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Childcare center · Hamden, CT
THE LEARNING CENTER
A licensed child care center in Hamden, Connecticut, with its state inspection history from the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC).
Program details
Program type: Licensed child care center
Address: 131 LEEDER HILL DR #1, Hamden, CT 06517
Phone: (475) 655-2488
OEC license number: DCCC.70645
View the official record on Connecticut's eLicense lookup (search license number DCCC.70645).
Inspection history
Last 3 years: November 12, 2023 to November 12, 2026, when the state's files were last updated
- 3 inspections
- 22 violations cited on these visits
A violation means an inspector found a licensing rule wasn't met at the time of the visit. Programs are expected to fix what was cited, and the state often asks for a written corrective action plan. Read the official record for details.
Below are all 9 visits in the state's files from May 26, 2022 to April 14, 2026, newest first, with 32 violations in all. A follow-up visit checks on violations cited earlier. Each violation shows OEC's short title for it and the regulation cited. The rule text shows which regulation was cited, not what the inspector saw; ask the program or OEC for details. A case result of "Corrective Action Plan" means the state asked the program for a written plan to fix what was cited, and "Closed" means the state lists the case as closed. Case results and status are shown as the state published them.
April 14, 2026 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 5 violations
Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2026-1496
048- Proper Refrigeration -41 degrees
Regulation: 19a-79-6a(a)(3)
Rule cited (text as published)
There shall be proper refrigeration of no more than forty-one (41) degrees Fahrenheit for perishable foods in all child care centers and group child care homes and on field trips.
066- Licensed premises-clean, good repair, hazard free-maintenance program
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(c)(2)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
069- Water supply- water testing
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(c)(5)(A-C)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
104- Equipment-clean and safe, good repair, non-toxic-sturdy, free from protruding nails, rust
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(g)(1)
Rule cited (text as published)
All equipment shall be of such design and material as to be readily cleaned and safe for children. Equipment shall not be colored or covered by any poisonous material. Equipment shall be sturdy, safely constructed and free from protruding nails, rust, toxic material and other hazards.
128- Diapering
Regulation: 19a-79-10(e)(1-10)
Rule cited (text as published)
The diapering area shall be an elevated sturdy table or counter equipped with a safety rail. Infants and toddlers shall be diapered at a diapering area used only for this purpose and located in the program area. Each diapering area shall have a non-porous surface and be kept in good repair. Diapering areas shall be washed and disinfected after each use. Disposable paper sheets shall be used and discarded immediately after each diapering. A covered washable lined waste receptacle shall be available and located in a convenient place for soiled waste material. These materials shall be removed to an exterior waste storage area at least daily. Disposable diapers shall be discarded in a covered receptacle immediately after diapering. The hands of the program staff and the children shall be washed after each diaper change. Diapering and hand washing policies and procedures shall be posted in each diapering area and followed. When cloth diapers or training pants are used, a written plan for their use and care shall be developed and implemented. This plan shall include, but not be limited to, these procedures: placing soiled clothing and diapers in a sealed air tight container; removing soiled clothing and diapers from the child care center or group child care home daily; and cleaning and sanitizing the container daily.
May 16, 2025 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 4 violations
Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2025-2017
086- Water temperature 60 ℉ – 120 ℉
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(e)(3)
Rule cited (text as published)
The water heating equipment shall deliver water at the tap, the temperature of which shall be within a range of 60 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It shall have the capacity to deliver the required amounts at all times.
088- Walls/ceilings/floors/rugs-clean, good repair
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(e)(5)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
111- Outdoor space
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(h)(1-9)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
112- Outdoor Protected/Fenced
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(h)(7)-(A-C)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
February 1, 2024 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 13 violations
Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2024-453
001b-Administration-Ensuring the safety, health & development of children
Regulation: 19a-79-3a
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
004-Documentation of Behavioral Management Techniques Discussed with Parents
Regulation: 19a-79-3a(b)(8)(B)
Rule cited (text as published)
The operator shall document that the techniques used to manage child behaviors in the facility have been discussed with the child's parent(s) prior to enrollment and reviewed as needed during the period of the child's enrollment.
009-Current Fire Marshal Certificate
Regulation: 19a-79-3a(e)(2)
Rule cited (text as published)
The operator shall post the current fire marshal certificate in a conspicuous place, accessible to the public.
033-Emergency Medical Permission
Regulation: 19a-79-5a(a)(1)(D)(i)
Rule cited (text as published)
The operator of a child care center or group child care home is responsible for maintaining on the licensed premises a current record for each child enrolled. A copy of the record shall be available and provided upon request to the Office of Early Childhood, the child's parent(s) and the local health director. It shall include specific written permission forms signed by the parent(s) authorizing the operator to use the programs emergency policies which shall accompany the child on trips away from the premises.
