Find a program / Connecticut / Norwalk / GROWING SEEDS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER BEN FRANKLIN
Childcare center · Norwalk, CT
GROWING SEEDS CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER BEN FRANKLIN
A licensed child care center in Norwalk, Connecticut, with its state inspection history from the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC).
Program details
Program type: Licensed child care center
Address: 165 FLAX HILL RD, Norwalk, CT 06854
Phone: (475) 208-6300
OEC license number: DCCC.70306
View the official record on Connecticut's eLicense lookup (search license number DCCC.70306).
Inspection history
Last 3 years: November 12, 2023 to November 12, 2026, when the state's files were last updated
- 3 inspections
- 6 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 12 visits in the state's files from May 15, 2017 to April 20, 2026, newest first, with 49 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 20, 2026 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 4 violations
Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2026-1604
011-Policies- complete, implemented
Regulation: 19a-79-3a(d)(2)-(7)
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, multi-hazard and medical emergencies, supervision of children, general operating policies, administrative oversight 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.
033-Professional development
Regulation: 19a-79-4a(a)(2), (h)(1-2)
Rule cited (text as published)
Documentation of professional development for each program staff who cares for the children, including new employee orientation and annual training for current program staff on the child care center or group child care home policies, plans and procedures. Program staff, including the director, shall complete health and safety training no later than three months after the date of hire. Written verification of ongoing training that is at least one percent of the total annual hours worked. As of April 1, 2025, such annual training shall include content as defined in 45 CFR § 98.41(a)(1)(i) to (a)(1)(xi). Such education may include, but is not limited to, early education and child development, licensing and regulations, emergency preparedness, prevention and control of infectious diseases, prevention of sudden infant death syndrome and use of safe sleep practices, administration of medication, prevention and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions, building and physical premises safety, protection from hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic; handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of bio contaminants; child maltreatment, prevention of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma, precautions in transporting children, pediatric first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, nutrition and programming for children with disabilities or special health care needs.
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.
095- Potentially hazardous substances, materials – labeled, inaccessible to children
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(e)(10)
Rule cited (text as published)
Potentially hazardous substances and materials in the child care centers and group child care homes shall be stored in a labeled container identifying the exact contents and dilutions, used according to the manufacturer's instructions and for the intended purpose, handled in a safe manner and inaccessible to children.
May 21, 2025 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 2 violations
Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2025-2015
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.
095- Potentially hazardous substances, materials – labeled, inaccessible to children
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(e)(10)
Rule cited (text as published)
Potentially hazardous substances and materials in the child care centers and group child care homes shall be stored in a labeled container identifying the exact contents and dilutions, used according to the manufacturer's instructions and for the intended purpose, handled in a safe manner and inaccessible to children.
May 31, 2024 · Unannounced inspection (full) · No violations listed
Case result (as published): Closed No Violations · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2024-2395
June 16, 2023 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 1 violation
Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2023-2479
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.
June 17, 2022 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 6 violations
Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2022-2390
016-Staff Health Records
Regulation: 19a-79-4a(a)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(a)(2)
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 an acceptable medical statement and a written report of a negative tuberculin test.
017-Professional Development
Regulation: 19a-79-4a(a)(3) and/or 19a-79-4a(g)
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 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.
026-Consultant Agreements/Contracts
Regulation: 19a-79-4a(h)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(h)(2)
Rule cited (text as published)
A written plan for consultation services shall be developed, signed annually by the consultant and implemented. These services shall include an early childhood educational consultant, a health consultant, a dentist or dental hygienist consultant, a social service consultant, and a registered dietitian consultant for those programs that serve meals. Consultative services shall include annual review of written policies, plans and procedures, annual review of education programs, availability by telecommunication for advice regarding problems, availability, in person of the consultant to the program, consulting with administration and staff about specific problems, and acting as a resource person to staff and the parents.
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.
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.
134-Health Consultant/Documentation of Visits
Regulation: 19a-79-10(i)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
September 23, 2021 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 1 violation
Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2021-2153
017-Professional Development
Regulation: 19a-79-4a(a)(3) and/or 19a-79-4a(g)
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 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.
August 18, 2020 · Unannounced inspection (partial) · No violations listed
Case result (as published): Closed No Violations · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2020-2136
October 1, 2019 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 5 violations
Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2019-4815
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.
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.
017-Professional Development
Regulation: 19a-79-4a(a)(3) and/or 19a-79-4a(g)
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 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 program’s 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.
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.
065-Ventilation in Toilet Room
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(d)(11)(F) &/or19a-79-7a(d)(11)(G)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
November 13, 2018 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 9 violations
Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed, closed December 12, 2018 · Inspection number X2018-5843
001-Local Health Inspection
Regulation: 19a-79-2a(c)(7)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
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.
047-Lead Management Plan Reviewed
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(a)(3) and/or 19a-79-7a(a)(4)
Rule cited (text as published)
The operator shall comply with any lead management plan established to address previous lead paint identified (indoors).
065-Ventilation in Toilet Room
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(d)(11)(F) &/or19a-79-7a(d)(11)(G)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
069-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.
075-Light Fixtures Shielded/Shatter Proof
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(e)(9)
Rule cited (text as published)
All areas accessible to children shall have light fixtures that are shielded or shatter proof.
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.
March 2, 2018 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 5 violations
Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed, closed March 28, 2018 · Inspection number X2018-1026
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.
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.
047-Lead Management Plan Reviewed
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(a)(3) and/or 19a-79-7a(a)(4)
Rule cited (text as published)
The operator shall comply with any lead management plan established to address previous lead paint identified (indoors).
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.
August 11, 2017 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 16 violations
Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed, closed September 26, 2017 · Inspection number X2017-4141
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.
026-Consultant Agreements/Contracts
Regulation: 19a-79-4a(h)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(h)(2)
Rule cited (text as published)
A written plan for consultation services shall be developed, signed annually by the consultant and implemented. These services shall include an early childhood educational consultant, a health consultant, a dentist or dental hygienist consultant, a social service consultant, and a registered dietitian consultant for those programs that serve meals. Consultative services shall include annual review of written policies, plans and procedures, annual review of education programs, availability by telecommunication for advice regarding problems, availability, in person of the consultant to the program, consulting with administration and staff about specific problems, and acting as a resource person to staff and the parents.
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.
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.
046-Peeling Paint Observed
Regulation: 19a-79-7a
Rule cited (text as published)
The building, equipment and services (indoors) shall be maintained in a good state of repair, free of chipping/peeling paint, and lead paint hazards.
047-Lead Management Plan Reviewed
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(a)(3) and/or 19a-79-7a(a)(4)
Rule cited (text as published)
The operator shall comply with any lead management plan established to address previous lead paint identified (indoors).
060-Approved Safety Outlets/Covers
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(d)(10)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
103-Oral/Topical/Inhalant/Injectable Medications: Labeling/Storage
Regulation: 19a-79-9a(b)(5)
Rule cited (text as published)
Medication shall be stored in the original child-resistant safety container and appropriately labeled. Medication shall be stored in a locked area or a locked container in a refrigerator in keeping with the label directions away from food and inaccessible to children. Controlled drugs shall be stored in accordance with state law. Equipment and medications prescribed to treat asthma, administer glucagons, or as an emergent first line of defense medication against an allergic response shall be stored in a safe manner, inaccessible to other children, to allow for quick access in an emergency.
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.
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.
May 15, 2017 · CO/NCAP monitoring visit · No violations listed
Case result (as published): Closed No Violations · Case status: Closed, closed June 8, 2017 · Inspection number X2017-2630
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More programs in Norwalk · 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.