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Childery

The Pinon Project - Tree House ELC

300 N ELM, CORTEZ, CO 81321Childery Rating: 3/5

Data last updated ·

Quality Indicators

See Methodology →
  • Overall Quality
    3 / 5
  • Process Quality
    3 / 5
  • Structural Quality
    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
88
Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
AgeMax ratioMax group
Infants1:510
Toddlers1:510

Teacher Credentials

Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
High School Diploma

Inspection History

24 Inspection Visits Since 2023 · 25 Findings · 36% Corrected at Visit
Most recent: Apr 30, 2026⤓ Download Inspection History Report (PDF)
5 Critical20 Important

Across 24 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (5), Staff-to-Child Ratios & Group Size (5), and Hazardous Materials Handling (4). Of 25 total findings, 5 were critical.

See All 24 Inspection Visits
  1. Apr 30, 20261 Finding1 Important
    • Admission Procedures Must Be Completed Prior to the Child's Attendance at the Center and Must N_a_m_e _: T_h_e P_in_o_n P_r_oje_c_t -_ Tr_ee_ H_o_us_e _EL_C_________Lic_e_ns_e…2.218.B.3

      Identified via staff interview child file review, and Bright-wheel Parent Communication Log no evidence of required health care plan for child identified as needing a health care plan by the family and facility.

      ✓ Corrected at visit

  2. Feb 18, 20261 Finding1 Important
    • The Written Policies and Procedures Must Be Developed, Implemented, and Followed, and Must Include at a Minimum the Following Information: The Procedure of the Protection Of…2.206.B.27

      Observed no evidence of a specific procedure of the protection of infants from secondhand and thirdhand smoke when reviewing facility's policies and procedures at the time of inspection.

  3. Jan 21, 20261 Finding1 Important
    • All Staff Members Must Submit to the Center a Medical Statement, Signed and Dated by a Physician or Other Health Care Provider, Verifying That They Are in Good Mental, Physical,…2.212.G

      No evidence of medical statement on file for staff members who have been employed over thirty (30) calendar days in two (2) out of nine (9) staff files reviewed at the time of inspection.

      ✓ Corrected at visit

  4. Dec 22, 20251 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. N_a_m_e _:…2.223.D.2

      At the time of inspection Toddler Room 1 had all lights out and sun-blocking/black-out curtains completely down, causing the room to be extremely dark. Licensing Specialist was unable to see where shelves, furniture, cots, children, or staff were located. Staff member turned their cell phone on to guide Licensing Specialist into the room. The Licensing Specialist struggled to verify number of children in room, and was unable to accurately assess possible environmental hazards due to darkness and risk of tripping over a student on a cot. Identified through staff statement nine (9) children ages twelve (12) to thirty-six (36) months were present in Toddler Room 1 at the time of inspection. Lighting in Toddler Room 1 during nap time was not bright enough for the safety and supervision of children at the time of the inspection.

  5. Oct 28, 20251 Finding1 Important
    • When Caring for Children, Staff Must Refrain From the Personal Use of Electronics Including, but Not Limited To, Cell Phones and Portable Electronic Devices.2.212.E

      Upon entering the toddler room the Licensing Specialist observed one staff member in ratio and in the care of children wearing earphones and watching the movie Twilight on a laptop. This is a direct violation of stipulation E on the probationary license. Probationary stipulation E states “All children must be under the direct and active supervision of qualified staff at all times, both indoors and outside. There must be at least one qualified Early Childhood Teacher supervising each group of children unless otherwise specified in the rules and regulations.”

  6. Sep 30, 20251 Finding1 Important
    • Staples Must Be Inaccessible to Children Less Than Three (3) Years of Age.2.229.D

      Previously cited 06/17/2025. Observed uncovered staples above infant room entry way and on the boarder of toddler parent display next to toddler classroom one (1) accessible to children under three (3). 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."

  7. Sep 3, 20251 Finding1 Important
    • An Early Childhood Teacher, Assigned Responsibility for a Single Group of Children and Working Under the Supervision of a Director, Must Be at Least Eighteen (18) Years of Age And…2.216.A.1

      Observed at the time of inspection preschool staff member assigned responsibility for, and alone in the care of, a group of children without an early childhood teacher qualification. Identified through staff file review no evidence of early childhood teacher qualification for staff members identified as lead teachers in two (2) out of four (4) files reviewed. This is a violation of stipulation E on the probationary license probationary stipulation E states "All children must be under the direct and active supervision of qualified staff at all times, both indoors and outside. There must be at least one qualified Early Childhood Teacher supervising each group of children unless otherwise specified in the rules and regulations."

  8. Aug 5, 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

      Observed: Previously cited 06/17/2025 and 07/08/2025. Observed resilient surfacing depth of approximately four (4) inches in the use zone of the blue climber on the large climbing structure in the preschool playground at the time of inspection.

  9. Jul 8, 20251 Finding1 Critical
    • The Trails Child Abuse or Neglect Records Request Must Be Made on the State-prescribed Form, Accompanied by the Required Fee Within the Following Required Time Frames: Child Care…2.120.C.1.a

      Previously cited 06/17/2025. No evidence of TRAILS background check submission or clearance letter on file for staff member NB observed alone and in the care of children in the toddler 1 room at the time of inspection.

      ✓ Corrected at visit

  10. Jun 17, 20251 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

      Observed one uncovered outlet next to circle time rug in preschool classroom accessible to children at the time of inspection.

