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 signed physical examination form including the child's date of birth, a statement about the child's general health and the presence of any known medical or emotional illness or disorder that would currently pose a risk to other children or which would currently affect this child’s functional ability to participate safely in a child care setting.

[19a-79-5a(a)(2)(A)-(E)] · Corrected Apr 9, 2025

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.

[19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E)] · Corrected Apr 9, 2025

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.

[19a-79-7a(e)(5)] · Corrected Apr 9, 2025

Infants under twelve months of age shall be placed in a supine (back) position for sleeping in a well-constructed, free standing crib or other piece of equipment designed for infant sleeping and appropriate for the particular child. A well-constructed, free standing crib or other piece of equipment shall be used designed for infant sleeping and appropriate for the particular child, with a snug fitting mattress covered by a tightly-fitted sheet. Infants under twelve months of age shall be placed in a supine (back) position for sleeping in a well-constructed, free standing crib or other piece of equipment designed for infant sleeping and appropriate for the particular child, with a snug fitting mattress covered by a tightly-fitted sheet unless the child has written documentation from a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse specifying a medical reason for an alternative sleep position or alternate piece of equipment. When infants can easily turn over from the supine to the prone position, they shall be put down to sleep on their back, but allowed to adopt whatever position they prefer for sleep. No items including, but not limited to, pillows, soft bumpers, toys and blankets, including weighted blankets, weighted sleepers, and weighted swaddles, shall be placed with an infant in a crib or hung over the side of a crib or other piece of equipment designed for sleeping except for a pacifier without attachments unless the child has written documentation from a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse specifying a medical reason for its use. Bibs and garments with ties or hoods shall be removed from infants that are placed to sleep. No toys or objects shall be attached to sleeping or rest equipment. No infant shall be put to sleep on a sofa, bed, couch, soft mattress, waterbed or other soft surface. No infant shall be put to sleep or allowed to remain asleep in a child restraint system intended for use in a vehicle, an infant carrier, a swing or any place that is not specifically designed to be an infant bed unless the child has written documentation from a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse specifying a medical reason for their use. No infant shall be swaddled unless the child has written documentation from a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse specifying instructions and a timeframe for swaddling the infant. Infants under twelve months of age shall be physically observed at least every fifteen minutes to assess the infants breathing, color, temperature and comfort. No child under three years of age shall have access to teething necklaces, teething bracelets or other jewelry that could present a choking or strangulation hazard. Written policies and procedures for sleep arrangements shall include the requirements of this subsection and shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the areas where infants under twelve months of age sleep. The operator shall document that the child’s parent(s) has been informed of the child care center or group child care home’s policies and procedures for sleep arrangements prior to enrollment and reviewed as needed during the period of the child’s enrollment.

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.

[19a-79-3a(a)] · Corrected Nov 27, 2024

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.

[19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E)] · Corrected Nov 27, 2024

Water supply, food service and sewage disposal facilities shall be adequate, safe and in compliance with all applicable sections of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. Water from at least one drinking fountain or drinking, beverage and food preparation sink, and from two such sources if the facility has more than one, shall be tested every two years for lead content. The water sample shall have been standing in plumbing pipes at least six hours and the results shall be submitted to the local director of health and kept on file at the facility. New child care facilities shall submit lead test results from each drinking, beverage and food preparation sink to the Office with the facility’s initial application. Whenever water is obtained from other than a public water system that is regulated by the Connecticut Department of Public Health, it shall be of a safe and sanitary quality and tested every two years for bacterial and chemical quality and the results submitted to the local director of health. The water analysis shall include tests for bacteria, physical parameters (color, odor, turbidity, pH), and sanitary chemicals (nitrogen series, chloride, hardness, iron, manganese and sodium). Additional tests may be required as deemed necessary by the Office. Drinking water shall be available and accessible to children at all times including at all meals and snacks.

[19a-79-7a(c)(5)(A-C)] · Corrected Nov 27, 2024

Cited finding

Corrected Apr 2, 2024

A written statement specifying the formula, breast milk or other liquids and the feeding schedule for infants shall be obtained from the parent(s).

[19a-79-10(k)(1)] · Corrected Apr 2, 2024

Toys used for infants shall be kept separate, washed and disinfected at least daily. Toys for toddlers, including floor and riding toys, shall be washed and disinfected at least weekly and as needed.

[19a-79-10(h)(1)] · Corrected Apr 2, 2024

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.

[19a-79-3a(d)(2) thru (8) &/or19a-79-7a(d)(11)(A)] · Corrected Apr 2, 2024

When a child care center or group child care home provides either meals or snacks, menus shall be prepared at least one (1) week in advance, dated and copies posted in a conspicuous place, accessible to the public. Changes shall be documented by the end of the program day. A copy of what was served shall be kept on file for three (3) months.

[19a-79-3a(e)(5) and/or 19a-79-6a(a)(4)] · Corrected Apr 2, 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 Apr 2, 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 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.

[19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E)] · Corrected Apr 2, 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 Apr 2, 2024

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 2, 2024

For children under three years of age, there shall be at least one (1) program staff for every four (4) children or fraction thereof in attendance. During nap time, when all of the children in the group are sleeping, the overall staff child ratios shall be maintained on the licensed premises. At no time shall a group of children be left unsupervised.

[19a-79-10(c)(2) and/or 19a-79-4a(c)(6)] · Corrected Apr 2, 2024

For children under three years of age, the group size shall not exceed eight (8) children.

