Sonshine Center
6210 WARD RD, ARVADA, CO 80004Childery 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
- Infants, Toddlers
- Licensed capacity
- 258
- 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 3 inspections since 2024, the issues cited most often were Medication Administration (2) and Building & Premises Safety (1). None of the 3 findings were critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
Feb 3, 20261 Finding1 Important
- All Outdoor Play Areas Used for Children’s Activities Must Be Checked Daily and Kept Safe and Free From Hazardous Materials or Debris by Removal of Debris, Dilapidated Structures,…2.230.C.8
Exposed weed matting in multiple places around the main climber on the Preschool playground posing a potential tripping hazard. Observed a cracked plastic caterpillar on the Toddler Playground to have sharp edges posing a potential saftey hazard.
✓ Corrected at visit
Mar 5, 20251 Finding1 Important
- All Medications, Except Those Medications Specified in the Department-approved Medication Administration Training as Emergency Medications, Must Be Locked and Inaccessible To…2.220.G
In the Sonshine Express classroom an Individual Health Care plan that stated the child needs Citrizne. The medication was not available to staff trained in administering medication.
Apr 3, 20241 Finding1 Important
- If a Medication Is Out of Date or Left Over, the Parent(s)/guardian(s) Is Responsible for Picking Up the Medication. If the Parent(s)/guardian(s) Do Not Respond, the Center Must…2.220.J
Expired medication in Sunshine Kids (exp 1/2024) & an expired emergency medication (8/2023) in the Rainbow clasroom,
✓ Corrected at visit
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