Aurora · Licensed center
La Petite Academy
- Medium play-based center, licensed for 102 children.
- A La Petite Academy center. The chain is owned by American Securities, a private-equity firm.
What the state has found
The state lists 4 visits below. Shortlist has not read the reports behind them, so there is no share of visits that cited something to set beside other providers yet.
State record — Colorado Department of Early Childhood
- Last visit
- September 18, 2026
- On file
- 4 visits since January 2024 · 8 complaint investigations
- Fixed?
- The latest correction deadline was December 2, 2024. Colorado Department of Early Childhood does not publish whether it was made.
- Most serious
- Colorado Department of Early Childhood does not publish a severity level for a citation, so there is no most-serious to name.
Colorado’s Department of Early Childhood lists each program’s complaints on its Colorado Shines page, with the department’s verdict on each and a report behind it, going back about three years. Older complaints are released only on request. The department does not rank complaints by severity in either place.
Aug 2025 Complaint
Complaint · August 7, 2025
2.206.B.8
During the investigation and after reviewing the facilities guidance plan, it was determined that the facility did not follow their policies.
Required correction: Review the written policies and procedures. The policy regarding positive guidance, behavior expectations and positive instruction, must be followed at all times.
Aug 2025 Complaint Founded
Complaint · August 7, 2025
Dec 2024 Supervisory visit 2 findings
Supervisory visit · December 2, 2024
2.213.B · Correction due December 2, 2024
At the time of the visit, reviewed 5 staff files and observed E.R. to be lacking an updated Department-approved standard precautions training.
Required correction: Immediately ( 12/2/2024), Review all staff files. All staff must complete a Department-approved standard precautions training and the training must be updated annually. Submit documentation and a written statement of compliance by 1/2/2025. Correct by 12/02/2024
2.213.G
At the time of the visit, reviewed 5 staff files and observed E.R. to be lacking an updated Department-approved training in child abuse prevention.
Mar 2024 Complaint Founded
Complaint · March 6, 2024
Jan 2024 Supervisory visit 11 findings
Supervisory visit · January 19, 2024
2.227.B.1.c · Correction due January 19, 2024
Observed that the facility has two buses to transport children and 1 bus had a flat tire.
Required correction: Immediately, vehicles used to transport children must be kept in satisfactory condition to ensure the safety of occupants. Submit a written statement of compliance by 2/2/2024. Correct by 01/19/2024
2.213.D
Reviewed 14 staff files and observed that S.H. and G.C. were missing documentation of a current prevention of shaken baby/abusive head trauma training and identified to be working with children less than 3 years old.
2.219.B.1 · Correction due January 19, 2024
Reviewed 10 children's files and observed that 1 child was missing documentation of an immunization status.
Required correction: Immediately, review all child files and at the time of admission parents/guardians must provide documentation of an immunizations status. Submit a written statement of compliance by 2/2/2024. Correct by 01/19/2024
2.120.I
Reviewed 14 staff files and observed that E.R. was missing documentation of an updated clearance letter and background check has expired.
2.213.B · Correction due January 19, 2024
Reviewed 14 staff files and observed that S.M., G.C., E.R., K.G., and S.H. were missing documentation of a current Standard Precautions training.
Required correction: Immediately, review all staff files and all staff must complete a department-approved standard precautions training prior to working with children. This training must be renewed annually. Submit documentation and a written statement of compliance by 2/2/2024. Correct by 01/19/2024
2.223.A.2 · Correction due January 19, 2024
In the Preschool classroom, observed that 7 children were transitioned to the Early Preschool classroom and did not have a sign out time. In the Toddler 1 classroom, observed that 3 children were transitioned to the Toddler 2 classroom and did not have a sign out time.
Required correction: Immediately, the time a child arrives and leaves the center each day must be recorded. Staff members must complete written attendance verification periodically throughout the day, including transitions. Submit a writen statement of compliance by 2/2/2024. Correct by 01/19/2024
Reviewed 14 staff files and observed that S.H., M.P., G.C., and E.R. were missing
2.213.G · Correction due February 18, 2024
Reviewed 14 staff files and observed that K.G., S.H., S.B., S.M., G.C., and E.R. were missing documentation of a current abuse prevention training.
Required correction: Within 30 days, review all staff files and all employees and regulat volunteers must be trained using the department-approved training about abuse prevention and must be renewed annually. Submit documentation and a written statement of compliance by 2/18/2024. Correct by 02/18/2024
2.213.J
Reviewed 14 staff files and observed that S.P. was missing documentation of a Working with an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant training and identified to be the assistant director.
Required correction: Within 30 days, review all staff files and all directors and assistant directors must complete the department-approved training Working with an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant. Submit documentation and a
2.213.K · Correction due February 18, 2024
Reviewed 14 staff files and observed that S.P. was missing documentation of a Introduction to Child Care Health Consultation training and identified to be the assistant director.
