summary
Introduced
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
The bill makes changes and clarifications in the provisions related to the department of early childhood (department). The bill: ! Eliminates the scheduled repeal of licensing exemptions for informal child care provided by family, friends, or neighbors in an in-home setting; ! Updates provisions related to early care and education provider reimbursement for services performed before final eligibility determinations in the Colorado child care assistance program; ! Lowers the age limit for children served by the early childhood mental health consultation program from 8 years old to 6 years old and adjusts that program's reporting requirements; ! Clarifies the role of school districts and charter schools in administering and determining certain funding priorities for 3-year-olds in the universal preschool program; ! Adds information about the sources of money appropriated to the universal preschool program; ! Clarifies that child care facilities approved, certified, or licensed by tribal governments are exempt from the department's licensing rules; and ! Adjusts the membership requirements and duties of the early childhood leadership commission and subcommittee membership requirements for the rules advisory council.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the "Department of Early Childhood Clean-Up," makes several adjustments and clarifications to existing laws concerning early childhood services in Colorado. Key provisions include permanently exempting informal childcare provided by family, friends, or neighbors in their homes from licensing requirements, and updating rules for how early care and education providers are reimbursed for services rendered before their eligibility for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) is finalized. The bill also lowers the age limit for children served by the early childhood mental health consultation program from eight to six years old and modifies its reporting obligations. Furthermore, it clarifies the roles of school districts and charter schools in administering and prioritizing funding for three-year-olds in the universal preschool program, specifies funding sources for this program, and exempts childcare facilities licensed or approved by tribal governments from state licensing rules. Finally, the bill adjusts the membership and duties of the Early Childhood Leadership Commission and the rules advisory council.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
House Education Hearing (00:00:00 3/11/2026 Room 0107) (on 03/11/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/HB26-1259 |
| BillText | https://leg.colorado.gov/bill_files/112325/download |
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