Supporting local child care providers and families through inspections

Mesa County Public Health (MCPH) works to provide support and regulatory services for child care businesses throughout Mesa County. We serve licensed child care centers, school-age programs, resident camps, and homes. Our team helps these businesses with the child care licensing process and conducts routine health and licensing inspections every year. 

We work to ensure that safe and healthy environments are provided for the children and staff. Our Child Care Licensing Team and the Child Care Health Inspectors investigate complaints and injuries in addition to the regular supervisory inspections. The licensing team works with the Colorado Department of Early Childhood to regulate licensed child care providers.  The health Inspector works with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to ensure child care centers, school age programs, camps, and other youth programs meet the health requirements.

“Ensuring we have quality child care in our community helps families thrive by allowing parents to work and giving children a safe place to learn and grow,” said Early Childhood Lead Specialist Zach Zdanek.

In 2023, our team performed 261 child care licensing inspections. During an inspection, our team completes a safety walkthrough of the facility or home.  We review a sample of the child files to ensure the required documentation and information for a child is kept at the center and stored properly.  Our team reviews staff files of individuals working with children for background checks, qualifications, and training. Visit our website to learn more about inspections and the licensing requirements for child care providers.

We also support providers through Mesa County Partnership for Children and Families (PCF). Our PCF team offers professional development opportunities and quality improvement coaching for early childhood educators. PCF provides opportunities for small businesses through training and community partnerships. Providers can receive grant assistance for navigating state funds and are provided a free online profile for local child care marketing. PCF serves as a referral source for all early childhood needs. Visit PCF’s website to learn more about available resources for providers and parents in Mesa County.