[19a-79-10(c)(3)] · Corrected Apr 2, 2024

-

[-] · Corrected Jun 29, 2023

While children are in attendance at the program the operator and staff shall not engage in, nor allow, abusive, neglectful, physical, corporal, humiliating or frightening treatment or punishment, and shall not tie nor bind children and shall not physically restrain children except for the protection and safety of the child or others, using least restrictive methods, as appropriate.

[19a-79-3a(b)(8)(C)] · Corrected Jul 24, 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. Water supply, food service and sewage disposal facilities shall be in compliance with all applicable sections of the Public Health Code. Sanitary drinking fountains or individual disposable drinking cups shall be provided and accessible to the children at all times.

[19a-79-7a(c)] · Corrected Jul 24, 2023

-

[-] · Corrected Jun 21, 2023

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.

[19a-79-10(d)(1)] · Corrected Jun 21, 2023

Soft surfaces and gas-trapping objects such as pillows, quilts, sheepskins, soft bumpers or stuffed toys shall not be placed under or with an infant for sleeping and shall be kept out of the infant's crib or bed.

[19a-79-10(g)(3) and/or 19a-79-7a(g)(1)] · Corrected Jun 21, 2023

The child care center or group child care home shall maintain documentation on site that there is a qualified designated director.

[19a-79-4a(d)(1)] · Corrected Jun 21, 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 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 Jun 21, 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 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.

[19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E)] · Corrected Jun 21, 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 Jun 21, 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 Jun 21, 2023

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 21, 2023

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 Jun 21, 2023

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.

[19a-79-2a(c)(7)] · Corrected Jun 21, 2023

The operator shall post a food service certificate as required by the local director of health in a conspicuous place, accessible to the public.

[19a-79-3a(e)(4)] · Corrected Jun 21, 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 Jun 21, 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 Jun 15, 2022

Garbage and rubbish shall be kept in containers constructed of durable material approved by the local health director. Receptacles shall be in good repair to prevent infestations by rodents, insects and other pests and to prevent odors, injuries and other nuisance conditions. The garbage and rubbish shall be moved to an exterior waste storage area at least daily.

[19a-79-7a(e)(11)] · Corrected Jun 15, 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 15, 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 15, 2022

Soft surfaces and gas-trapping objects such as pillows, quilts, sheepskins, soft bumpers or stuffed toys shall not be placed under or with an infant for sleeping and shall be kept out of the infant's crib or bed.

[19a-79-10(g)(3) and/or 19a-79-7a(g)(1)] · Corrected Jun 15, 2022

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 require participation by new staff in employee orientation. 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.

[19a-79-3a(b)(7) &/or 19a-79-4a(3)] · Corrected Jun 15, 2022

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.

[19a-79-5a(a)(1)(D)(ii)] · Corrected Jun 15, 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 15, 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 15, 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 15, 2022

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.

[19a-79-7a(e)(18)] · Corrected Jun 15, 2022

Emergency telephone numbers shall be posted in an area adjacent to the phone.

[19a-79-7a(e)(7)] · Corrected Jun 15, 2022

An operator of a child care center or group child care home operating in a facility first licensed after January 1, 1986 shall provide a minimum of thirty-five (35) square feet of total indoor usable program space per child. An operator of a child care center or group child care home operating in a facility first licensed before January 1, 1986 shall provide a minimum of thirty (30) square feet of total indoor usable program space per child.

[19a-79-7a(f)(1) &/or 19a-79-7a(f)(2)] · Corrected Jun 15, 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 15, 2022

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 Jun 15, 2022

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.

[19a-79-9a(b)(3) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(4)] · Corrected Jun 15, 2022

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.

[19a-79-10(d)(1)] · Corrected Jun 15, 2022

Garbage and rubbish shall be kept in containers constructed of durable material approved by the local health director. Receptacles shall be in good repair to prevent infestations by rodents, insects and other pests and to prevent odors, injuries and other nuisance conditions. The garbage and rubbish shall be moved to an exterior waste storage area at least daily.

[19a-79-7a(e)(11)] · Corrected Jun 15, 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 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.

[19a-79-4a(a)(3) and/or 19a-79-4a(g)] · Corrected Jun 15, 2022

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.

[19a-79-3a(c)] · Corrected Jun 15, 2022

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.

[19a-79-3a(b)(7) &/or 19a-79-4a(3)] · Corrected Jun 15, 2022

Cited finding

Corrected Apr 12, 2022

Cited finding

Corrected Apr 12, 2022

An operator of a child care center or group child care home operating in a facility first licensed after January 1, 1986 shall provide a minimum of thirty-five (35) square feet of total indoor usable program space per child. An operator of a child care center or group child care home operating in a facility first licensed before January 1, 1986 shall provide a minimum of thirty (30) square feet of total indoor usable program space per child.

[19a-79-7a(f)] · Corrected Apr 12, 2022

The group size shall not exceed twenty children. When there is a mixed age group, the smaller required group size shall prevail.

[19a-79-4a(c)] · Corrected Apr 12, 2022

For children under three years of age, there shall be at least one (1) program staff for every four (4) children or fraction thereof in attendance, the group size shall not exceed eight (8) children and there shall be a physical barrier separating each group of eight (8) children, indoors and outdoors.

[19a-79-10(c)] · Corrected Apr 12, 2022

The parent(s) shall have immediate access to the child care center or group child care home during the hours of operation, unless otherwise prohibited by law.

[19a-79-3a(f)] · Corrected Apr 7, 2022

The operator shall ensure that environmental health requirements related to such things as ventilation, room and water temperature, telephone, lighting, hazards, garbage, stairs, pets, radon, and carbon monoxide detectors are met.

[19a-79-7a(e)] · Corrected Apr 7, 2022