[19a-79-4a(a)(2), (h)(1-2)] · Documentation of professional development for each program staff who cares for the children, including new employee orientation and annual training for current program staff on the child care center or group child care home policies, plans and procedures. Program staff, including the director, shall complete health and safety training no later than three months after the date of hire. Written verification of ongoing training that is at least one percent of the total annual hours worked. As of April 1, 2025, such annual training shall include content as defined in 45 CFR § 98.41(a)(1)(i) to (a)(1)(xi). Such education may include, but is not limited to, early education and child development, licensing and regulations, emergency preparedness, prevention and control of infectious diseases, prevention of sudden infant death syndrome and use of safe sleep practices, administration of medication, prevention and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions, building and physical premises safety, protection from hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic; handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of bio contaminants; child maltreatment, prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma, precautions in transporting children, pediatric first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, nutrition and programming for children with disabilities or special health care needs.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 8, 2025

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E)] · An individual plan of care for any child with special health care needs or disabilities when it is necessary that special care be taken or provided while a child is in attendance shall be developed and implemented with the child's parent(s) and health care provider and updated, as necessary. The plan shall include appropriate care of the child to prevent and respond to a medical or other emergency and shall be signed by the parent and program staff responsible for the care of the child.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 8, 2025

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-6a(a)(3)] · There shall be proper refrigeration of no more than forty-one (41) degrees Fahrenheit for perishable foods in all child care centers and group child care homes and on field trips.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 8, 2025

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-7a(c)(2)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 8, 2025

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-9a(b)(3)(A-B)] · Except for nonprescription topical medications, no medication shall be administered to a child without the written order of an authorized prescriber and the written permission of the child's parent(s) which shall be on file at the facility. Individual written medication administration records for each child shall be written in ink, reviewed prior to administering each dose of medication and kept on file at the facility for at least three years after the child is no longer attending the program.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 8, 2025

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-3a(b)(7)(A)] · The operator and program staff shall manage child behavior using techniques based on developmentally appropriate practice, including positive guidance, redirection and setting clear limits that encourage children to develop self-control, self-discipline and positive self-esteem and communicate acceptable techniques to all staff.

Corrected Corrected by Jul 15, 2025

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-10(e)(1-10)] · 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. Diapering areas shall be washed and disinfected after each use. Disposable paper sheets shall be used and discarded immediately after each diapering. A covered washable lined waste receptacle shall be available and located in a convenient place for soiled waste material. These materials shall be removed to an exterior waste storage area at least daily. Disposable diapers shall be discarded in a covered receptacle immediately after diapering. The hands of the program staff and the children shall be washed after each diaper change. Diapering and hand washing policies and procedures shall be posted in each diapering area and followed. When cloth diapers or training pants are used, a written plan for their use and care shall be developed and implemented. This plan shall include, but not be limited to, these procedures: placing soiled clothing and diapers in a sealed air tight container; removing soiled clothing and diapers from the child care center or group child care home daily; and cleaning and sanitizing the container daily.

Corrected Corrected by Mar 6, 2025

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-3a(d)(2)-(7)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Mar 6, 2025

Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-4a(i)(1-2)(H), (F)] · 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.

[19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E)] · An individual plan of care for any child with special health care needs or disabilities when it is necessary that special care be taken or provided while a child is in attendance shall be developed and implemented with the child's parent(s) and health care provider and updated, as necessary. The plan shall include appropriate care of the child to prevent and respond to a medical or other emergency and shall be signed by the parent and program staff responsible for the care of the child.

Corrected Corrected by Mar 6, 2025

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-6a(a)(5)] · All areas used for the preparation and serving of meals in child care centers shall meet the requirements as set forth in the Department of Public Health’s Model Food Code, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. Child care centers that prepare food shall maintain at the child care center and make available to the Office upon request a copy of a current and full food service inspection report issued by the local director of health.

Corrected Corrected by Mar 6, 2025

Category: nutrition. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-7a(c)(2)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Mar 6, 2025

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-7a(e)(1-2)] · Every area used by children shall be adequately ventilated and programs serving children younger than school age shall have a non-mercury thermometer affixed to the wall. The ambient air temperature shall be at least sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit as measured three feet from the floor. Programs that serve exclusively school age children may utilize program space with the ambient air temperature less than sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit provided the temperature is warm enough to accommodate the activities with comfort. When the temperature exceeds eighty degrees Fahrenheit, the operator shall provide more fluids and increase ventilation.

Corrected Corrected by Mar 6, 2025

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-7a(g)(1)] · All equipment shall be of such design and material as to be readily cleaned and safe for children. Equipment shall not be colored or covered by any poisonous material. Equipment shall be sturdy, safely constructed and free from protruding nails, rust, toxic material and other hazards.

