Bright Years Middletown
A child care center in Middletown, Connecticut 06457
861 Middle St, Middletown, Connecticut 06457. (860) 635-0544.
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. Connecticut’s own record is on elicense.ct.gov.
The short answer
Record last released by Connecticut Office of Early Childhood on Oct 24, 2026.
- 20 violations in the last three years
- Oct 52026 the latest visit on record
- 142 children, its licensed capacity
Each figure’s source sits beside it, in its section below.
What these words mean4
- Inspection (survey)
- A visit by state inspectors, often unannounced, who check a place against the rules it must meet. For nursing homes and other places Medicare pays, CMS calls these visits surveys: a standard survey of a nursing home comes at least every 15 months, and a complaint survey whenever a complaint calls for one. Source: CMS; 42 CFR 488.308.
- Deficiency, citation, violation
- What inspectors write up when a place didn’t meet a rule: the rule, what they saw, and when. CMS calls it a deficiency; states may say citation or violation. It is the inspectors’ finding, not a court’s, and the place is usually asked for a plan to correct it. Source: CMS, statement of deficiencies (Form CMS-2567); each state’s licensing agency.
- Licence status
- Whether the state’s licence lets the place operate now, in the state’s own words: licensed, on probation (allowed to keep operating on conditions, after problems), provisional, pending or expired. Source: Each state’s licensing agency.
- Capacity
- The most people the licence or certification lets the place care for at once: residents, children, beds or apartments, as the state counts them. It isn’t how many are there now. Source: Each state’s licensing agency.
What did inspectors find?
5 inspections in the last three years, the latest on Oct 5, 2026.
20 violations cited in the last three years, 3 of them in investigations.
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Inspections, Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Investigations and Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Violations. Released Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily.
When those violations happened
20 violations in 5 months of the last 36. Last cited Jul 2026. The last 3 years, to Oct 24, 2026.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Nov | Dec | ||||||||||
| 2024 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2025 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2026 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct |
Hover or focus a month to read it.
Hearth Record drew this from the dates and levels in the source’s own records.
Each violation, in its source’s words
Grouped by visit, newest first, with the level its source gave it.
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Violations. Released Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily.
Jul 28, 2026: unannounced inspection (full)7 violations
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Diapering: 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.
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Glass and mirrors protected to 36: Any unprotected glass doors, windows or mirrors to which children have access shall be protected to a height of thirty six inches from the floor or surface on which a child stands.
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Individual storage of clothing/bedding: There shall be an area available for the individual storage of each child’s clothing and bedding.
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Stairs- protected/good repair-handrails: Stairs must be properly protected and maintained in good repair. There must be handrails installed at a height usable by children.
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Walls/ceilings/floors/rugs-clean, good repair: Walls, ceilings, floors and rugs shall be maintained in a state of good repair and be washable or easily cleanable. Rugs, if used, shall not present a tripping or slipping hazard.
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Outdoor space: 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.
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Non-Prescription Topical Medications: The written permission of the parent(s) shall be required prior to the administration of the nonprescription topical medication shall be kept on file at the facility for each child administered a nonprescription topical medication. The parent(s) shall be immediately notified of any medication error, and notified of such error in writing not more than seventy two hours after the medication error occurred, and such medication error shall be documented in the child’s record. The medication shall be stored in the original container and shall contain the following information on the container or packaging indicating the individual child’s name; the name of the medication; and directions for the medication’s administration. The medication shall be stored away from food and inaccessible to children. Any unused portion of the medication shall be returned to the parent(s). Any expired medication shall be destroyed in a safe manner or returned to the parent.
May 13, 2026: investigation (self-reported)1 violation
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Supervision: Children shall be supervised at all times while at the facility, indoors or outdoors, or on field trips. At no time shall a child be left unsupervised.
Jul 21, 2025: unannounced inspection (full)5 violations
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Diapering: 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.
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Potentially hazardous substances, materials � labeled, inaccessible to children: 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.
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Equipment-clean and safe, good repair, non-toxic-sturdy, free from protruding nails, rust: 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.
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Outdoor space: 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.
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Authorized prescriber/parent permission: 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.
Jun 21, 2024: follow-up visit5 violations
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Written Statement/Feeding Schedule from Parent: A written statement specifying the formula, breast milk or other liquids and the feeding schedule for infants shall be obtained from the parent(s).
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Walls/Ceilings/Floors/Rugs: Clean/Good Repair: Walls, ceilings, floors and rugs shall be maintained in a state of good repair and be washable or easily cleanable.
