The operator shall implement and annually review specific written policies, plans and procedures that include, but not necessarily be limited to discipline, when a child is not picked up as planned, multi-hazard and medical emergencies, supervision of children, general operating policies, administrative oversight and personnel policies. The operator shall notify the parent(s), staff and the Office of Early Childhood within five (5) days of changes in these policies, plans and procedures.

[19a-79-3a(d)(2)-(7)] · Corrected Jun 9, 2025

For programs serving children younger than school age, the building, equipment and furnishings shall be maintained in a good state of repair. A maintenance program shall be established that ensures that the interior, exterior and grounds of the building are maintained, kept clean and orderly, free from accumulations of refuse, dampness, stagnant water, dilapidated structures and other health and safety hazards.

[19a-79-7a(c)(2)] · Corrected May 14, 2025

Cribs or other furniture intended for infant sleeping that meet the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requirements. All cribs shall comply with the CPSC crib standards. To demonstrate that a crib meets the current CPSC crib standards, one of the following shall be maintained on the licensed premises for each crib that is used or accessible to any child in care- a tracking label, which is a permanent, distinguishing mark on the crib which verifies a date of manufacture on or after June 28, 2011; a registration form including the manufacturer’s name and contact information, model name, model number, and a date of manufacture on or after June 28, 2011; or a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) or test report from a CPSC-accepted third party lab demonstrating compliance with federal crib standards.

[19a-79-10(d)(2)(Ai-iii)] · Corrected May 14, 2025

A child care center or group child care home with a preschool endorsement may deem a child who is thirty-two to thirty-six months of age, inclusive, to be three years of age for purposes of enrolling such child in a preschool program provided such child care center or group child care home receives written authorization from such child’s parent and the director to so enroll such child in the preschool program. The written authorization shall be kept on file at the child care center or group child care home and available to the Office upon request.

[19a-79-3a(l)] · Corrected May 14, 2025

There shall be access to a minimum of seventy-five (75) square feet per child of outdoor space for the number of children using the space at any one time. The outdoor area shall be fenced or protected for safety. Outdoor play equipment shall have a shock absorbing surface, under and around, that shall effectively cushion the fall of a child, except where the child is sitting or standing at ground level. The shock absorbing surface shall be maintained at a depth of at least eight inches, be free of water and not allowed to become compacted. Acceptable shock absorbing surfaces may include mulch, sand, and wood chips. Synthetic material that is less than eight inches in depth, including but not limited to, rubber mats or tiles may be acceptable surfaces provided the operator maintains documentation on the licensed premises that the synthetic material is manufactured for this purpose, installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and sufficient to cushion the fall of a child. Concrete, asphalt, grass and dirt shall not be considered a shock absorbing surface. The playground shall be free of glass, debris, holes and other hazards. Nuts, bolts and screws shall be tight; and those that protrude shall be covered or protected. Outside equipment shall be anchored for stability when recommended by the manufacturer. Anchors shall be buried below ground level. The operator shall provide documentation to the Office, upon request, by a certified playground safety inspector that newly constructed playgrounds and all newly installed playground equipment that are set in position and anchored in such a way to last indefinitely are designed and installed in accordance with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Society for Testing and Materials Standards. Drinking water shall be available and accessible to children. Outdoor equipment shall be arranged in such a way as to avoid accidents. All play equipment, fences, and structures shall not pose a hazard.

[19a-79-7a(h)(1-9)] · Corrected May 14, 2025

The written plan shall include the use of a variety of indoor and outdoor environments based on the children’s interest, individual needs and the learning to be addressed; a flexible schedule that allows time for children to make choices, continue projects over time, and transition from one activity to another; learning experiences that are relevant to the children’s lives and cultural context; a balance of child-initiated and teacher-initiated experiences; exploration and discovery; the use of a variety of materials that support active engagement and promote skills across areas of learning and development; rest, sleep or quiet activities; nutritious meals and snacks; toileting and clean up; individual and small group activities; and moderate and vigorous physical activity for children three years of age and older unless a child has a disability or is experiencing a developmental delay, which prevents such child from engaging in such physical activity. Such activity shall take place outdoors. No child care center or group child care home shall provide access to mobile cellular telephones, laptops and desktop computers or equipment that is capable of playing a video game or digital video disk to children under two years of age. Each child care center and group child care home shall restrict access to mobile cellular telephones, laptop and desktop computers or equipment that is capable of playing a video game or digital video disk by children two years of age and older except for educational or physical activity purposes. This subsection shall not apply to a child in the care of such child care center or group child care home that has a disability or is experiencing a developmental delay, and requires the use of such devices as a result of such disability or delay.

