License-Exempt Child Care From a Family Member, Friend or Neighbor

More than half of Colorado families use a license-exempt child care provider, such as a family member, friend or neighbor to care for their child. “License-exempt” means not required to have a child care license.

These providers are often grandparents, aunts, cousins, friends, nannies, or neighbors that care for a small number of children, many times siblings from the same family.

The State of Colorado only monitors licensed child care programs. That means families who choose a license-exempt provider need to assess for themselves the safety and quality of their child’s provider. The resources on this page can help!

License-exempt providers are not monitored the way licensed providers are, but Colorado still has rules for these providers designed to keep children safe.

LICENSE-EXEMPT & LICENSED CARE - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

Licensed vs. License-Exempt Child Care
Video Video Title
Cuidado Infantil con Licencia vs. Exento de Licencia

SAFE CHILD CARE CHECKLIST FOR LICENSE-EXEMPT PROVIDERS

Even if your child’s provider is a close relative, it’s still a good idea to have a conversation with them about keeping your child safe.

The safe child care checklist has a list of the most important questions to ask the person that will be caring for your child and the most important things to look for in the space where your child will be cared for.

Use the checklist to determine for yourself the safety and quality of your child’s provider so that you feel confident that the person you choose to care for your child is providing a safe, enriching experience while you are away.

WHEN IS A CHILD CARE PROVIDER REQUIRED TO HAVE A LICENSE?

The chart below shows the types of child care that do and do not require a license in Colorado. (Click here to view the chart in Spanish.)

This is important information for all families – whether you are looking for a license-exempt provider for your child OR if you are thinking about staying home with your child and caring for other children as a license-exempt provider yourself.