Loveland Police Investigate Child Abuse at In-Home Childcare Facility

Loveland Police Department arrested an in-home childcare business owner on multiple child abuse charges November 23 after an investigation revealed additional victims beyond the initial report of physical injuries to a child.

Michelle Sanders operated an in-home childcare facility in Loveland when investigators began a detailed investigation following the initial report. As the investigation progressed, detectives identified additional victims at the childcare operation.

Police provided limited information during the active investigation but urged any parent or guardian who previously enrolled children with Sanders' in-home childcare to contact the Investigative Tipline at 970-962-2032 and reference case LP25-0007224 if they noticed signs of harm or troubling conduct.

Investigators continue reviewing information as additional victims may exist.

Colorado Requires Licensing for Most In-Home Childcare

Colorado law requires any individual caring for more than one child other than their own on a regular basis for payment to obtain a license from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood unless they qualify for specific exemptions, according to the department. License-exempt providers who care only for children from a single family not their own are not subject to the same inspections and oversight as licensed homes.

Licensed family child care home providers must complete a pre-licensing orientation and 15 hours of training covering state regulations, health, safety and child development. All adults age 18 and older living in the home must pass comprehensive criminal background and child abuse registry checks at local, state and federal levels.

The Department of Early Childhood conducts a pre-licensure inspection to ensure compliance with facility, health and safety standards before issuing a license. After licensure, regular biennial inspections occur at least every two years, with more frequent inspections possible based on risk or complaints.

Physical Discipline Strictly Prohibited in Licensed Settings

Colorado regulations explicitly prohibit physical discipline including spanking and hitting in all licensed childcare settings, according to the Department of Early Childhood's Rules Regulating Family Child Care Homes. Harsh or humiliating treatment is also strictly prohibited.

Licensed providers must promote positive guidance and age-appropriate discipline techniques, with staff trained in safe and appropriate behavior management. Safety standards address indoor and outdoor environments, supervision ratios, physical facilities and the use of equipment and materials.

All childcare workers in Colorado are mandatory reporters who must immediately report suspected abuse or neglect to the county human services department or law enforcement. Failure to report can result in criminal penalties.

Parents Can Verify Provider Licensing Status

Parents can verify a childcare provider's license, quality rating and inspection history through the Colorado Shines online portal maintained by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood. Inspection and complaint records are public and available from the department or local county human services offices.

Child abuse under Colorado law includes physical injury that is not accidental, emotional or psychological harm, sexual abuse or exploitation, unreasonable confinement or cruel punishment, and any pattern of neglect endangering a child's welfare.

Parents who suspect child abuse should immediately report it to the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-844-264-5437 or contact Larimer County Human Services. Colorado law grants immunity from liability to individuals who make good faith reports, and retaliation against reporters is illegal.

The charges against Sanders are merely accusations, and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The Loveland Police Department stated the purpose of the news release is to provide timely information to the public and seek community help concerning the possibility of other victims.

Contact the Loveland Police Investigative Tipline at 970-962-2032 and reference case LP25-0007224.