[19a-79-8a-(a)(1-11)-(b)] · Corrected May 14, 2025

The operator shall comply with all local codes and ordinances, including the State of Connecticut Fire Safey Code. These codes include but are not limited to: inspections by the fire marshal, ensuring fire marshal inspection certificates are on file, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and documentation of fire drills.

[19a-79-7a(a)(2)] · Corrected May 14, 2025

The written permission of the parent(s) shall be required prior to the administration of the nonprescription topical medication shall be kept on file at the facility for each child administered a nonprescription topical medication. The parent(s) shall be immediately notified of any medication error, and notified of such error in writing not more than seventy two hours after the medication error occurred, and such medication error shall be documented in the child’s record. The medication shall be stored in the original container and shall contain the following information on the container or packaging indicating the individual child’s name; the name of the medication; and directions for the medication’s administration. The medication shall be stored away from food and inaccessible to children. Any unused portion of the medication shall be returned to the parent(s). Any expired medication shall be destroyed in a safe manner or returned to the parent.

[19a-79-9a(a)(2-3)] · Corrected May 14, 2025

An education consultant shall be available to the operator and program staff for advice and support regarding the educational content and practice of the program. A person needs to apply for approval to be an education consultant. Program staff shall not serve as education consultants for programs in which they provide direct care or direct program supervision in a non-consultative role; or in a program with the same operator as a program in which they provide direct care or direct program supervision in a non-consultative role. Specific duties of the education consultant shall include, but not be limited to making, at a minimum, annual site visits to the facility, reviewing daily plans, curriculum documents, and educational policies for the developmental and age appropriate practices, observing program staff interactions, use of materials and equipment, implementation of plans and approaches to classroom management; and providing feedback on documentation review and classroom observations to the director and head teacher. A health consultant shall be available to the operator and program staff for advice regarding the health of the children and the health program. Specific duties of the health consultant shall include, but not be limited to making, at a minimum, quarterly site visits to facilities that serve children three years of age and older; or for group child care homes, facilities that operate no more than three hours per day, or facilities that enroll only school age children, semi-annual site visits. Facilities that are closed during the summer months may omit the summer quarterly visit. Site visits shall be made by the health consultant during customary business hours when the children are present at the facility. Specific duties include, but are not limited to reviewing health and immunization records of children and program staff, reviewing the contents, storage and plan for maintenance of first aid kits, observing the indoor and outdoor environments for health and safety, observing children’s general health and development, observing diaper changing and toileting areas and diaper changing, toileting and hand washing procedures, reviewing the policies, procedures and required documentation for the administration of medications, including petitions for special medication authorizations needed for programs that administer medication, assisting in the review of individual care plans for children with special health care needs or children with disabilities, as needed; and quarterly review of all injury, illness, incident and accident reports. A social service consultant shall be available to the operator and program staff for advice regarding the emotional needs, program staff support and the social service program. A registered dietitian consultant shall be available to the operator and program staff for advice regarding nutrition and food service for those programs that prepare or plan meals. A written plan for consultation services shall be developed, signed annually by the consultant and implemented. Consultative service shall include, but not be limited to an annual review of written policies, plans and procedures that relate to the services provided by the consultant, availability by telecommunication for advice regarding problems, availability, in person, of the consultant to the program, consulting with administration and program staff about specific problems, acting as a resource person to program staff and the parent(s) to include coordinating services and assisting families and program staff in identifying necessary resources, and seeking and supporting the collaboration of multiple consultants serving the program. The activities and observations required by each consultant shall be documented in a consultation log that is kept on file at the facility for two years.

-

[-] · Corrected May 1, 2024

Hardware such as air conditioners, water heaters or fuse boxes shall be inaccessible to children. The playground shall be free of glass, debris, holes and other hazards.

[19a-79-7a(g)(4) and/or 19a-79-7a(h)] · Corrected May 1, 2024

The building, equipment and services shall be maintained in a good state of repair. A maintenance program shall be established that ensures that the interior, exterior and grounds of the building are maintained, kept clean and orderly, free from accumulations of refuse, dampness, stagnant water, dilapidated structures and other health and safety hazards.

[19a-79-6a and/or 19a-79-7a] · Corrected May 1, 2024

The operator shall document that the techniques used to manage child behaviors in the facility have been discussed with the child's parent(s) prior to enrollment and reviewed as needed during the period of the child's enrollment.

[19a-79-3a(b)(8)(B)] · Corrected May 1, 2024

The operator shall post the current fire marshal certificate in a conspicuous place, accessible to the public.

