Connecticut Childcare Daycare Inspection Prep (2026)

The Commissioner of Early Childhood (or designee) shall make an unannounced visit, inspection or investigation of each licensed child care center and group child care home at least once each year (CGS Sec. 19a-80(b)(3)).

CGS Sec. 19a-80(b)(3)

At least once every two years the local health director (or designee) shall also inspect each licensed facility.

or designee

Complaint investigations and follow-up inspections occur as needed, with corrective action plans for cited violations.

CGS Sec. 19a-80(b)(3)

Operating a child care center or group child care home without a current and valid license is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $100 per day for each day of unlicensed operation under CGS Sec. 19a-87(a), imposed after written notice and an opportunity for a hearing under chapter 54.

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During a Connecticut childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Infants and toddlers (under 2 years; under three endorsement, RCSA 19a-79-10) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:4 (group size max 8).

During a Connecticut childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Two-year-olds (under three endorsement, RCSA 19a-79-10; effective Oct 16, 2024) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:5 (group size max 10).

During a Connecticut childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Preschool (3 years to school age, RCSA 19a-79-4a) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:10 (group size max 20).

During a Connecticut childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the School-age (school age children endorsement, RCSA 19a-79-11) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:15 (group size max 30).

Connecticut inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Hours of Operation policy (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per RCSA Sec. 19a-79-3a(d)(6)(H) (Administration — documentation of days and hours of operation, including sick days, holidays and vacations).

RCSA Sec. 19a-79-3a(d)(6)(H) (Administration — documentation of days and hours of operation, including sick days, holidays and vacations)

Connecticut inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy policy (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per RCSA Sec. 19a-79-3a(b)(7) (Administration — discipline; prohibition on abusive, neglectful, physical, corporal, humiliating or frightening treatment, per (b)(7)(C)).

RCSA Sec. 19a-79-3a(b)(7) (Administration — discipline; prohibition on abusive, neglectful, physical, corporal, humiliating or frightening treatment, per (b)(7)(C))

Connecticut inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Illness and Exclusion Policy policy (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per RCSA Sec. 19a-79-6a(b) (Health and safety — procedures in case of illness; isolation/exclusion of children with signs or symptoms of contagious illness).

RCSA Sec. 19a-79-6a(b) (Health and safety — procedures in case of illness; isolation/exclusion of children with signs or symptoms of contagious illness)

Connecticut inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Medication Administration Policy policy (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per RCSA Sec. 19a-79-9a (Administration of medications).

RCSA Sec. 19a-79-9a (Administration of medications)

How often does Connecticut inspect licensed childcare centers?

The Commissioner of Early Childhood (or designee) shall make an unannounced visit, inspection or investigation of each licensed child care center and group child care home at least once each year (CGS Sec. 19a-80(b)(3)). At least once every two years the local health director (or designee) shall also inspect each licensed facility. Complaint investigations and follow-up inspections occur as needed, with corrective action plans for cited violations.

What do Connecticut inspectors check during a childcare inspection?

Connecticut childcare inspectors typically verify: (1) staff-to-child ratios are met for every age group, (2) staff CPR/First Aid certifications and background checks are current, (3) each child's file contains required enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records, (4) fire-drill logs are complete, (5) the parent handbook covers all required policy sections, and (6) the physical environment is free of hazards such as unsecured cleaning supplies and missing outlet covers.

What happens if a Connecticut childcare center fails an inspection?

Operating a child care center or group child care home without a current and valid license is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $100 per day for each day of unlicensed operation under CGS Sec. 19a-87(a), imposed after written notice and an opportunity for a hearing under chapter 54. Under CGS Sec. 19a-87a, the Commissioner of Early Childhood has discretion to refuse to issue, suspend, or revoke a license, or take other enforcement action set forth in regulation, after notice and opportunity for a hearing as provided in CGS Sec. 19a-84.

How can I prepare my Connecticut childcare center for an unannounced inspection?

Use the /inspection-check tool on TotReady to run a pre-inspection self-audit. Key areas: confirm all staff ratios are met and documented, verify CPR and background-check expiration dates, audit every child file for completeness, check that fire-drill logs are current, and walk the facility for physical hazards (unsecured chemicals, missing outlet covers, blocked exits).

Which handbook sections do Connecticut inspectors verify?

Connecticut inspectors check that the parent handbook includes these required sections: Hours of Operation, Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy, Illness and Exclusion Policy, Medication Administration Policy. Each must be present and comply with the cited Connecticut administrative code.