Catholic Charities Child Development Center- New Haven

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.

Rule 19a-79-7a(h)(1-9).

Safe Sleep: 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.

Rule 19a-79-10(g)(1-8).

Feeding: Infants shall be removed from their cribs and held for all bottle feedings. They may be placed in chairs for all other feedings. Infants and toddlers shall be removed from their cribs or playpens at other intervals during the day for individual cuddlings and for verbal communication. They shall be allowed to crawl and toddle as age and development permit. Each infant shall be placed in a prone (front) position part of the time when awake. When food and liquids are served a written statement specifying the formula, breast milk or other liquids and the feeding schedule for infants shall be obtained from the parent(s), updated as necessary and followed by program staff. Unused portions of formula, breast milk or other liquids shall be discarded after each feeding. Clean bottles shall be provided by the parent(s) unless the facility uses disposable bottles or has a dishwasher or dishwashing system approved by the local director of health to wash bottles. Baby food shall be served from a dish unless the whole contents of the jar will be served. Each child’s bottle shall be individually identified with the child’s name.

Rule 19a-79-10(j)-(k)(1-5).

Policies- complete, implemented: 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.

Rule 19a-79-3a(d)(2)-(7).

Postings: 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.

Rule 19a-79-3a(d)6)(C), (e)(1-6), 7a(e)(17), 10(g)(8).

Consultants: 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.

Rule 19a-79-4a(i)(1-2)(H), (F).

Individual care plan- signed by parents/staff: 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.

Rule 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E).

Licensed premises-clean, good repair, hazard free-maintenance program: 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.

Rule 19a-79-7a(c)(2).

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.

Rule 19a-79-7a(e)(5).

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.

Rule 19a-79-9a(a)(2-3).

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.

Rule 19a-79-9a(b)(3)(A-B).

Labeling and storage: 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. Only personnel authorized to administer medication may be provided with the means to access such medication. Controlled drugs shall be stored in accordance with state law.

Rule 19a-79-9a(b)(5)(A-B).

Feeding: Infants shall be removed from their cribs and held for all bottle feedings. They may be placed in chairs for all other feedings. Infants and toddlers shall be removed from their cribs or playpens at other intervals during the day for individual cuddlings and for verbal communication. They shall be allowed to crawl and toddle as age and development permit. Each infant shall be placed in a prone (front) position part of the time when awake. When food and liquids are served a written statement specifying the formula, breast milk or other liquids and the feeding schedule for infants shall be obtained from the parent(s), updated as necessary and followed by program staff. Unused portions of formula, breast milk or other liquids shall be discarded after each feeding. Clean bottles shall be provided by the parent(s) unless the facility uses disposable bottles or has a dishwasher or dishwashing system approved by the local director of health to wash bottles. Baby food shall be served from a dish unless the whole contents of the jar will be served. Each child’s bottle shall be individually identified with the child’s name.

Rule 19a-79-10(j)-(k)(1-5).

Professional development: 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.

Rule 19a-79-4a(a)(2)-(h)(1-2).

Individual care plan- signed by parents/staff: 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.

Rule 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E).

Licensed premises-clean, good repair, hazard free-maintenance program: 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.

Rule 19a-79-7a(c)(2).

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.

Rule 19a-79-7a(h)(1-9).

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.

Rule 19a-79-9a(b)(3)(A-B).

015bb- 32-36 mths enrolled in prek permissions: The operator may deem any child who is thirty two to thirty-six months of age to be three years old and enroll in a preschool program provided written authorization is obtained from the child�s parent or guardian and the program director. This written authorization shall be kept on file.

Rule {P.A.19-121}.

First Aid Kit(s):Indoor/Outdoor/Field Trip: The facility shall maintain at least one (1) portable, readily available first aid kit wherever children are in care, including field trips, outdoor play areas and one to remain at the facility if all the children do not attend the field trip. Each kit shall be a closed container for storing first aid supplies, accessible to staff at all times but out of the reach of children. The first aid kit shall contain specified items and be restocked after use, and an inventory shall be conducted at least monthly.

Rule 19a-6a(c) and/or 19a-6a(d).

Adequate Sinks in Program Space: 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.

Rule 19a-79-10(d)(1).

Sturdy/Safety Rail/Nonporous/Exclusive Use: 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.

Rule 19a-79-10(e)(1)(2)(3).

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).

Rule 19a-79-10(k)(1).

Daily Attendance Records: Children/Staff: 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.

Rule 19a-79-3a(d)(1).

Staff Health Records: 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.

Rule 19a-79-4a(a)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(a)(2).

Professional Development: 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.

Rule 19a-79-4a(a)(3) and/or 19a-79-4a(g).

Background Checks: 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 evidence that the necessary information and documentation specified by the Office of Early Childhood in order to conduct background checks has been submitted. 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.

Rule 19a-79-4a(b).

Individual Care Plan (Signed by Parent/Staff): 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.

Rule 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E).

License Premise Clean/Good Repair/Safe: 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.

Rule 19a-79-6a and/or 19a-79-7a.

Lead Water Test/Bottled Water: Water supply, food service and sewage disposal facilities shall be in compliance with all applicable sections of the Public Health Code. All water supplies shall be tested every two (2) years for lead content and the results submitted to the local and state health departments. Whenever water is obtained from other than a Department of Public Health-approved public water supply, it shall be of a safe and sanitary quality and tested every two (2) years for bacterial and chemical quality and the results submitted to the local and state health departments.

Rule 19a-79-7a(a) and/or 19a-79-7a(c)(3).

Potentially Hazardous Substances Locked: Potentially hazardous substances in the child care centers and group child care homes shall be stored in a separate locked area.

Rule 19a-79-7a(e)(10).

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.

Rule 19a-79-7a(g)(4) and/or 19a-79-7a(h).

Nonprescription Topical Medications: Administration/Parent Permission/MAR: 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.

Rule 19a-79-9a(a)(2).

Oral/Topical/Inhalant/Injectable Medications: Authorized Prescriber/Parent Permission/MAR: 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.

Rule 19a-79-9a(b)(3) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(4).

Local Health Inspection: 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.

Rule 19a-79-2a(c)(7).

Current Fire Marshal Certificate: The operator shall post the current fire marshal certificate in a conspicuous place, accessible to the public.

Rule 19a-79-3a(e)(2).

Staff Health Records: 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.

Rule 19a-79-4a(a)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(a)(2).

Professional Development: 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.

Rule 19a-79-4a(a)(3) and/or 19a-79-4a(g).

Individual Care Plan (Signed by Parent/Staff): 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.

Rule 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E).

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.

Rule 19a-79-7a(e)(5).

Oral/Topical/Inhalant/Injectable Medications: Authorized Prescriber/Parent Permission/MAR: 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.

Rule 19a-79-9a(b)(3) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(4).