Colorado rulebook · checked October 2026
In Colorado, you may watch up to 4 counted children before a license is required — and Colorado counts your own children in that number. Care for one household's children, and care for relatives, sits outside the line entirely.
Licensing agency: Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) — Division of Early Learning, Licensing, and Administration
The line: In Colorado, you may watch up to 4 counted children before a license is required — and Colorado counts your own children in that number. Care for one household's children, and care for relatives, sits outside the line entirely.
Your own children: counted — Colorado includes your own children in the numbers that decide your category.
| Category | Capacity | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Family Child Care Home (licensed) | up to 6 | Up to 6 children, maximum 2 under 18 months, plus up to 2 additional school-age children. Residents of the home under age 10 who are on the premises count against your approved capacity — your own young children included. |
| Large Family Child Care Home (licensed) | up to 12 | 7 to 12 children, maximum 2 under age 2, with an assistant required when the 9th child arrives. A separate Experienced Child Care Provider tier (up to 9) opens after 6 consecutive years licensed plus 90 training hours. |
Rules checked October 2026 · Sources: CRS §§ 26.5-5-303, 26.5-5-304 (definitions; the three exempt doors); 8 CCR 1402-1-2.306 (regular family child care home; who counts in capacity); Colorado Department of Early Childhood — Legal Exemption from Child Care Licensing. This page reads the published rules; it is not legal advice, and the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) — Division of Early Learning, Licensing, and Administration is the final word.