[19a-79-3a(e)(2)] · Corrected May 1, 2024

A file shall be kept on the licensed premises for each employee of the child care center or group child care home which shall include an acceptable medical statement and a written report of a negative tuberculin test.

[19a-79-4a(a)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(a)(2)] · Corrected May 1, 2024

A file shall be kept on the licensed premises for each employee of the child care center or group child care home which shall include evidence that the necessary information and documentation specified by the Office of Early Childhood in order to conduct background checks has been submitted. The operator shall provide to the Office of Early Childhood any information obtained concerning substantiated child abuse or neglect records or criminal convictions upon request.

[19a-79-4a(b)] · Corrected May 1, 2024

A written plan for consultation services shall be developed, signed annually by the consultant and implemented. Consultative services shall include documenting the activities and observations in a consultation log that is kept on file at the facility for two years.

[19a-79-4a(h)(2)(G)] · Corrected May 1, 2024

The operator of a child care center or group child care home is responsible for maintaining on the licensed premises a current record for each child enrolled. A copy of the record shall be available and provided upon request to the Office of Early Childhood, the child's parent(s) and the local health director. It shall include specific written permission forms signed by the parent(s) authorizing the operator to use the programs emergency policies which shall accompany the child on trips away from the premises.

[19a-79-5a(a)(1)(D)(i)] · Corrected May 1, 2024

There shall be proper refrigeration of no more than forty-five (45) degrees Fahrenheit for perishable foods in all child care centers and group child care homes and on field trips. The kitchen in child care centers or group child care homes that is used for the preparation and serving of food to children shall be clean, well lighted and ventilated, protected by window screening and provided with hot and cold running water, adequate and safe storage for food and supplies and refrigeration.

[19a-79-6a(a)(3) and/or 19a-79-6a(a)6)] · Corrected May 1, 2024

Electrical outlets shall be provided with safety covers or approved safety outlets. The use and maintenance of electrical cords, appliances and adaptors shall be in full compliance with state codes.

[19a-79-7a(d)(10)] · Corrected May 1, 2024

Each toilet room shall be ventilated to the outside atmosphere. In child care centers constructed or renovated after January 1, 1994, all toilet facilities shall be mechanically ventilated to the outside atmosphere.

[19a-79-7a(d)(11)(F) &/or19a-79-7a(d)(11)(G)] · Corrected May 1, 2024

Potentially hazardous substances in the child care centers and group child care homes shall be stored in a separate locked area.

[19a-79-7a(e)(10)] · Corrected May 1, 2024

Walls, ceilings, floors and rugs shall be maintained in a state of good repair and be washable or easily cleanable.

[19a-79-7a(e)(5)] · Corrected May 1, 2024

The written permission of the parent(s) shall be required prior to the administration of the nonprescription topical medication and a medication administration record shall be written in ink and kept on file at the facility for each child administered a nonprescription topical medication.

[19a-79-9a(a)(2)] · Corrected May 1, 2024

Every area used by children shall be adequately ventilated and have a thermometer affixed to the wall. The ambient air temperature shall be at least sixty-five (65) degrees Fahrenheit.

[19a-79-7a(e)(1) &/or 19a-79-12(b)(8)] · Corrected May 1, 2024

The operator of a child care center or group child care home is responsible for maintaining on the licensed premises a current record for each child enrolled. A copy of the record shall be available and provided upon request to the Office of Early Childhood, the child's parent(s) and the local health director. It shall include a health record that shall include date of birth, a physical examination form, an immunization record, and information regarding disabilities or special health care needs.

[19a-79-5a(a)(2)(A) through (E)and/or19a-79-6a(e)] · Corrected May 1, 2024

The facility shall maintain at least one (1) portable, readily available first aid kit wherever children are in care, including field trips, outdoor play areas and one to remain at the facility if all the children do not attend the field trip. Each kit shall be a closed container for storing first aid supplies, accessible to staff at all times but out of the reach of children. The first aid kit shall contain specified items and be restocked after use, and an inventory shall be conducted at least monthly.

[19a-6a(c) and/or 19a-6a(d)] · Corrected Apr 25, 2023

The diapering area shall be an elevated sturdy table or counter equipped with a safety rail. Infants and toddlers shall be diapered at a diapering area used only for this purpose and located in the program area. Each diapering area shall have a non-porous surface and be kept in good repair.

[19a-79-10(e)(1)(2)(3)] · Corrected Apr 25, 2023

The operator shall document that the techniques used to manage child behaviors in the facility have been discussed with the child's parent(s) prior to enrollment and reviewed as needed during the period of the child's enrollment.