Required correction: Within 30 days, review all staff files and all directors and assistant directors must complete the department-approved training Introduction to Child Care Health Consultation. Submit documentation and a written statement of compliance by 2/18/2024. Correct by 02/18/2024
2.133.A · Correction due January 19, 2024
Reviewed 14 staff files and observed that G.C., J.S., and S.H. were missing documentation of an emergency and disaster preparedness training.
Required correction: Immediately, review all staff files and prior to working with children all staff must complete a department-approved emergency and disaster preparedness training. Submit documentation and a written statement of compliance by 2/2/2024. Correct by 01/19/2024
Nov 2023 Complaint 2 findings
Complaint · November 30, 2023
7.702.61.A.1.b · Correction due November 30, 2023
In the 2.5 year old classroom, observed diapers in an unlocked cabinet accessible to children. In the preschool classroom, observed diapers and gloves in an unlocked cabinet accessible to children.
Required correction: Immediately, all diaper areas must have a place inaccessible to children for storing all diaper change supplies and disinfecting solutions and products. Corrected at the time of the visit. The teachers locked the cabinet. Submit a written statement of future compliance by 12/14/2023. Correct by 11/30/2023
7.702.91.D · Correction due November 30, 2023
In the 2.5 year old classroom, observed a teachers personal bag in an unlocked cabinet accessible to children.
Required correction: Immediately, volatile substances and other hazardous items must not be stored in any area of the building used for childcare. Submit a written statement of compliance by 12/14/2023. Correct by 11/30/2023
Nov 2023 Complaint Unfounded
Complaint · November 30, 2023
Oct 2023 Complaint 5 findings
Complaint · October 10, 2023
Reviewed one staff file. At the time of incident(s), employee was missing documentation of a completed FBI background check and was unsupervised while caring for children.
Required correction: Immediately, criminal background check requests must be submitted and successfully completed prior to allowing an individual unsupervised access to children. Partially corrected at time of visit, the employee was sent for fingerprints prior to the inspection today and the facility is awaiting results. Submit documentation of completed FBI
7.702.34.A.7 · Correction due October 10, 2023
Reviewed one child file. Missing an updated written authorization for emergency medical care signed by the parent(s)/guardian(s).
Required correction: Immediately, review all child files. All children must have a dated, written authorization for emergency medical care signed and updated annually by the parent(s)/guardian(s). Submit a written statement of compliance by 10/17/2023. Correct by 10/10/2023
7.702.71.C
At the time of visit, in the Twos classroom, sharpie markers labeled 'keep out of reach of children' were in an unlocked drawer accessible to children. In the School Age (formerly Jr K) classroom, a can of shaving cream and two bottles of sunscreen labeled 'keep out of reach of children' were in an unlocked cabinet accessible to children, and spray bottles of cleaning and sanitizing solution were in a cubby accessible to children.
Required correction: Immediately, all items labeled 'keep out of reach of children' must be inaccessible to chidlren at all times.
7.702.71.H · Correction due October 10, 2023
At the time of visit, in the Twos classroom, adult scissors were in an unlocked cabinet accessible to children.
Required correction: Immediately, all sharp tools and instruments must be stored in areas inaccessible to children at all times. Corrected at time of visit, the scissors were moved to an upper cabinet making them inaccessible to children. Submit a written statement of future compliance by 10/17/2023. Correct by 10/10/2023
7.702.72.C.1.a · Correction due October 10, 2023
At the time of visit, on the preschool playground, them mulch under the swings and climbing structures measured less than two inches in depth in the use zone.
Required correction: Immediately, all climbing equipment eighteen (18) inches or higher must have resilient surface of at least six (6) inches in the use zone at all times. Submit photo documentation and a written statement of compliance by 11/10/2023. Correct by 10/10/2023
Oct 2023 Complaint Founded
Complaint · October 10, 2023
Mar 2023 Complaint Founded
Complaint · March 10, 2023
Founded · 7.702.71.C · Equipment/Materials · Correction due March 22, 2023
Items labeled ?keep out of reach of children? must be inaccessible to children.
Required correction: Correct immediately. All items labeled "keep out of reach of children" must be inaccessible to children. Corrected at time of visit. Preschool SM moved the Aquaphor to an upper cubby, inaccessible to children. Provide a written statement of future compliance by 4/5/2023.
Founded · 7.702.71.G · Equipment/Materials · Correction due April 5, 2023
Loose plastic bags must be stored in areas inaccessible to children.
Required correction: Correct immediately. Loose plastic bags must be stored in an area inaccessible to children. Corrected at time of visit. The loose plastic bag was moved to an upper cubby, inaccessible to children. Provide a written statement of future compliance by 4/5/2023.
Founded · 7.702.64.B · Guidance · Correction due March 22, 2023
Children must not be subjected to physical or emotional harm, humiliation, or threats.
Required correction: Correct immediately. Children must not be subjected to physical or emotional harm, humiliation, or threats. Provide a written statement of compliance by 4/5/2023.
