[19a-79-4a(b)] · The operator shall ensure that all program staff have completed a comprehensive background check before they have unsupervised access to children. 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. The operator shall obtain from each prospective employee, who is eighteen years of age or older, for a position that requires the provision of care to a child or involves unsupervised access to a child, a listing of all employment held in the United States for an organization that provides care or services to children in the preceding five years. The operator shall take reasonable steps to contact each previous employer provided by the prospective employee to verify at a minimum the prospective employee’s job title, description of his/her regular duties, confirmation of employment dates, and whether such previous employer would recommend the prospective employee for rehire. This information shall be made accessible to the Office upon request. The operator shall not employ program staff, including volunteers, who have a record that the commissioner reasonably believes renders such program staff unsuitable to be employed in a child care center or group child care home.

Corrected Corrected by Mar 26, 2026

Category: background checks. 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 Oct 10, 2025

Category: supervision. 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 Apr 25, 2025

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

[19a-79-7a(e)(5)] · Walls, ceilings, floors and rugs shall be maintained in a state of good repair and be washable or easily cleanable. Rugs, if used, shall not present a tripping or slipping hazard.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 25, 2025

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-7a(e)(6)] · Hot water or steam pipes located in areas accessible to children shall have adequate protective covering which is maintained safely and in good repair.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 25, 2025

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-7a(h)(1-9)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 25, 2025

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

[19a-79-9a(b)(5)(D)] · All unused or expired medication, except for controlled substances, shall be returned to the parent(s) or disposed of if it is not picked up within one week following the termination of the order, in the presence of at least one witness. The facility shall keep a written record of the medications destroyed for three years which shall be signed by both parties.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 25, 2025

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

[19a-79-3a(b)(8)(A)] · The operator shall be responsible for managing child behavior using techniques based on developmentally appropriate practice and communicate acceptable techniques to all staff. These techniques shall include positive guidance, redirection and setting clear limits that encourage children to develop self-control, self-discipline and positive self-esteem.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 24, 2024

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-3a(d)(2) thru (8) &/or19a-79-7a(d)(11)(A)] · 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, emergencies, supervision of children, general operating policies, 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. Where toilets and sinks are shared by children and adults, a written policy shall be developed and implemented that requires supervision of children when using the shared toilet room.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 24, 2024

Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-3a] · The operator of the child care center or group child care home shall be responsible for compliance with the requirements of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and applicable endorsements in such a manner as to ensure the safety, health and development of the children while in the operator's care.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 24, 2024

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-4a(a)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(a)(2)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 24, 2024

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

[19a-79-3a(e)(4)] · The operator shall post a food service certificate as required by the local director of health in a conspicuous place, accessible to the public.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 7, 2024

Category: nutrition. 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 7, 2024

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-9a(b)(3) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(4)] · 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 two (2) years after the child is no longer attending the program.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 7, 2024

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

[19a-79-10(c)(4)] · For children under three years of age, there shall be a physical barrier separating each group of eight (8) children, indoors and outdoors.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 7, 2024

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-10(h)(2)] · Plastic bags, balloons and Styrofoam objects shall not be accessible to children under three (3) years of age.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 7, 2024

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-5a(a)(2)(A) through (E)and/or19a-79-6a(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 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.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 7, 2024

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 Feb 7, 2024

Category: health medication. 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 Feb 7, 2024

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

[19a-79-7a(h)(7)] · The outdoor play area shall be protected from traffic, bodies of water, gullies and other hazards by barriers in a manner safe for children.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 7, 2024

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-9a(b)(5)] · Medication shall be stored in the original child-resistant safety container and appropriately labeled. Medication shall be stored in a locked area or a locked container in a refrigerator in keeping with the label directions away from food and inaccessible to children. Controlled drugs shall be stored in accordance with state law. Equipment and medications prescribed to treat asthma, administer glucagons, or as an emergent first line of defense medication against an allergic response shall be stored in a safe manner, inaccessible to other children, to allow for quick access in an emergency.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 7, 2024

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 Mar 28, 2023

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

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

Corrected Corrected by Mar 28, 2023

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 Mar 28, 2023

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

[19a-79-9a(a)(2)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Mar 28, 2023

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-9a(b)(5)(D) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(5)(E)] · All unused or expired medication shall be returned to the parent(s) or disposed of if it is not picked up within one (1) week following the termination of the order, in the presence of at least one witness. The facility shall keep a written record of the medications destroyed which shall be signed by both parties. The facility shall require the parent(s) of a child who has a prescription for an automatic prefilled cartridge injector, or similar automatic injectable equipment used to treat an allergic reaction or injectable equipment used to administer glucagon or inhalant medication to treat asthma, to provide the injector or equipment labeled with the information from the prescriber upon enrollment and attendance of such child at the facility, and replace such medication and equipment prior to its expiration date.

Corrected Corrected by Mar 28, 2023

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

[-] · -

Corrected Corrected by May 25, 2022

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-3a(e)(2)] · The operator shall post the current fire marshal certificate in a conspicuous place, accessible to the public.

Corrected Corrected by May 25, 2022

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

[19a-79-7a(g)(5)] · The materials and equipment available and used by children shall be developmentally appropriate for the ages of the children served.

Corrected Corrected by May 25, 2022

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 May 25, 2022

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-7a(e)(6)] · Hot water or steam pipes located in areas accessible to children shall have adequate protective covering which is maintained safely and in good repair.

Corrected Corrected by May 25, 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 May 25, 2022

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

[19a-79-10(c)(3)] · For children under three years of age, the group size shall not exceed eight (8) children.

Corrected Corrected by May 25, 2022

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-10(c)(4)] · For children under three years of age, there shall be a physical barrier separating each group of eight (8) children, indoors and outdoors.

Corrected Corrected by May 25, 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 May 25, 2022

Category: ratio. 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 May 25, 2022

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-3a] · The operator of the child care center or group child care home shall be responsible for compliance with the requirements of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and applicable endorsements in such a manner as to ensure the safety, health and development of the children while in the operator's care.

Corrected Corrected by May 25, 2022

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-4a(a)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(a)(2)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by May 25, 2022

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

[19a-79-4a(a)(3) and/or 19a-79-4a(g)] · 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 new employee orientation and annual training for current staff on programs policies, plans and procedures. Professional development for program staff shall be required for one (1) per cent of the total annual hours worked. The operator of the child care center or group child care home shall develop, implement and maintain a written plan for professional development in child care. The operator shall have documentation of a professional development plan for each program staff member which shall be maintained on site at the facility and made available for review.

Corrected Corrected by May 25, 2022

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-5a(a)(1)(D)(ii)] · 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 one responsible person other than the parent(s) who can remove the child from the child care center or group child care home.

Corrected Corrected by May 25, 2022

Category: health medication. 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 May 25, 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 May 25, 2022

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

[19a-79-7a(e)(10)] · Potentially hazardous substances in the child care centers and group child care homes shall be stored in a separate locked area.

Corrected Corrected by May 25, 2022

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.