045-License Premise Clean/Good Repair/Safe
Regulation: 19a-79-6a and/or 19a-79-7a
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
057-Individual Storage of Clothing/Bedding
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(d)(8)
Rule cited (text as published)
There shall be an area available for the individual storage of each child's clothing and bedding.
066-Air Temp 65 degrees, Thermometer Affixed
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(e)(1) &/or 19a-79-12(b)(8)
Rule cited (text as published)
Every area used by children shall be adequately ventilated and have a thermometer affixed to the wall. The ambient air temperature shall be at least sixty-five (65) degrees Fahrenheit.
067-Water Temperature 60 degrees-115 degrees
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(e)(3)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
070-Rugs Secured
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(e)(5)
Rule cited (text as published)
Rugs, if used, shall be secured to the floor.
076-Potentially Hazardous Substances Locked
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(e)(10)
Rule cited (text as published)
Potentially hazardous substances in the child care centers and group child care homes shall be stored in a separate locked area.
082-Equipment Clean/Good Repair/Safe/Non-toxic
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(g)
Rule cited (text as published)
All equipment shall be of such design and material as to be readily cleaned and safe for children. Equipment shall not be colored or covered by any poisonous material. Equipment shall be sturdy, safely constructed and free from protruding nails, rust, toxic material and other hazards.
113-Adequate Sinks in Program Space
Regulation: 19a-79-10(d)(1)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
119-Sturdy/Safety Rail/Nonporous/Exclusive Use
Regulation: 19a-79-10(e)(1)(2)(3)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
November 3, 2023 · Unannounced inspection (partial) · No violations listed
Case result (as published): Closed No Violations · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2023-4558
January 30, 2023 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 7 violations
Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2023-340
040-Nutritious Snacks/Meals
Regulation: 19a-79-6a(a)(2)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
044-First Aid Kit(s):Indoor/Outdoor/Field Trip
Regulation: 19a-6a(c) and/or 19a-6a(d)
Rule cited (text as published)
The facility shall maintain at least one (1) portable, readily available first aid kit wherever children are in care, including field trips, outdoor play areas and one to remain at the facility if all the children do not attend the field trip. Each kit shall be a closed container for storing first aid supplies, accessible to staff at all times but out of the reach of children. The first aid kit shall contain specified items and be restocked after use, and an inventory shall be conducted at least monthly.
082-Equipment Clean/Good Repair/Safe/Non-toxic
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(g)
Rule cited (text as published)
All equipment shall be of such design and material as to be readily cleaned and safe for children. Equipment shall not be colored or covered by any poisonous material. Equipment shall be sturdy, safely constructed and free from protruding nails, rust, toxic material and other hazards.
089-Playground Free From Hazards
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(g)(4) and/or 19a-79-7a(h)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
136-Written Statement/Feeding Schedule from Parent
Regulation: 19a-79-10(k)(1)
Rule cited (text as published)
A written statement specifying the formula, breast milk or other liquids and the feeding schedule for infants shall be obtained from the parent(s).
066-Air Temp 65 degrees, Thermometer Affixed
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(e)(1) &/or 19a-79-12(b)(8)
Rule cited (text as published)
Every area used by children shall be adequately ventilated and have a thermometer affixed to the wall. The ambient air temperature shall be at least sixty-five (65) degrees Fahrenheit.
018b-Background Checks
Regulation: 19a-79-4a(b)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
September 19, 2022 · CO/NCAP monitoring visit · No violations listed
Case result (as published): Closed No Violations · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2022-3622
September 19, 2022 · Unannounced inspection (partial) · No violations listed
Case result (as published): Closed No Violations · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2022-3621
June 2, 2022 · Follow-up visit · No violations listed
Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2022-1947
May 26, 2022 · CO/NCAP monitoring visit · 3 violations
Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2022-1947
006-Policies
Regulation: 19a-79-3a(d)(2) thru (8) &/or19a-79-7a(d)(11)(A)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
111-Under Three Endorsement: Group Size no Larger than 8
Regulation: 19a-79-10(c)(3)
Rule cited (text as published)
For children under three years of age, the group size shall not exceed eight (8) children.
130-Crib/Bed Free from Observable Hazards
Regulation: 19a-79-10(g)(3) and/or 19a-79-7a(g)(1)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
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More programs in Hamden · Connecticut child care rules
Sources
- Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Program Data: program details.
- Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Inspections: visit dates, types and case results.
- Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Violations: violations and regulation text.
All three are published by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood on data.ct.gov as Public Domain. State files updated November 12, 2026. We show the state's text as published; a few visit dates in the files fall far in the future, and we list those as not published. Program details last checked November 12, 2026.