Founded · 7.702.64.A · Guidance · Correction due March 22, 2023
Guidance used at the center must be appropriate to the development of the child and is used as an opportunity to teach children social-emotional skills, such as self-regulation, problem-solving, and empathy for others.
Required correction: Correct immediately. Guidance used at the center must be appropriate to the development of the child and is used as an opportunity to teach children social-emotional skills, such as self-regulation and empathy for others. Provide a written statement of compliance by 3/5/2023.
Founded · 7.702.61.A.1.b · Correction due March 22, 2023
All diaper change areas must: Have a place inaccessible to children for storing all diaper change supplies and disinfecting solutions and products.
Required correction: Correct immediately. All diaper change supplies must be inaccessbile to children. Corrected at time of visit. SM moved the diapers to an upper cubby, inaccessible to children. Provide a written statement of future compliance by 4/5/2023.
Founded · 7.702.62.A.2 · General Requirement/Physical Care · Correction due March 22, 2023
The time a child arrives and leaves the center each day must be recorded. Staff members must complete written attendance verification periodically throughout the day, including during transitions.
Required correction: Correct immediately. Staff members must complete written attendance verification periodically throughout the day and the time the child arrives and leaves the classroom or center. Corrected at time of visit. Pre-K SM conducted face to name to verify attendance. Toddler SM verified attendance and signed the child out. Provide a written statement of future compliance by 4/5/2023.
State licensing record In the file’s Dataset sheet, filter License Number to 46062.
Where this record comes from
The Department of Early Childhood keeps about three years of complaints on a program’s public page. Anything older is released only on request, as a single file covering the whole state. Shortlist asked for that file under the Colorado Open Records Act and renews it yearly; it is what this page shows for complaints older than the department’s own window.
The file this page is built from arrived on October 10, 2026 and covers complaints the department publishes today, and complaints back to January 2023 obtained by records request. The next request goes in October 2027.
The department publishes a report for each of these visits. Shortlist has not read those reports yet, so this page shows when the state came and not what it found.
Ask for this program’s record now
The department will also review one program’s complete file on request, which is more than either source above contains. Leave your email and Shortlist will ask for La Petite Academy’s file specifically, instead of waiting for the next one.
Shortlist replaces people’s names in the state’s text with initials. This is done by rule, not by hand, so it can miss a name or shorten a word that isn’t one. The state’s report, linked on each row, has the original.
Openings, child care subsidies, cost, and ratios and staff aren’t on this page.
How they teach
Play-based and developmental
“We utilize various curriculum to help stay on track with our School Readiness Pathway, which ensures your child is receiving a developmentally appropriate education to prepare them for school.”
A day here
- Hours
- 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, 5 days a week, year round
- Meals
- Tuition includes nutritious meals and snacks; infant tuition may include diapers and wipes (all La Petite Academy schools)
- Updates for parents
- SproutAbout family app — live streaming video of the classroom and real-time updates
- Schedule
- Part-time daycare available in addition to standard full-time enrollment (all La Petite Academy schools)
- Closed
- 7 holidays and breaks a year
Dates
Closed New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day; closed for in-service training on Presidents' Day and Columbus Day (all La Petite Academy schools)
Policies
- When a child is sick
- Parents are notified if a child becomes ill during the day and must pick up promptly; re-admission after a contagious illness follows the Family Handbook's re-admission criteria (all La Petite Academy schools)
Details
- Website
- lapetite.com
- Address
- 4290 S Richfield St
- License
- 46062, active
- Quality program
- Colorado Shines Level 4
- Ages they serve
- 12 Months - 10 Years
- Established
- 1979
Run La Petite Academy? Correct or add anything here, free.
Add what is missingSources and dates
Where every fact on this page came from, and when Shortlist last checked it against that source. Anything Shortlist could not source is named here rather than left blank.
How they teach
- Approach — Checked July 2026 lapetite.com/education/educational-approach
- Approach — Checked July 2026 lapetite.com/your-local-school/aurora-co-7254
A day here
- Meals, Schedule — Checked July 2026 lapetite.com
- Updates for parents, Hours — Checked July 2026 lapetite.com
- Calendar, Closed — Checked July 2026 lapetite.com/…/ilcg101-enrollment-packet-lpa.pdf
Policies
- When a child is sick — Checked July 2026 lapetite.com/…/ilcg101-enrollment-packet-lpa.pdf
Details
- Website — Checked July 2026 lapetite.com
- Address, License, Quality program — Checked July 2026 data.colorado.gov
- Ages they serve, Established — Checked July 2026 lapetite.com
- Who runs it — Checked October 2026 lapetite.com
- Who runs it — Checked October 2026 american-securities.com
La Petite Academy is one of Learning Care Group's brands. The private-equity firm American Securities lists Learning Care Group among its current companies, an investment it made in 2014. american-securities.com
Medium means the middle half of Denver-area’s 1,147 licensed centers by state-licensed capacity: 41 to 114 children. Small is 10 to 40; large is 115 to 402.