In Palmer Lake, Colorado, the Wonders of Nature Forest School has been ordered to stop operating after state officials determined it was providing child care without the necessary license. The Colorado Department of Early Childhood filed a civil case against the school and its operator, Eric Todd Riegler, leading to a court order.
Legal Proceedings and State Actions
The legal proceedings began earlier this year when the state filed for an injunction in El Paso County District Court. In March, a judge issued a preliminary injunction, requiring the school to cease providing care for more than four children unless it obtained proper licensing. This action followed a year-long investigation with repeated warnings from state and local officials.
Initially, a cease-and-desist order was issued in March 2025, but the case was closed after surveillance did not observe unlicensed child care. However, a new complaint in November 2025 led to another investigation, confirming the school’s operations without a license. Consequently, the state escalated the case, resulting in a permanent injunction granted on March 10, prohibiting the school from providing child care services requiring a license.
Local and State Enforcement
The Town of Palmer Lake also took action, notifying the school of its violation of state law for operating without a license. Certified mail records show that warnings were sent to Riegler, although some notices went unclaimed. On June 1, 2026, a municipal judge found Riegler guilty of operating without a business license, imposing a $200 fine.
State officials emphasize the risks of unlicensed child care, which operates outside regulatory oversight, potentially compromising health, safety, and staffing standards. The court order remains in effect, and any violation could lead to contempt proceedings, including fines or jail time.
Parents are advised to verify the licensing status of child care providers to ensure compliance with state requirements. The case underscores the challenges of enforcing licensing laws and the role of the courts in addressing unlicensed operations.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
