[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.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 19, 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 Sep 19, 2025

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

[19a-79-7a(c)(5)(A-C)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 19, 2025

Category: ratio. 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 Sep 19, 2025

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

[19a-79-7a(h)(7)-(A-C)] · The outdoor play area shall be protected from traffic, bodies of water, gullies and other hazards by barriers in a manner safe for children. Fences used to protect children from hazards shall be at least four feet in height. When there is a swimming pool or any other body of water at the facility or near enough to the facility to attract or be accessible to children at any time of the year, there shall be a sturdy fence or barrier, four feet high or higher, which totally and effectively bars access to the water by children. All entries and exits through such fence or barrier shall have self-closing, self-latching devices or locks. When an outside wall of the child care center or group child care home that serves as one side of the fence or barrier to the body of water has a doorway, such doorway shall remain locked. Decorative ponds, fishponds, fountains or similar bodies of water that do not have a fence or barrier as required in this subdivision, shall be completely covered with a childproofing grate or other barrier to prevent access to children. Locks shall be openable with a key, combination, fingerprint, magnet or other unlocking mechanism that prevents an unauthorized person from obtaining access. A rooftop used as a play area shall be enclosed with a wall, fence or permanent physical barrier not less than six feet high and the bottom edge shall be no more than three and one half inches from the base or floor. The wall, fence or permanent physical barrier shall be designed to prevent children from climbing it.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 19, 2025

Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.

[-] · -

Corrected Corrected by May 15, 2024

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-10(g)(3) and/or 19a-79-7a(g)(1)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by May 15, 2024

Category: other. 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 Apr 29, 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 Apr 29, 2024

Category: other. 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 Apr 29, 2024

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

[CGS 10-514(b)] · The operator shall post a copy of the developmental milestones document developed by the Office of Early Childhood in a conspicuous place at the program.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 29, 2024

Category: other. 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 Sep 8, 2023

Category: recordkeeping. 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 Sep 8, 2023

Category: physical safety. 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 8, 2023

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

[19a-79-4a(b)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 8, 2023

Category: background checks. 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 Sep 8, 2023

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

[19a-79-7a(h)(2)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 8, 2023

Category: physical safety. 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 19, 2022

Category: health medication. 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 Sep 19, 2022

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 Sep 19, 2022

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

[19a-79-7a(h)(5) &/or 19a-79-7a(h)(9)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 19, 2022

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 Sep 19, 2022

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-7a] · The building, equipment and services (outdoors) shall be maintained in a good state of repair, free of chipping/peeling paint and lead paint hazards.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 19, 2022

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

[19a-79-7a(d)(11)(E)] · Staff and children shall wash their hands with soap and water after toileting.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2021

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-7a(d)(11)(F) &/or19a-79-7a(d)(11)(G)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2021

Category: other. 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 Sep 17, 2021

Category: other. 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 Sep 17, 2021

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

[19a-79-10(i)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2021

Category: health medication. 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 Sep 17, 2021

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 Sep 17, 2021

Category: other. 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 Sep 17, 2021

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 Sep 17, 2021

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-7a(d)(11)(F) &/or19a-79-7a(d)(11)(G)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2021

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.

[19a-79-7a(d)(11)(E)] · Staff and children shall wash their hands with soap and water after toileting.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2021

Category: other. 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 Sep 17, 2021

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

[19a-79-10(i)] · 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.

Corrected Corrected by Sep 17, 2021

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 Sep 17, 2021

Category: other. Marked corrected in the state record.