Find a program / Connecticut / Portland / LITTLE BEAR'S ADVENTURE CENTER
Childcare center · Portland, CT
LITTLE BEAR'S ADVENTURE CENTER
A licensed child care center in Portland, Connecticut, with its state inspection history from the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC).
Program details
Program type: Licensed child care center
Address: 1255 PORTLAND COBALT RD, Portland, CT 06480
Phone: (860) 342-2273
OEC license number: DCCC.70722
View the official record on Connecticut's eLicense lookup (search license number DCCC.70722).
Inspection history
Last 3 years: November 12, 2023 to November 12, 2026, when the state's files were last updated
- 4 inspections
- 30 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 4 visits in the state's files from February 26, 2024 to July 31, 2026, newest first, with 30 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.
July 31, 2026 · Unannounced inspection (partial) · No violations listed
Case result (as published): Closed No Violations · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2026-3344
March 19, 2026 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 6 violations
Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2026-1139
018-Postings
Regulation: 19a-79-3a(d)6)(C), (e)(1-6), 7a(e)(17), 10(g)(8)
Rule cited (text as published)
The operator shall post the following items in a conspicuous place, accessible to the public: the license, the OEC complaint procedure, menus, No Smoking signs, the plan for administrative oversight, the radon test, the OEC Inspection report (posted or available), the safe sleep policy and the OEC Developmental Milestones document.
062- Fire marshal codes/certificate
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(a)(2)
Rule cited (text as published)
The operator shall comply with all local codes and ordinances, including the State of Connecticut Fire Safey Code. These codes include but are not limited to: inspections by the fire marshal, ensuring fire marshal inspection certificates are on file, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and documentation of fire drills.
082- Toileting
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(d)(10)(A-H)
Rule cited (text as published)
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. Programs shall provide changing and sanitary facilities appropriate to meet the individual needs of children who are enrolled at the facility who need assistance with toileting or who are not independent with toileting. Facilities using potty chairs in addition to the required toilets shall ensure that they are of a nonporous, synthetic product, and emptied into the toilet, cleaned and disinfected after each individual use. For programs serving children under five years of age there shall be at least one toilet and one sink with hot and cold running water for every sixteen children, or fraction thereof. For programs serving only school age children, there shall be at least one toilet and one sink with running water for every twenty-five children, or fraction thereof. Toilet facilities shall be designed in such a manner to allow individual privacy. Sinks with running water shall be readily accessible to the toilet rooms if not located within them. Toilet tissue, soap, a mechanism for individual hand drying and a waste receptacle shall be accessible to the toilets and sinks. Staff, program staff, and children shall wash their hands with soap and water after toileting. Each toilet and sink shall be located at the facility or licensed premises, as applicable, of the child care center or group child care home. Each toilet room shall be well lighted and 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.
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.
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.
161- Authorized prescriber/parent permission
Regulation: 19a-79-9a(b)(3)(A-B)
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 three years after the child is no longer attending the program.
February 5, 2025 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 10 violations
Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2025-452
001-Local Health Inspection
Regulation: 19a-79-2a(c)(8)
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.
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.
018-Postings
Regulation: 19a-79-3a(e)(1-6)
Rule cited (text as published)
The operator shall post the following items in a conspicuous place, accessible to the public: the license, the OEC complaint procedure, menus, No Smoking signs, OEC Inspection report (posted or available) and the OEC Developmental Milestones document.
035- Consultants
Regulation: 19a-79-4a(i)(1-2)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
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.
116- Educational requirements
Regulation: 19a-79-8a-(a)(1-11)-(b)
Rule cited (text as published)
The written plan shall include the use of a variety of indoor and outdoor environments based on the children's interest, individual needs and the learning to be addressed; a flexible schedule that allows time for children to make choices, continue projects over time, and transition from one activity to another; learning experiences that are relevant to the children's lives and cultural context; a balance of child-initiated and teacher-initiated experiences; exploration and discovery; the use of a variety of materials that support active engagement and promote skills across areas of learning and development; rest, sleep or quiet activities; nutritious meals and snacks; toileting and clean up; individual and small group activities; and moderate and vigorous physical activity for children three years of age and older unless a child has a disability or is experiencing a developmental delay, which prevents such child from engaging in such physical activity. Such activity shall take place outdoors. No child care center or group child care home shall provide access to mobile cellular telephones, laptops and desktop computers or equipment that is capable of playing a video game or digital video disk to children under two years of age. Each child care center and group child care home shall restrict access to mobile cellular telephones, laptop and desktop computers or equipment that is capable of playing a video game or digital video disk by children two years of age and older except for educational or physical activity purposes. This subsection shall not apply to a child in the care of such child care center or group child care home that has a disability or is experiencing a developmental delay, and requires the use of such devices as a result of such disability or delay.
