Downtown Ithaca Children’s Center
A day care center in Ithaca, New York 14850
506 First Street, Ithaca, New York 14850. (607) 272-7117.
- Pending Revocation: recommended for revocation (New York)
- Removed from the referral list (New York)
What New York’s list coversOutside New York City
Programs New York State’s Office of Children and Family Services licenses or registers outside New York City, each county added once it is read in full. Programs in the city’s five boroughs, including the day care centers its Health Department regulates, aren’t here yet.
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. New York’s own record is on hs.ocfs.ny.gov.
The short answer
Record last released by New York State Office of Children and Family Services on Nov 2, 2026.
- 41 violations in the last three years
- Jun 82026 the latest visit on record
- 92 children, its capacity in the state’s list
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?
10 inspections in the last three years, the latest on Jun 8, 2026.
41 violations cited in the last three years.
New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Program pages: inspection and complaint history. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
When those violations happened
40 violations in 13 months of the last 36. Last cited Jul 2026. The last 3 years, to Nov 2, 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.
New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Program pages: inspection and complaint history. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Jul 30, 2026: complaint investigation3 violations
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Barriers must exist to prevent children from gaining access to unsafe areas. Such areas include, but are not limited to, swimming pools, drainage ditches, wells, ponds, or other bodies of open water, holes, wood and coal burning stoves, fireplaces, pellet stoves, permanently installed gas space heaters, or any other unsafe area.
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Cleaning materials must be stored in their original containers unless the product’s use or the program’s health care plan indicates that the product be mixed with water before use. In this case, the container used for subsequent use of the mixed product must state the name of the cleaning material contained within. Cleaning materials must be used in such a way that they will not contaminate play surfaces, food or food preparation areas, or constitute a hazard to children. Such materials must be kept in a place inaccessible to children.
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Children cannot be left without competent supervision at any time. Competent supervision includes awareness of and responsibility for the ongoing activity of each child. It requires that all children be within a teacher’s range of vision and that the teacher be near enough to respond when redirection or intervention strategies are needed. Competent supervision must take into account the child’s age emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Jun 8, 2026: monitoring2 violations
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All containers or bottles of, breast milk, formula or other individualized food items must be clearly marked with the child’s complete name.
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Cribs, bassinets and other sleeping areas for infants through 12 months of age must include an appropriately sized fitted sheet, and must not have bumper pads, toys, stuffed animals, blankets, pillows, wedges or infant positioners. Wedges or infant positioners will be permitted with medical documentation from the child’s health care provider.
Apr 7, 2026: self-Report2 violations
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Suitable precautions must be taken to eliminate all conditions in areas accessible to children which pose a safety or health hazard.
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Each day care center shall establish written rules and policies as are necessary to provide for monitoring and control of visitors to protect the health, safety and welfare of children in care.
Jul 25, 2025: complaint investigation4 violations
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Staff members must be qualified by training and experience to carry out their respective functions in the administration, operation and maintenance of the child day care center.
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The parent of a child receiving care must have: unlimited and on demand access to the director and teachers whenever such child is in care or during the normal hours of operation; and
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All matches, lighters, medicines, drugs, cleaning materials, detergents, aerosol cans and other poisonous or toxic materials must be stored in their original containers. Such materials must be used in such a way that they will not contaminate play surfaces, food or food preparation areas, or constitute a hazard to children. Such materials must be kept in a place inaccessible to children.
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The child day care center must employ staff who will promote the physical, intellectual, social, cultural and emotional well-being of the children.
May 2, 2025: complaint investigation1 violation
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Children cannot be left without competent supervision at any time. Competent supervision includes awareness of and responsibility for the ongoing activity of each child. It requires that all children be within a teacher’s range of vision and that the teacher be near enough to respond when redirection or intervention strategies are needed. Competent supervision must take into account the child’s age emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Apr 25, 2025: complaint investigation1 violation
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Play equipment must be used in a safe manner.
Apr 14, 2025: annual Unannounced1 violation
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All corridors, aisles, and approaches to exits must be kept unobstructed at all times.
Mar 7, 2025: complaint investigation1 violation
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All corridors, aisles, and approaches to exits must be kept unobstructed at all times.
Jan 27, 2025: monitoring2 violations
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The following items must be used and stored in such a manner that they are not accessible to children: handbags, backpacks or briefcases belonging to adults; plastic bags; and toys and objects small enough for young children to swallow.
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The program must maintain on file a record of each shelter-in-place drill conducted, using forms provided by the Office or approved equivalents.
Aug 12, 2024: complaint investigation2 violations
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Suitable precautions must be taken to eliminate all conditions in areas accessible to children which pose a safety or health hazard.
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Children cannot be left without competent supervision at any time. Competent supervision includes awareness of and responsibility for the ongoing activity of each child. It requires that all children be within a teacher’s range of vision and that the teacher be near enough to respond when redirection or intervention strategies are needed. Competent supervision must take into account the child’s age emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Jul 22, 2024: complaint investigation5 violations
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Child care center staff must personally make, or cause to be made, an immediate report to the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment by telephone, followed by a written report within 48 hours, in the form and manner prescribed by the Office, to the child protective service of the social services district in the county in which the child resides.
