Bright Years Niantic
A child care center in Niantic, Connecticut 06357
245 Flanders Rd, Niantic, Connecticut 06357. (860) 691-0344.
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 Nov 5, 2026.
- 15 violations in the last three years
- Jul 62026 the latest visit on record
- 160 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?
3 inspections in the last three years, the latest on Jul 6, 2026.
15 violations cited in the last three years, 5 of them in investigations.
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Inspections. Released Nov 4, 2026. Updated daily.
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Investigations and Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Violations. Released Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily.
When those violations happened
15 violations in 6 months of the last 36. Last cited Jul 2026. The last 3 years, to Nov 5, 2026.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 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 | Nov |
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 Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily.
Jul 6, 2026: unannounced inspection (full)4 violations
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Adequate sinks-handwashing-diapering/other use-food prep: In child care centers there shall be a sink with hot and cold running water designated for diaper changing and hand washing of program staff and children. This sink shall be located in the program space. Child care centers which have three program staff for a group of 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Aug 12, 2025: investigation (self-reported)2 violations
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Child behavior management: The operator and program staff shall manage child behavior using techniques based on developmentally appropriate practice, including positive guidance, redirection and setting clear limits that encourage children to develop self-control, self-discipline and positive self-esteem and communicate acceptable techniques to all staff.
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Mandated reporting: The operator and staff shall report actual or suspected child abuse or neglect, or the imminent risk of serious harm of any child to the Department of Children and Families as mandated by the Connecticut General Statutes.
Jul 7, 2025: unannounced inspection (full)4 violations
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First Aid Kit(s):Indoor/Outdoor/Field Trip: The facility shall maintain at least one portable, readily accessible first aid kit wherever children are in care, including field trips. A first aid kit shall be located outside and readily accessible wherever and whenever children are outside. A first aid kit shall be located indoors and readily accessible wherever and whenever children are indoors. Each first aid 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 at least the following items assorted sizes of non medicated adhesive strips; sterile, individually wrapped, three or four inch gauze squares; two inch gauze roller bandage; one roll of adhesive tape (hypoallergenic); scissors; tweezers; two instant cold packs; a non-glass thermometer to measure a child�s temperature; disposable, nonporous gloves; and a cardiopulmonary resuscitation mouth barrier. First aid supplies for field trips shall also include water, if water is not readily accessible at the field trip location; reliable communication device; liquid soap, if liquid soap is not readily accessible at the field trip location; emergency contact numbers for each child; medications, as needed, if the child care center or group child care home administers medications and any items needed to administer medications; and plastic bags, for storage.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Aug 28, 2024: investigation (self-reported)2 violations
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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.
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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.
Jun 11, 2024: investigation (self-reported)1 violation
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Managing Child Behavior: The operator shall be responsible for managing child behavior using techniques based on developmentally appropriate practice and communicate acceptable techniques to all staff. These techniques shall include positive guidance, redirection and setting clear limits that encourage children to develop self-control, self-discipline and positive self-esteem.
Apr 16, 2024: unannounced inspection (full)2 violations
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Enrollment Information: 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).
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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.
All 6 visits on record
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 6, 2026 | Unannounced inspection (full) | 4 violations cited |
| Jul 29, 2025 | Investigation (self-reported) | 2 violations cited |
| Jul 7, 2025 | Unannounced inspection (full) | 4 violations cited |
| Aug 23, 2024 | Investigation (self-reported) | 2 violations cited |
| Jun 4, 2024 | Investigation (self-reported) | 1 violation cited |
| Apr 16, 2024 | Unannounced inspection (full) | 2 violations cited |
Is it licensed?
- Child Care Center, first licensed Feb 11, 2019.
- Licensed for ages 6 weeks to 12 years.
- Connecticut’s licence classes: Under 3 years, Preschool, School age.
- Licence DCCC.70476, valid Mar 1, 2023 to Feb 28, 2027.
- Capacity: 160 children (80 under 3).
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Program Data. Released Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily.
Has Connecticut acted against it?
- 3 investigations in the last three years: 3 self-reported.
- How they were resolved, in Connecticut’s words: Corrective Action Plan (3).
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Investigations. Released Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily.
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Inspections. Released Nov 4, 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 162 child care providers in New London County, the middle value for violations cited in the last three years was 11.5; this one had 15.
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Violations. Released Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily.
| Place | Violations cited in the last three years |
|---|---|
| Ballestrini Child Care Center- Niantic | 4 |
| Bright Years Niantic This child care provider | 15 |
| Leah Z Lecara | 0 |
| Brandey L Paige | Not given |
| Bright Beginnings of Norwich | 10 |
| Park Nursery School | 13 |
| Tvcca Little Learners Griswold | 11 |
| Children’s Nook | 13 |
| Old Lyme Children’s Learning Center | 45 |
| United Methodist Child Care Center | 45 |
| Tollgate Christian Preschool | 10 |
| Colchester Cooperative Nursery School | 30 |
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 Nov 5, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily. Public Domain.
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Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Inspections (6rnk-h6iy).
Released Nov 4, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily. Public Domain.
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Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Violations (ccit-2ev8).
Released Nov 5, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily. Public Domain.
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Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Child Care & Youth Camp Licensing Investigations (tett-bw6q).
Released Nov 5, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 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 Nov 5, 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.