  11. Mar 31, 20251 Finding1 Important
    • The Infant Program Must Have an Infant Program Supervisor Who Meets at Least One (1) of the Following Qualifications:2.216.B.1.a

      No evidence the center has a qualified Infant Program Supervisor in the Infant Department since January 2025 at the time of inspection.

  12. Oct 8, 20241 Finding1 Critical
    • Items Labeled “Keep Out of Reach of Children” Must Be Inaccessible to Children.2.229.C

      Observed bleach bottle on low cabinet accessible to children in the Toddler 1 classroom and an open cabinet containing a bleach bottle accessible to children in the Toddler 2 classroom at the time of inspection.

      ✓ Corrected at visit

  13. Sep 11, 20241 Finding1 Important
    • Loose Plastic Bags Must Be Stored in Areas Inaccessible to Children.2.229.G

      Observed rolls of plastic bags in infant room, toddler room 2, and prek room 1 on diapering shelves accessible to children. Observed open plastic bag on floor of prek room 1 accessible to children.

  14. Jun 26, 20241 Finding1 Important
    • 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

      Observed: Previously sited on 06-07-2024. Observed 1-4 inches of resilient surfacing surrounding climbing equipment in preschool playground.

  15. Jun 7, 20241 Finding1 Important
    • Sharp Tools and Instruments Must Be Stored in Areas Inaccessible to Children.2.229.H

      Observed small knives and adult size scissors in cabinet drawer unlocked and accessible to children in the Infant Room - This is a direct violation of stipulation M on the probationary license. Probationary stipulation M 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."

      ✓ Corrected at visit

  16. Apr 24, 20241 Finding1 Important
    • Staples Must Be Inaccessible to Children Less Than Three (3) Years of Age.2.229.D

      Previously cited on 02/28/2024 and 03/26/2024: Observed staples in use in Toddler 2 (Bunny) Class, and in Infant/Toddler Hallway.

      ✓ Corrected at visit

  17. Mar 26, 20241 Finding1 Important
    • Centers Must Comply with the Locally Adopted Fire Code, Including but Not Limited to the Following: In Every Building or Structure, Exits Must Be Arranged and Maintained So as To…2.238.C

      Observed slide lock engaged on door of Toddler 1 (Bunny) Classroom. Observed slide lock engaged on door of Preschool 2 (Sloth) Classroom.

      ✓ Corrected at visit

  18. Feb 28, 20241 Finding1 Important
    • Staples Must Be Inaccessible to Children Less Than Three (3) Years of Age.2.229.D

      Observed staples in use on walls/bulletin boards in Infant Classroom, Toddler 2 Class, and in Toddler Hallway.

  19. Jan 30, 20241 Finding1 Critical
    • Items Labeled “Keep Out of Reach of Children” Must Be Inaccessible to Children.2.229.C

      Observed unlocked closet in Sloth Classroom bathroom containing shaving cream and cleaning supplies in area accessible to children.

      ✓ Corrected at visit

  20. Dec 18, 20232 Findings2 Important
    • 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 that on 09/29/2023 Child 1 experienced unexplained injury to face in Infant Classroom.

    • 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

      Child 1 experienced unexplained injury to ribs/abdomen in Infant Classroom on 08/28/2023.

  21. Nov 13, 20231 Finding1 Important
    • Within Thirty (30) Calendar Days of Employment, All Employees and Regular Volunteers Must Be Trained Using a Department-approved Training About Child Abuse Prevention, Which…7.702.42.G

      In one staff file (RC, working as Infant Program Supervisor at time of investigation) no evidence of up-to-date Child Abuse/Neglect Prevention and Reporter Training.

  22. Oct 18, 20231 Finding1 Important
    • The Infant Program Must Have an Infant Program Supervisor Who Meets at Least One (1) of the Following qualifications:A Registered Nurse, Licensed to Practice in Colorado, with A…7.702.45.B.1.a.1

      Previously cited on 10/05/2023 and 10/06/2023 - Identified through discussion with Director: On 10/04/2023, HR and SS were assigned to supervise Infant Fox Classroom; no evidence HR and SS are qualified as an Infant Program Supervisor.

      ✓ Corrected at visit

  23. Oct 11, 20231 Finding1 Critical
    • Each Owner or Employee, Who Is Eighteen (18) Years of Age or Older, of a Facility or Agency Must Submit to CBI a Complete Set of Fingerprints to Obtain Any Criminal Record Held By…7.701.33.D

      Previously cited on 10/05/2023, 10/06/2023, 10/09/2023: Observed BB working in Cub Toddler Classroom at time of Complaint Inspection; no evidence of CBI Clearance Letter or FBI Clearance Letter associated with license number 30064 for BB. Observed RC, HR, SS working in Infant Fox Classroom at time of Complaint Investigation; no evidence of CBI Clearance Letter or FBI Clearance Letter associated with license number 30064 for RC, HR, SS. N_a_m_e _: T_R_EE_H_O_U_SE_ E_A_R_LY_ L_EA_R_N_IN_G_ C_EN_T_E_R_____Lic_e_ns_e _Nu_m_b_er _: 3_0_06_4_______ ________________________________________________

  24. Oct 5, 20231 Finding1 Critical
    • Each Owner or Employee, Who Is Eighteen (18) Years of Age or Older, of a Facility or Agency Must Submit to CBI a Complete Set of Fingerprints to Obtain Any Criminal Record Held By…7.701.33.D

      Identified through staff file review, no evidence of FBI Clearance Letter and CBI Clearance Letter for the following staff members present and in ratio at time of investigation: AH, SS, CM, ER.

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