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Childcare center · Stamford, CT

GROWING MINDS DAYCARE & LEARNING CENTER

A licensed child care center in Stamford, Connecticut, with its state inspection history from the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC).

Program details

Program type: Licensed child care center

Address: 1435 BEDFORD ST STE 1E, Stamford, CT 06905

Phone: (203) 322-8880

OEC license number: DCCC.70694

View the official record on Connecticut's eLicense lookup (search license number DCCC.70694).

Inspection history

Last 3 years: November 12, 2023 to November 12, 2026, when the state's files were last updated

  • 4 inspections
  • 2 follow-up visits
  • 18 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 7 visits in the state's files from August 22, 2023 to August 19, 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.

  1. August 19, 2026 · Follow-up visit · No violations listed

    Case result (as published): Closed No Violations · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2026-3508

  2. August 17, 2026 · Unannounced inspection (full) · No violations listed

    Case result (as published): Closed No Violations · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2026-3508

  3. September 4, 2025 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 11 violations

    Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2025-3515

    • 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.

    • 021- Comprehensive background checks

      Regulation: 19a-79-4a(b)

      Rule cited (text as published)

      The operator shall ensure that all program staff have completed a comprehensive background check before they have unsupervised access to children. 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. The operator shall obtain from each prospective employee, who is eighteen years of age or older, for a position that requires the provision of care to a child or involves unsupervised access to a child, a listing of all employment held in the United States for an organization that provides care or services to children in the preceding five years. The operator shall take reasonable steps to contact each previous employer provided by the prospective employee to verify at a minimum the prospective employee's job title, description of his/her regular duties, confirmation of employment dates, and whether such previous employer would recommend the prospective employee for rehire. This information shall be made accessible to the Office upon request. The operator shall not employ program staff, including volunteers, who have a record that the commissioner reasonably believes renders such program staff unsuitable to be employed in a child care center or group child care home.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 050- Food Service Inspection

      Regulation: 19a-79-6a(a)(5)

      Rule cited (text as published)

      All areas used for the preparation and serving of meals in child care centers shall meet the requirements as set forth in the Department of Public Health's Model Food Code, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. Child care centers that prepare food shall maintain at the child care center and make available to the Office upon request a copy of a current and full food service inspection report issued by the local director of health.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 160- Medication Trainings

      Regulation: 19a-79-9a(b)(1)(A-F)-(2)(A-C)

      Rule cited (text as published)

      Prior to the administration of any medication, the director(s), head teacher(s), program staff or group child care home provider(s) who are responsible for administering the medications shall first be trained by a pharmacist, physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse or registered nurse in the methods of administration of medications and shall receive written approval from the trainer which indicates that the trainee has successfully completed a training program as required herein. In addition to being trained in the methods of medication administration, such trained staff may administer injectable medications by a premeasured, commercially prepared auto-injector used to treat allergic reactions or other type of injectable medication and rectal medications, only after he or she has successfully completed a training program on the administration of such type of medication. After completing such training, the director, head teacher, program staff or group child care home provider shall annually have his or her skills and competency in the administration of such medication reviewed and/or validated in accordance with the regulations. The facility shall have program staff trained in the use such medications on site during all hours when a child who has orders to receive such medication is on-site. Upon completion of the required training program or the review and validation of the required training, the written training approval for staff shall be on file at the facility. Approval for the administration of oral, topical, inhalant medications, rectal medications and injectable medications other than by a premeasured commercially prepared auto-injector shall remain valid for three years. Approval for the administration of injectable medications by a premeasured commercially prepared auto-injector shall be valid for one year. A copy of the approval shall be on file at the facility for a period of three years and shall be available to Office staff upon request. The operator shall ensure that the trainer provides the trainee with an outline of the curriculum content which verifies that all mandated requirements have been included in the training program. A copy of said outline shall be on file at the facility for a period of three years for Office review. The Office may require at any time that the operator obtain the full curriculum from the trainer for review by the Office.

    • 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.

  4. September 23, 2024 · Unannounced inspection (partial) · No violations listed

    Case result (as published): Closed No Violations · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2024-3972

  5. July 29, 2024 · Follow-up visit · No violations listed

    Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2024-3167

  6. July 19, 2024 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 7 violations

    Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2024-3167

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 038-Individual Care Plan (Signed by Parent/Staff)

      Regulation: 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(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 an individual plan of care for any child with special health care needs or disabilities, developed with the child's parent(s) and health care provider and updated, as necessary.

    • 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.

    • 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.

  7. August 22, 2023 · Unannounced inspection (full) · 12 violations

    Case result (as published): Corrective Action Plan · Case status: Closed · Inspection number X2023-3452

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 038-Individual Care Plan (Signed by Parent/Staff)

      Regulation: 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(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 an individual plan of care for any child with special health care needs or disabilities, developed with the child's parent(s) and health care provider and updated, as necessary.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 100-Nonprescription Topical Medications: Labeling/Storage

      Regulation: 19a-79-9a(a)(3)

      Rule cited (text as published)

      Nonprescription Topical Medications shall be stored in the original container and shall be appropriately labeled and shall be stored away from food and inaccessible to children. Any unused portion of the medication shall be returned to the parent(s).

    • 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.

    • 121-Disposable Paper Sheets

      Regulation: 19a-79-10(e)(5)

      Rule cited (text as published)

      Disposable paper sheets shall be used and discarded immediately after each diapering.

    • 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.

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Sources

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.

A listing is not an endorsement or a rating. The state's record is the official source: confirm licensing, inspections and program details with the Office of Early Childhood and the program before you enroll a child. Report a problem with this page.