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The program must immediately notify the parent and Office upon learning of the following events involving a child which occurred while the child was in care at the program or was being transported by the program: serious incident,
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The program must maintain on file at the child day care center, available for inspection by the Office or its designees at any time, the following records in a current and accurate manner: children’s individual health care plans; parental consents for emergency medical treatment; child’s medical statement, immunizations, and any available results of lead screening for children not yet enrolled in kindergarten or a higher grade only; the name and dosage of any medications used by a child, the frequency of administration of such medications, and a record of their administration by child care center staff; daily health check documentation; a record of illnesses and injuries occurring while in care; and any indicators of child abuse or maltreatment;
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Suitable precautions must be taken to eliminate all conditions in areas accessible to children which pose a safety or health hazard.
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Children cannot be left without competent supervision at any time. Competent supervision includes awareness of and responsibility for the ongoing activity of each child. It requires that all children be within a teacher’s range of vision and that the teacher be near enough to respond when redirection or intervention strategies are needed. Competent supervision must take into account the child’s age emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
May 22, 2024: annual Unannounced4 violations
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The program must maintain on file at the child day care center, available for inspection by the Office or its designees at any time, the following records in a current and accurate manner: daily attendance records, which must be filled out at the time a child arrives and departs, and must include arrival and departure times;
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The program must maintain on file at the child day care center, available for inspection by the Office or its designees at any time, the following records in a current and accurate manner: children’s individual health care plans; parental consents for emergency medical treatment; child’s medical statement, immunizations, and any available results of lead screening for children not yet enrolled in kindergarten or a higher grade only; the name and dosage of any medications used by a child, the frequency of administration of such medications, and a record of their administration by child care center staff; daily health check documentation; a record of illnesses and injuries occurring while in care; and any indicators of child abuse or maltreatment;
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All buildings used for day care centers must remain in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Fire Code and Building Code of New York State or other applicable fire and building codes when the Fire Code and Building Code of New York State is not applicable.
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Behavior management must promote self-esteem in children and guide children in such a way as to help each child develop self-control and assume responsibility for his or her actions through clear and consistent rules and limits appropriate to the ages and development of the children in care.
Jan 4, 2024: complaint investigation3 violations
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The program must maintain on file at the child day care center, available for inspection by the Office or its designees at any time, the following records in a current and accurate manner: daily attendance records, which must be filled out at the time a child arrives and departs, and must include arrival and departure times;
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The program must establish and implement a daily schedule of program activities that offers reasonable regularity in routines, including snack and meal periods, nap and rest periods, indoor activities, outdoor play time and a variety of large muscle activities throughout the day. There must be physical activity, appropriate to the ages of the children in care, every day.
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The child day care center must employ staff who will promote the physical, intellectual, social, cultural and emotional well-being of the children.
Dec 14, 2023: application - Renewal9 violations
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The licensee must prepare a health care plan on forms furnished by the Office. Such plan must protect and promote the health of children. The health care plan must be on site, followed by all staff and available upon demand by a parent or the Office. In those instances in which the program will administer medications, the health care plan must also be approved by the program’s health care consultant unless the only medications to be administered are:
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Each infant and toddler must be removed from the crib, playpen or cot and held or placed in an appropriate chair for feeding.
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Each applicant for, or individual in the position of director, teacher, or volunteer must complete Office-approved training that complies with federal minimum health and safety pre-service or three-month orientation period requirements. This training must be obtained pre-service or within three months of starting such position.
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Each staff person and volunteer must complete a minimum of thirty (30) hours of training every two years. The required thirty (30) hours of training every two years is subject to the following conditions: Fifteen (15) of the required thirty (30) hours of training must be obtained during the person’s first six months at the program.
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The program must maintain on file at the child day care center, available for inspection by the Office or its designees at any time, the following records in a current and accurate manner: personnel information including a list of all staff with job assignments and schedules; each staff and volunteer’s final and, if applicable, provisional criminal history review and background check approval letter(s); staff resumes; medical statements; acceptable references and other information required by section 418-1.13 of this Subpart;
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The following items must be used and stored in such a manner that they are not accessible to children: handbags, backpacks or briefcases belonging to adults; plastic bags; and toys and objects small enough for young children to swallow.
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Materials and play equipment used by the children must be sturdy and free from rough edges and sharp corners.
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Play equipment must be used in a safe manner.
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All matches, lighters, medicines, drugs, cleaning materials, detergents, aerosol cans and other poisonous or toxic materials must be stored in their original containers. Such materials must be used in such a way that they will not contaminate play surfaces, food or food preparation areas, or constitute a hazard to children. Such materials must be kept in a place inaccessible to children.
Nov 7, 2023: monitoring1 violation
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All buildings used for day care centers must remain in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Fire Code and Building Code of New York State or other applicable fire and building codes when the Fire Code and Building Code of New York State is not applicable.
