SB24-078 Summary

• Includes outdoor nature-based preschool programs as a type of child care center under Colorado Department of Early Childhood licensing requirements, serving children ages 3-8 that operate at least 50% of hours outdoors in department-approved natural spaces.

• Requires the Department of Early Childhood to promulgate rules by December 31, 2025, covering land-use agreements, alternative shelter plans, risk mitigation, emergency preparedness, evacuation plans, and procedures for programs to opt out of certain requirements through site-specific risk mitigation plans.

• Mandates department training for licensing staff on inspecting outdoor programs and collaborating with fire departments and the Department of Public Health and Environment, with operator training beginning December 1, 2026.

• Appropriates $179,569 from the general fund and child care licensing cash fund to the Department of Early Childhood for the 2024-25 fiscal year, and $35,341 to the Department of Public Health and Environment for environmental health programs.

• Provides $30,000 annual appropriations from the child care licensing cash fund for fiscal years 2024-25 through 2026-27 to implement the outdoor programs.