Corrected Corrected by Mar 6, 2025

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-8a-(a)(1-11)-(b)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Mar 6, 2025

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-3a(e)(6)] · The operator shall post emergency plans in a conspicuous place, accessible to the public.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 13, 2024

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-3a(b)(8)(B)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 13, 2024

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-4a(h)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(h)(2)] · A written plan for consultation services shall be developed, signed annually by the consultant and implemented. These services shall include an early childhood educational consultant, a health consultant, a dentist or dental hygienist consultant, a social service consultant, and a registered dietitian consultant for those programs that serve meals. Consultative services shall include annual review of written policies, plans and procedures, annual review of education programs, availability by telecommunication for advice regarding problems, availability, in person of the consultant to the program, consulting with administration and staff about specific problems, and acting as a resource person to staff and the parents.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 13, 2024

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-4a(h)(2)(G)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 13, 2024

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E)] · 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 an individual plan of care for any child with special health care needs or disabilities, developed with the child's parent(s) and health care provider and updated, as necessary.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 13, 2024

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-10(d)(1)] · In child care centers that serve children under three years of age, there shall be a sink with hot and cold running water designated for diaper changing and hand washing of staff and children in the program space. Visual contact with all other children shall be maintained while changing diapers or using the sink. Child care centers which staff three (3) adults to a group size of eight (8) infants or toddlers may use an accessible diaper changing facility if it is immediately adjoining the program area. Separate sinks shall be available for purposes other than hand washing after diaper changing within child care centers. Group child care homes shall have a sink accessible for hand washing other than the sink used for food preparation.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 28, 2023

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-10(l)(2)] · The equipment available to the infants and toddlers shall be developmentally appropriate for the ages of the children.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 28, 2023

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-2a(c)(7)] · At least every two (2) years, the local health director shall make unannounced visits, inspections or investigations of the licensed child care center or group child care home.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 28, 2023

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-3a(c)] · The operator shall notify the Office of Early Childhood, the parent(s) and staff of any changes in programs or services. Notification of personnel changes shall be made within five (5) business days after the change. If the change is for a head teacher, a plan for interim head teacher coverage shall be submitted to the Office of Early Childhood. A qualified head teacher or a plan approved by the commissioner shall be in place within thirty (30) days of change of a qualified head teacher. Notification of changes related to the licensed capacity, fees, services or voluntary closing shall be made at least thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of the proposed change. A change of location, change of operator or a change of ownership requires a new initial application.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 28, 2023

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-6a and/or 19a-79-7a] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 28, 2023

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-6a(a)(7) and/or 19a-79-6a(a)(11)] · Separate hand washing facilities shall be located convenient to the room where food is prepared in child care centers and group child care homes. Children and staff shall wash their hands with soap and water before eating or handling food.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 28, 2023

Category: nutrition. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-7a(g)(4) and/or 19a-79-7a(h)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 28, 2023

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-7a(e)(18)] · Child care centers and group child care homes that utilize combustible fuel shall be equipped with at least one (1) operable carbon monoxide (CO) detector on each occupied level of the facility.

Corrected Corrected by Jun 13, 2022

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-7a(e)(5)] · Rugs, if used, shall be secured to the floor.

Corrected Corrected by Jun 13, 2022

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-7a(g)(4) and/or 19a-79-7a(h)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Jun 13, 2022

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-7a(e)(1) &/or 19a-79-12(b)(8)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Jun 13, 2022

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-10(d)(1)] · In child care centers that serve children under three years of age, there shall be a sink with hot and cold running water designated for diaper changing and hand washing of staff and children in the program space. Visual contact with all other children shall be maintained while changing diapers or using the sink. Child care centers which staff three (3) adults to a group size of eight (8) infants or toddlers may use an accessible diaper changing facility if it is immediately adjoining the program area. Separate sinks shall be available for purposes other than hand washing after diaper changing within child care centers. Group child care homes shall have a sink accessible for hand washing other than the sink used for food preparation.

Corrected Corrected by Jun 13, 2022

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-3a(b)(7) &/or 19a-79-4a(3)] · The operator shall be responsible for the overall management and operation of the child care center or group child care home in accordance with applicable state and local laws and regulations and shall assure annual training for all current staff on the child care center or group child care home policies, plans and procedures. 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 documentation of professional development for each program staff person who cares for the children, including documentation of annual training for current staff on the child care center or group child care home policies, plans and procedures.

Corrected Corrected by Jun 13, 2022

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-5a(a)(1)(D)(i)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Jun 13, 2022

Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E)] · 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 an individual plan of care for any child with special health care needs or disabilities, developed with the child's parent(s) and health care provider and updated, as necessary.

Corrected Corrected by Jun 13, 2022

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-6a and/or 19a-79-7a] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Jun 13, 2022

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-7a(a) and/or 19a-79-7a(c)(3)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Jun 13, 2022

Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.