[19a-79-3a(b)(8)(B)] · Corrected Apr 25, 2023

The operator of a child care center or group child care home is responsible for maintaining on the licensed premises a current record for each child enrolled. A copy of the record shall be available and provided upon request to the Office of Early Childhood, the child's parent(s) and the local health director. It shall include specific written permission forms signed by the parent(s) authorizing the operator to use the programs emergency policies which shall accompany the child on trips away from the premises.

[19a-79-5a(a)(1)(D)(i)] · Corrected Apr 25, 2023

The building, equipment and services shall be maintained in a good state of repair. A maintenance program shall be established that ensures that the interior, exterior and grounds of the building are maintained, kept clean and orderly, free from accumulations of refuse, dampness, stagnant water, dilapidated structures and other health and safety hazards.

[19a-79-6a and/or 19a-79-7a] · Corrected Apr 25, 2023

Rugs, if used, shall be secured to the floor.

[19a-79-7a(e)(5)] · Corrected Apr 25, 2023

Hardware such as air conditioners, water heaters or fuse boxes shall be inaccessible to children. The playground shall be free of glass, debris, holes and other hazards.

[19a-79-7a(g)(4) and/or 19a-79-7a(h)] · Corrected Apr 25, 2023

Where swings, seesaws or climbing apparatus are used, the surface in the space shall be protected with a minimum of eight (8) inches of impact absorbing materials.

[19a-79-7a(h)(2)] · Corrected Apr 25, 2023

Potentially hazardous substances in the child care centers and group child care homes shall be stored in a separate locked area.

[19a-79-7a(e)(10)] · Corrected Apr 25, 2023

Water supply, food service and sewage disposal facilities shall be in compliance with all applicable sections of the Public Health Code. All water supplies shall be tested every two (2) years for lead content and the results submitted to the local and state health departments. Whenever water is obtained from other than a Department of Public Health-approved public water supply, it shall be of a safe and sanitary quality and tested every two (2) years for bacterial and chemical quality and the results submitted to the local and state health departments.

[19a-79-7a(a) and/or 19a-79-7a(c)(3)] · Corrected Apr 25, 2023

The operator shall post the current fire marshal certificate in a conspicuous place, accessible to the public.

[19a-79-3a(e)(2)] · Corrected Jun 9, 2022

A file shall be kept on the licensed premises for each employee of the child care center or group child care home which shall include an acceptable medical statement and a written report of a negative tuberculin test.

[19a-79-4a(a)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(a)(2)] · Corrected Jun 9, 2022

The diapering area shall be an elevated sturdy table or counter equipped with a safety rail. Infants and toddlers shall be diapered at a diapering area used only for this purpose and located in the program area. Each diapering area shall have a non-porous surface and be kept in good repair.

[19a-79-10(e)(1)(2)(3)] · Corrected Jun 9, 2022

The building, equipment and services shall be maintained in a good state of repair. A maintenance program shall be established that ensures that the interior, exterior and grounds of the building are maintained, kept clean and orderly, free from accumulations of refuse, dampness, stagnant water, dilapidated structures and other health and safety hazards.

[19a-79-6a and/or 19a-79-7a] · Corrected Jun 9, 2022

Electrical outlets shall be provided with safety covers or approved safety outlets. The use and maintenance of electrical cords, appliances and adaptors shall be in full compliance with state codes.

[19a-79-7a(d)(10)] · Corrected Jun 9, 2022

Each toilet room shall be ventilated to the outside atmosphere. In child care centers constructed or renovated after January 1, 1994, all toilet facilities shall be mechanically ventilated to the outside atmosphere.

[19a-79-7a(d)(11)(F) &/or19a-79-7a(d)(11)(G)] · Corrected Jun 9, 2022

Rugs, if used, shall be secured to the floor.

[19a-79-7a(e)(5)] · Corrected Jun 9, 2022

Walls, ceilings, floors and rugs shall be maintained in a state of good repair and be washable or easily cleanable.

[19a-79-7a(e)(5)] · Corrected Jun 9, 2022

Potentially hazardous substances in the child care centers and group child care homes shall be stored in a separate locked area.

[19a-79-7a(e)(10)] · Corrected Jun 9, 2022

Hardware such as air conditioners, water heaters or fuse boxes shall be inaccessible to children. The playground shall be free of glass, debris, holes and other hazards.

[19a-79-7a(g)(4) and/or 19a-79-7a(h)] · Corrected Jun 9, 2022