every Five (5) Years Requests for FBI Criminal Record Checks Must Be Renewed by Resubmitting a Complete Set of Fingerprints and the Required Fee to CBI for Processing. An Updated…7.701.33.D.5
Reviewed 9 staff files, identified Christina H. missing a current FBI clearance letter.
Nov 15, 20231 Finding1 Important
- Sharp Tools and Instruments Must Be Stored in Areas Inaccessible to Children.7.702.71.H
In the Casita classroom, observed an unlocked drawer in the kitchen that had an adult knif. This was accessible to children.
✓ Corrected at visit
Sep 11, 20231 Finding1 Important
- In Rooms Used for Napping, the Lighting Must Be Dim at Nap Time to Promote an Atmosphere Conducive to Sleep but Must Be Bright Enough for Supervision of Children.7.702.62.D.2
The preschool room to be dark and not bright enough to supervise children.
✓ Corrected at visit
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