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Childcare center · Hartford, CT
HAPPY LITTLE FACES CHILD CARE CENTER
A licensed child care center in Hartford, Connecticut, with its state inspection history from the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC).
Program details
Program type: Licensed child care center
Address: 75 ZION ST, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 890-1414
OEC license number: DCCC.70663
View the official record on Connecticut's eLicense lookup (search license number DCCC.70663).
Inspection history
Last 3 years: November 12, 2023 to November 12, 2026, when the state's files were last updated
- 3 inspections
- 1 follow-up visit
- 25 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 5 visits in the state's files from February 8, 2023 to April 15, 2026, newest first, with 36 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 15, 2026 · Follow-up visit · No violations listed
Case status: In Process · Inspection number X2026-1332
April 1, 2026 · Unannounced inspection (full) · No violations listed
Case status: In Process · Inspection number X2026-1332
March 5, 2025 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 9 violations
Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2025-767
012-Daily Attendance Records: Children/Staff
Regulation: 19a-79-3a(d)(1)
Rule cited (text as published)
Daily attendance records for both children and program staff, recorded daily at the time of arrival and departure and kept on file at the facility for at least one year, showing the specific times of arrival and departure.
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.
070- Lead Paint- testing, management plans
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(c)(6)(A-D)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
077- Exits, stairs, hallways unobstructed
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(d)(6)-(f)(3)
Rule cited (text as published)
Exit doorways, stairs or hallways shall not be blocked by furniture, toys or play equipment. Cots, cribs and playpens shall be placed so that walkways are clear for emergencies and evacuation.
094- Lighting
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(e)(7-9)
Rule cited (text as published)
All spaces occupied by people, equipment within buildings, approaches to buildings and parking lots shall have a minimum of one foot candle or equivalent of lighting per square foot. Child care centers and group child care homes shall have at least fifty foot candles or equivalent of light per square foot in rooms used by children for reading, painting and other close work. There shall be at least thirty foot candles of light or equivalent in other work or play areas. Programs that serve exclusively school age children may utilize program space with less lighting provided the lighting is bright enough to accommodate the activities with comfort. During napping and resting, lighting shall be maintained at a level that will enable children to be visible. All areas accessible to children shall have light fixtures that are shielded or shatter proof.
113- Fences installed to protect from water hazards
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(h)(7)(A-B)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
121- Adequate sinks-handwashing-diapering/other use-food prep
Regulation: 19a-79-10(d)(1)(A-C)
Rule cited (text as published)
In child care centers there shall be a sink with hot and cold running water designated for diaper changing and hand washing of program staff and children. This sink shall be located in the program space. Child care centers which have three program staff for a group of 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.
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.
136- Feeding
Regulation: 19a-79-10(j)-(k)(1-5)
Rule cited (text as published)
Infants shall be removed from their cribs and held for all bottle feedings. They may be placed in chairs for all other feedings. Infants and toddlers shall be removed from their cribs or playpens at other intervals during the day for individual cuddlings and for verbal communication. They shall be allowed to crawl and toddle as age and development permit. Each infant shall be placed in a prone (front) position part of the time when awake. When food and liquids are served a written statement specifying the formula, breast milk or other liquids and the feeding schedule for infants shall be obtained from the parent(s), updated as necessary and followed by program staff. Unused portions of formula, breast milk or other liquids shall be discarded after each feeding. Clean bottles shall be provided by the parent(s) unless the facility uses disposable bottles or has a dishwasher or dishwashing system approved by the local director of health to wash bottles. Baby food shall be served from a dish unless the whole contents of the jar will be served. Each child's bottle shall be individually identified with the child's name.
February 5, 2024 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 16 violations
Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2024-509
003-Annual Staff Training
Regulation: 19a-79-3a(b)(7) &/or 19a-79-4a(3)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
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.
019-Designated Head Teacher/60%
Regulation: 19a-79-4a(c)(1), 19a-79-11(f)&/or19a-79-12(b)(1)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
041-Proper Refrigeration -45 degrees
Regulation: 19a-79-6a(a)(3) and/or 19a-79-6a(a)6)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
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.
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.
074-Adequate Lighting: 50/30 Candle Feet
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(e)(8) &/or 19a-79-7a(e)(9)
Rule cited (text as published)
All spaces occupied by people, equipment within buildings, approaches to buildings and parking lots shall have a minimum of one foot candle of lighting per square foot. All rooms used by children for reading, painting and other close work shall have at least fifty foot candles of light. For other work or play areas there shall e at least thirty foot candles of light.
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.
080-Operable CO Detector on Each Level
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(e)(18)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
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.
099-Nonprescription Topical Medications: Administration/Parent Permission/MAR
Regulation: 19a-79-9a(a)(2)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
102-Oral/Topical/Inhalant/Injectable Medications: Authorized Prescriber/Parent Permission/MAR
Regulation: 19a-79-9a(b)(3) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(4)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
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.
132-No Toys/Objects Less than 1 1/4
Regulation: 19a-79-10(h)(2)
Rule cited (text as published)
Toys and other objects with a diameter of less than one and one-quarter (1 1/4) inches, objects with removable parts that have a diameter of less than one and one-quarter (1 1/4) inches shall not be accessible to children under three (3) years of age.
133-Plastic Bags/Balloons/Styrofoam Objects Inaccessible
Regulation: 19a-79-10(h)(2)
Rule cited (text as published)
Plastic bags, balloons and Styrofoam objects shall not be accessible to children under three (3) years of age.
February 8, 2023 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 11 violations
Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2023-606
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.
007-Daily Attendance Records: Children/Staff
Regulation: 19a-79-3a(d)(1)
Rule cited (text as published)
The operator shall implement and annually review specific written policies, plans and procedures that include daily attendance records for both children and staff showing the specific times of arrival and departure. 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.
027-Logs/Visits Documented
Regulation: 19a-79-4a(h)(2)(G)
Rule cited (text as published)
A written plan for consultation services shall be developed, signed annually by the consultant and implemented. Consultative services shall include documenting the activities and observations in a consultation log that is kept on file at the facility for two years.
032-Enrollment Information
Regulation: 19a-79-5a(a)(1)(A) through (C)
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. The record shall include enrollment information and permission forms signed and dated by the parent(s).
037-Child Health Records/Immunizations/TB
Regulation: 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(A) through (E)and/or19a-79-6a(e)
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 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.
041-Proper Refrigeration -45 degrees
Regulation: 19a-79-6a(a)(3) and/or 19a-79-6a(a)6)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
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.
062-Required Toilets/Sinks/Supplies
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(d)(11)
Rule cited (text as published)
Requirements regarding toilet and washing facilities shall be satisfied.
074-Adequate Lighting: 50/30 Candle Feet
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(e)(8) &/or 19a-79-7a(e)(9)
Rule cited (text as published)
All spaces occupied by people, equipment within buildings, approaches to buildings and parking lots shall have adequate lighting.
080-Operable CO Detector on Each Level
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(e)(18)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
088-Impact Absorbing Material under Equipment
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(h)(2)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
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More programs in Hartford · 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.