All 18 visits on record
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 30, 2026 | Complaint | Complaint (Substantiated); 3 violations cited |
| Jun 8, 2026 | Monitoring | 2 violations cited |
| Apr 7, 2026 | Self-Report | 2 violations cited |
| Mar 24, 2026 | Monitoring | No violations found |
| Mar 2, 2026 | Annual Unannounced | No violations found |
| Dec 8, 2025 | Monitoring | No violations found |
| Jul 25, 2025 | Complaint | Complaint (Substantiated); 4 violations cited |
| May 2, 2025 | Complaint | Complaint (Substantiated); 1 violation cited |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Complaint | Complaint (Substantiated); 1 violation cited |
| Apr 14, 2025 | Annual Unannounced | 1 violation cited |
| Mar 7, 2025 | Complaint | Complaint (Unsubstantiated); 1 violation cited |
| Jan 27, 2025 | Monitoring | 2 violations cited |
| Aug 12, 2024 | Complaint | Complaint (Substantiated); 2 violations cited |
| Jul 22, 2024 | Complaint | Complaint (Substantiated); 5 violations cited |
| May 22, 2024 | Annual Unannounced | 4 violations cited |
| Jan 4, 2024 | Complaint | Complaint (Substantiated); 3 violations cited |
| Dec 14, 2023 | Application - Renewal | 9 violations cited |
| Nov 7, 2023 | Monitoring | 1 violation cited |
Is it licensed?
- Day Care Center, open since Jan 22, 1996.
- School district: Ithaca.
- Capacity, in New York’s words: 16 Infants, 30 Toddlers, 46 Preschoolers.
- Keeps epinephrine auto-injectors for emergencies.
- Licence 42195, issued Jan 1, 2024, expires Dec 31, 2027.
- Capacity: 92 children.
New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Child Care Regulated Programs. Released Nov 2, 2026. Updated daily.
New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Program pages: inspection and complaint history. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Has New York acted against it?
- 8 complaints in the last three years. New York’s status for each: Complaint (Substantiated) (7), Complaint (Unsubstantiated) (1).
- New York’s referral agencies won’t refer families to this program until its compliance issues are resolved.
- New York lists this program as Pending Revocation: recommended for revocation.
New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Program pages: inspection and complaint history. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Child Care Regulated Programs. Released Nov 2, 2026. Updated daily.
| Date | What | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Removed from the referral list | New York’s referral agencies won’t refer families to this program until its compliance issues are resolved. | |
| Pending Revocation | New York lists this program as Pending Revocation: recommended for revocation. | |
| Jul 30, 2026 | Complaint (Substantiated) | New York’s status for this complaint: Complaint (Substantiated). |
| Jul 25, 2025 | Complaint (Substantiated) | New York’s status for this complaint: Complaint (Substantiated). |
| May 2, 2025 | Complaint (Substantiated) | New York’s status for this complaint: Complaint (Substantiated). |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Complaint (Substantiated) | New York’s status for this complaint: Complaint (Substantiated). |
| Mar 7, 2025 | Complaint (Unsubstantiated) | New York’s status for this complaint: Complaint (Unsubstantiated). |
| Aug 12, 2024 | Complaint (Substantiated) | New York’s status for this complaint: Complaint (Substantiated). |
| Jul 22, 2024 | Complaint (Substantiated) | New York’s status for this complaint: Complaint (Substantiated). |
| Jan 4, 2024 | Complaint (Substantiated) | New York’s status for this complaint: Complaint (Substantiated). |
Who does the caring?
- New York doesn’t publish staffing levels for individual programs.
Who owns it?
- New York’s open data doesn’t list owners.
How is it rated?
- Takes part in QUALITYstarsNY, New York’s quality rating program.
New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Program pages: inspection and complaint history. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
How does it compare nearby?
- Among 68 child care providers in Tompkins County, the middle value for violations cited in the last three years was 3.5; this one had 41.
New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Program pages: inspection and complaint history. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
| Place | Violations cited in the last three years |
|---|---|
| Enfield School Age Program, Inc. | 28 |
| Northeast Kids Count, Inc. | 2 |
| Barber, Judy | 4 |
| Durfee, Melinda | 2 |
| Cornell Child Care Center | 29 |
| Coddington Road Community Center, Inc. | 24 |
| ITHACA COMMUNITY CHILDCARE CENTER, INC. | 21 |
| Downtown Ithaca Children’s Center This child care provider | 41 |
| Ithaca Montessori School | 5 |
| YMCA SACC Year Round School’s Out Y Site | 7 |
| Community Nursery of Cayuga Heights, Inc. | 4 |
| Ithaca Community Childcare at Kendal | 0 |
What the record doesn’t say
- New York doesn’t grade violations by severity, so read what was cited.
- New York’s records give the regulation behind each violation, not what the inspector saw.
- New York’s program pages cover four calendar years; this page shows the last three years.
- New York doesn’t publish staffing levels or owners for individual programs.
Sources
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New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Child Care Regulated Programs (cb42-qumz).
Released Nov 2, 2026 and checked Nov 2, 2026. Updated daily. No licence stated.
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New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Program pages: inspection and complaint history.
Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. No licence stated.
If you believe something here is wrong, a correction starts with the agency whose record this copies: New York State Office of Children and Family Services. New York’s own record is on hs.ocfs.ny.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 2, 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.