130- Safe Sleep
Regulation: 19a-79-10(g)(1-8)
Rule cited (text as published)
Infants under twelve months of age shall be placed in a supine (back) position for sleeping in a well-constructed, free standing crib or other piece of equipment designed for infant sleeping and appropriate for the particular child. A well-constructed, free standing crib or other piece of equipment shall be used designed for infant sleeping and appropriate for the particular child, with a snug fitting mattress covered by a tightly-fitted sheet. Infants under twelve months of age shall be placed in a supine (back) position for sleeping in a well-constructed, free standing crib or other piece of equipment designed for infant sleeping and appropriate for the particular child, with a snug fitting mattress covered by a tightly-fitted sheet unless the child has written documentation from a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse specifying a medical reason for an alternative sleep position or alternate piece of equipment. When infants can easily turn over from the supine to the prone position, they shall be put down to sleep on their back, but allowed to adopt whatever position they prefer for sleep. No items including, but not limited to, pillows, soft bumpers, toys and blankets, including weighted blankets, weighted sleepers, and weighted swaddles, shall be placed with an infant in a crib or hung over the side of a crib or other piece of equipment designed for sleeping except for a pacifier without attachments unless the child has written documentation from a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse specifying a medical reason for its use. Bibs and garments with ties or hoods shall be removed from infants that are placed to sleep. No toys or objects shall be attached to sleeping or rest equipment. No infant shall be put to sleep on a sofa, bed, couch, soft mattress, waterbed or other soft surface. No infant shall be put to sleep or allowed to remain asleep in a child restraint system intended for use in a vehicle, an infant carrier, a swing or any place that is not specifically designed to be an infant bed unless the child has written documentation from a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse specifying a medical reason for their use. No infant shall be swaddled unless the child has written documentation from a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse specifying instructions and a timeframe for swaddling the infant. Infants under twelve months of age shall be physically observed at least every fifteen minutes to assess the infants breathing, color, temperature and comfort. No child under three years of age shall have access to teething necklaces, teething bracelets or other jewelry that could present a choking or strangulation hazard. Written policies and procedures for sleep arrangements shall include the requirements of this subsection and shall be posted in a conspicuous place in the areas where infants under twelve months of age sleep. The operator shall document that the child's parent(s) has been informed of the child care center or group child care home's policies and procedures for sleep arrangements prior to enrollment and reviewed as needed during the period of the child's enrollment.
039- Immunization records
Regulation: 19a-79-5a(2)(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. 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.
040- Individual care plan- signed by parents/staff
Regulation: 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E)
Rule cited (text as published)
An individual plan of care for any child with special health care needs or disabilities when it is necessary that special care be taken or provided while a child is in attendance shall be developed and implemented with the child's parent(s) and health care provider and updated, as necessary. The plan shall include appropriate care of the child to prevent and respond to a medical or other emergency and shall be signed by the parent and program staff responsible for the care of the child.
February 26, 2024 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 14 violations
Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2024-825
005-Notification of Change
Regulation: 19a-79-3a(c)
Rule cited (text as published)
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.
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).
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.
056-Exits/Hallways and Stairs Unobstructed
Regulation: 19a-79-7a(d)(7) &/or 19a-79-7a(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
116-Chairs for Feeding/Stable/Safety Straps/Locking Tray
Regulation: 19a-79-10(d)(2)(C)
Rule cited (text as published)
Each child care center and group child care home that serves children under three years of age shall have equipment and furniture to meet the developmental needs of the children served. Furniture shall include chairs for feeding, each of which has a stable base, safety straps on all high chairs attached to the chair and a tray which locks securely.
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 Portland · 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.