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Adequate Lighting: 50/30 Candle Feet: 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.
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Light Fixtures Shielded/Shatter Proof: All areas accessible to children shall have light fixtures that are shielded or shatter proof.
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Playground Free From Hazards: 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.
Jun 13, 2024: investigation (complaint)1 violation
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Policies: 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.
Apr 24, 2024: investigation (self-reported)1 violation
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Supervision: The operator shall be responsible for assuring the supervision of the children at all times while the children are at the facility, indoors or outdoors, or on field trips. At no time shall a child be left unsupervised.
All 8 visits on record
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 5, 2026 | Unannounced inspection (partial) | No violations cited |
| Jul 28, 2026 | Unannounced inspection (full) | 7 violations cited |
| May 8, 2026 | Investigation (self-reported) | 1 violation cited |
| Jul 21, 2025 | Unannounced inspection (full) | 5 violations cited |
| Jun 21, 2024 | Follow-up visit | 5 violations cited |
| Jun 12, 2024 | Investigation (complaint) | 1 violation cited |
| Jun 12, 2024 | Unannounced inspection (full) | No violations cited |
| Apr 23, 2024 | Investigation (self-reported) | 1 violation cited |
Is it licensed?
- Child Care Center, first licensed Jul 10, 1997.
- Licensed for ages 6 weeks to 12 years.
- Connecticut’s licence classes: Under 3 years, Preschool, School age.
- Licence DCCC.15020, valid Feb 1, 2026 to Jan 31, 2030.
- Capacity: 142 children (60 under 3).
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Program Data. Released Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily.
Has Connecticut acted against it?
- 3 investigations in the last three years: 2 self-reported, 1 from complaints.
- How they were resolved, in Connecticut’s words: Corrective Action Plan (3).
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Investigations and Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Inspections. Released Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily.
Who does the caring?
- Connecticut doesn’t publish staffing levels for individual providers.
Who owns it?
- Connecticut’s open data doesn’t list owners.
How is it rated?
- Connecticut’s licensing data has no quality rating.
How does it compare nearby?
- Among 125 child care providers in Middlesex County, the middle value for violations cited in the last three years was 10; this one had 20.
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Violations. Released Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily.
| Place | Violations cited in the last three years |
|---|---|
| Middletown Cooperative Preschool | 35 |
| Gianelli’s Early Learning Center | 20 |
| Grace Lutheran Preschool | 20 |
| Neighborhood Preschool | 23 |
| Kids Korner @ Bielefield School | 16 |
| Kids Korner @ Lawrence School | 10 |
| Kids Korner @ Farm Hill | 4 |
| Kids Korner @ Moody School | 10 |
| Kids Korner @ Spencer School | 10 |
| Bright Years Middletown This child care provider | 20 |
| Kid’s Korner @ Wesley School | 2 |
| Kids Korner at Snow School | 4 |
What the record doesn’t say
- Connecticut doesn’t grade violations by severity, so read what was cited.
- Connecticut’s open data gives the rule behind each violation, not what the inspector saw.
- Connecticut doesn’t publish whether a complaint was substantiated, only how each investigation was resolved.
- Connecticut doesn’t publish staffing levels or owners for individual providers.
- This page shows Connecticut’s records from the last three years; its open data goes back to 2005.
Sources
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Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Program Data (h8mr-dn95).
Released Oct 24, 2026 and checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily. Public Domain.
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Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Inspections (6rnk-h6iy).
Released Oct 24, 2026 and checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily. Public Domain.
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Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Violations (ccit-2ev8).
Released Oct 24, 2026 and checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily. Public Domain.
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Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Investigations (tett-bw6q).
Released Oct 24, 2026 and checked Oct 24, 2026. Updated daily. Public Domain.
If you believe something here is wrong, a correction starts with the agency whose record this copies: Connecticut Office of Early Childhood. Connecticut’s own record is on elicense.ct.gov. If Hearth Record copied something wrongly, it will fix it and log the correction publicly, with its date: how corrections work.
This copy of the record was made on Oct 24, 2026.
From the provider
The public record above comes first. Anything the provider adds will appear here, below it, and say who wrote it.
Replies
None. Replies aren’t open yet. When they open, the provider will be able to answer any finding for free, and the reply will show beside that finding, unedited and dated.
Paid listing
None. Paid listings aren’t open yet. When they open, anything paid for will say “Paid by the provider”, and paying will never change a finding, a rating or the order of results.