Children's Academy daycare inspections in Ridgefield, CT

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[-] · Corrected Jun 10, 2026

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.

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 Jun 16, 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 Jun 16, 2025

The operator shall post the following items in a conspicuous place, accessible to the public: the license, the OEC complaint procedure, menus, No Smoking signs, the plan for administrative oversight, the radon test, the OEC Inspection report (posted or available), the safe sleep policy and the OEC Developmental Milestones document.

[19a-79-3a(d)6)(C), (e)(1-6), 7a(e)(17), 10(g)(8)] · Corrected Jun 16, 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 Jun 16, 2025

If the child care center or group child care home is housed in any portion of a building that was constructed prior to 1978, the operator shall submit to the Office and maintain documentation on file at the child care center or group child care home of the following. Prior to use, all space used by staff, program staff, and children shall have undergone a comprehensive lead inspection by a lead consultant licensed by the Department of Public Health. Such lead inspection shall include testing of representative components of each type of painted surface throughout the facility, dust wipes sampling of a window well, window sill and floor in each room, hallway and entry/egress areas, and testing of bare soil areas in the child play areas. Identified toxic level(s) of lead on defective surface(s) as those terms are defined in section 19a-111-1 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies shall be remediated by an EPA Certified Firm using lead-safe work practice standards. All intact surfaces, including areas that have undergone remediation, for paint and soil shall be documented on a lead management plan that has been approved by the local director of health and shall be monitored in accordance with the approved plan by the operator. A letter issued by the local director of health confirming that appropriate action to remediate identified lead hazards has been completed, that clearance dust wipes have passed and that an approved lead management plan is on file.

[19a-79-7a(c)(6)(A-D)] · Corrected Jun 16, 2025

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 May 10, 2024

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 May 10, 2024

The operator shall have on staff a designated head teacher, approved by the Office who is 20 years of age or older and has the personal qualifications needed to supervise people. A designated head teacher shall be on site for sixty percent (60%) of the time the child care center or group child care home is in operation on a weekly basis. A program providing care for one (1) or more hours between the hours of ten (10) P.M. and five (5) A.M. shall have a person on the licensed premises designated as the person in charge who shall meet the head teacher qualifications.

[19a-79-4a(e)(2),(c)(1)-11(f) &/or19a-79-12(b)(1)] · Corrected May 10, 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 10, 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 10, 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 8, 2023

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 8, 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 May 8, 2023

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 May 8, 2023

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[-] · Corrected Oct 31, 2022

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 Oct 31, 2022

There shall be an area available for the individual storage of each child's clothing and bedding.

[19a-79-7a(d)(8)] · Corrected Oct 31, 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 Oct 31, 2022

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 Oct 31, 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 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 Oct 31, 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 Oct 31, 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 Oct 31, 2022

Staff and children shall wash their hands with soap and water after toileting.

[19a-79-7a(d)(11)(E)] · Corrected Oct 31, 2022

The water heating equipment shall deliver water at the tap, the temperature of which shall be within a range of sixty (60) degrees Fahrenheit to one hundred fifteen (115) degrees Fahrenheit. It shall have the capacity to deliver the required amounts at all times in conformance with the State of Connecticut Basic Building Code.

[19a-79-7a(e)(3)] · Corrected Oct 31, 2022

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

[19a-79-7a(e)(5)] · Corrected Oct 31, 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 Oct 31, 2022

Outside equipment shall be anchored for stability. Anchors shall be buried below ground level. Outdoor equipment shall be arranged in such a way as to avoid accidents.

[19a-79-7a(h)(5) &/or 19a-79-7a(h)(9)] · Corrected Oct 31, 2022

A nutritionally adequate meal shall be provided by the child care center or group child care home, or the parent(s) whenever a child remains on the premises for five (5) hours or more. Children who stay on the premises less than five (5) hours shall have a nutritious snack. Children who stay on the premises longer than five (5) but less than eight (8) hours shall have one (1) meal and one (1) nutritious snack. Children who stay on the premises eight (8) hours or more shall have one (1) meal plus two (2) nutritious snacks, or two (2) meals plus one (1) nutritious snack.

[19a-79-6a(a)(2)] · Corrected Oct 31, 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 Oct 31, 2022

The outdoor play area shall be protected from traffic, bodies of water, gullies and other hazards by barriers in a manner safe for children.

[19a-79-7a(h)(7)] · Corrected Oct 31, 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 Oct 31, 2022

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 Oct 31, 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 Sep 23, 2021

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 Sep 23, 2021

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 Sep 23, 2021

Nonprescription Topical Medications shall be stored in the original container and shall be appropriately labeled and shall be stored away from food and inaccessible to children. Any unused portion of the medication shall be returned to the parent(s).

[19a-79-9a(a)(3)] · Corrected Sep 23, 2021

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 Sep 23, 2021

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 Sep 23, 2021

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 Sep 23, 2021

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 Sep 23, 2021

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 Sep 23, 2021

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 Sep 23, 2021

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 Sep 23, 2021

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 Sep 23, 2021

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.

[19a-79-9a(b)(5)(D) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(5)(E)] · Corrected Sep 23, 2021

A health consultant shall visit the program on the days and times children under the age of three (3) are present. The health consultant shall prepare and maintain signed documentation of visits which shall be kept on the licensed premises. The health consultant shall visit the program according to the following schedule: (A) once a week for children up to twenty-four (24) months of age, (B) once a week for children two (2) to three (3) years of age attending a full day, and (C) once a month for children two (2) to three (3) years of age attending part day programs.

[19a-79-10(i)] · Corrected Sep 23, 2021

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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.

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.

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

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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.

There shall be an area available for the individual storage of each child's clothing and bedding.

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.

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

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.

Staff and children shall wash their hands with soap and water after toileting.

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

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

Outside equipment shall be anchored for stability. Anchors shall be buried below ground level. Outdoor equipment shall be arranged in such a way as to avoid accidents.

The outdoor play area shall be protected from traffic, bodies of water, gullies and other hazards by barriers in a manner safe for children.

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.

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

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.

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.

Nonprescription Topical Medications shall be stored in the original container and shall be appropriately labeled and shall be stored away from food and inaccessible to children. Any unused portion of the medication shall be returned to the parent(s).

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.

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

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.