The Vardell Report.Little Steps Daycare

Across 11 licensing visits from April 2022 to February 2026, OEC cited 59 violations at Little Steps Daycare.

Visits

11

2022–2026, inspections, follow-ups and investigations

Violations

59

Regulations cited by OEC licensing staff

Visits With Violations

7

Correction dates are not published

Complaint investigations

1

Investigations opened on a complaint

Every visit in the record window, newest first. A violation is a licensing regulation Connecticut found was not met. OEC publishes what an investigation found, not what the complaint alleged.

1. Feb 172026

   Follow-up visit

   No violations

   Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2026-232

2. Feb 62026

   Investigation

   1 violation

   Opened on a complaint. OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.

   • 19a-79-3a(d)(2)-(7)Policies- complete, implementedCitedNo correction date in OEC's file

   Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), 2026-102

3. Jan 152026

   Unannounced full inspection

   15 violations

   OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.

   • 19a-79-9a(b)(1)(A-F)-(2)(A-C)Medication TrainingsCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-9a(b)(3)(A-B)Authorized prescriber/parent permissionCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-9a(b)(5)(A-B)Labeling and storageCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-10(e)(1-10)DiaperingCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-10(g)(1-8)Safe SleepCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-4a(a)(2), (h)(1-2)Professional developmentCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E)Individual care plan- signed by parents/staffCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-9a(b)(4)(A-B)Medication Administration Records (MAR)CitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-4a(i)(1-2)(H), (F)ConsultantsCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-7a(e)(10)Potentially hazardous substances, materials � labeled, inaccessible to childrenCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(A)-(E)Child Health RecordsCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-7a(g)(1)Equipment-clean and safe, good repair, non-toxic-sturdy, free from protruding nails, rustCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-3a(b)(6)Annual policy training for program staffCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-4a(e)(1)Designated DirectorCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-7a(c)(5)(A-C)Water supply- water testingCitedNo correction date in OEC's file

   Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2026-232

4. Mar 172025

   Unannounced full inspection

   5 violations

   OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.

   • 19a-79-10(j)-(k)(1-5)FeedingCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-10(i)(1)(2A-C)Health consultant visits/documentationCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-4a(i)(1-2)(H), (F)ConsultantsCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-3a(b)(7)(B)Documentation of Behavioral Management Techniques Discussed with ParentsCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-7a(e)(4)Portable space heaters prohibitedCitedNo correction date in OEC's file

   Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2025-954

5. Mar 112024

   Unannounced full inspection

   5 violations

   OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.

   • 19a-79-4a(a)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(a)(2)Staff Health RecordsCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-9a(a)(2)Nonprescription Topical Medications: Administration/Parent Permission/MARCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-10(h)(2)No Toys/Objects Less than 1 1/4CitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(A) through (E)and/or19a-79-6a(e)Child Health Records/Immunizations/TBCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-10(d)(1)Adequate Sinks in Program SpaceCitedNo correction date in OEC's file

   Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2024-937

6. Jun 262023

   Unannounced partial inspection

   No violations

   Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2023-2669

7. Apr 112023

   Follow-up visit

   No violations

   Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2023-935

8. Mar 132023

   Unannounced full inspection

   7 violations

   OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.

   • 19a-79-3a001b-AdministrationCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-3a(b)(7) &/or 19a-79-4a(3)Annual Staff TrainingCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(A) through (E)and/or19a-79-6a(e)Child Health Records/Immunizations/TBCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-9a(a)(2)Nonprescription Topical Medications: Administration/Parent Permission/MARCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-7a(e)(10)Potentially Hazardous Substances LockedCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-10(g)(3) and/or 19a-79-7a(g)(1)Crib/Bed Free from Observable HazardsCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
   • 19a-79-4a(b)018b-Background ChecksCitedNo correction date in OEC's file

   Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2023-935

9. Aug 92022

   Unannounced partial inspection

   No violations

   Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2022-3218

10. May 22022

    Follow-up visit

    3 violations

    • 19a-79-3a001b-AdministrationCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-4a(e)(2) and/or 19a-79-4a(f)First Aid Trained StaffCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-9a(b)(5)(D) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(5)(E)Oral/Topical/Inhalant/Injectable Medications: Unused/Expired Meds Returned/DisposedCitedNo correction date in OEC's file

    Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2022-1324

11. Apr 192022

    Unannounced full inspection

    23 violations

    OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.

    • 19a-79-10(g)(3) and/or 19a-79-7a(g)(1)Crib/Bed Free from Observable HazardsCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-3a001b-AdministrationCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-10(g)(1) and/or 19a-79-10(g)(4)Alternate Sleep Position/Equipment Medical DocumentationCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-3a(c)Notification of ChangeCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-3a(b)(7) &/or 19a-79-4a(3)Annual Staff TrainingCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-4a(a)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(a)(2)Staff Health RecordsCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-4a(a)(3) and/or 19a-79-4a(g)Professional DevelopmentCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-3a(e)(2)Current Fire Marshal CertificateCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-4a(h)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(h)(2)Consultant Agreements/ContractsCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(A) through (E)and/or19a-79-6a(e)Child Health Records/Immunizations/TBCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-4a(e)(2) and/or 19a-79-4a(f)First Aid Trained StaffCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-3a(d)(1)Daily Attendance Records: Children/StaffCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-4a(h)(2)(G)Logs/Visits DocumentedCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-7a(e)(10)Potentially Hazardous Substances LockedCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-7a(h)(2)Impact Absorbing Material under EquipmentCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E)Individual Care Plan (Signed by Parent/Staff)CitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-9a(a)(3)Nonprescription Topical Medications: Labeling/StorageCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-10(d)(1)Adequate Sinks in Program SpaceCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-7a(a) and/or 19a-79-7a(c)(3)Lead Water Test/Bottled WaterCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-9a(a)(2)Nonprescription Topical Medications: Administration/Parent Permission/MARCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-9a(b)(1) &/or 19a-79-9a(b)(2)Med Trained Staff/CertificatesCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-9a(b)(3) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(4)Oral/Topical/Inhalant/Injectable Medications: Authorized Prescriber/Parent Permission/MARCitedNo correction date in OEC's file
    • 19a-79-10(e)(1)(2)(3)Sturdy/Safety Rail/Nonporous/Exclusive UseCitedNo correction date in OEC's file

    Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2022-1324

Connecticut’s Office of Early Childhood publishes each violation it cites, not a risk level for it.

A repeated citation can merit attention, but context and corrective action must be reviewed before drawing a conclusion.

1. 1

   001b-Administration, Cited in Three Visits

   OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-3a in April 2022, May 2022 and March 2023. The agency describes it this way: 001b-Administration. Connecticut does not publish a risk level for each violation. OEC does not publish when a violation was corrected, so it is worth asking what changed after each one.

   222222232323242526262619a-79-3a across all 11 visits, oldest to newest
2. 2

   Child Health Records/Immunizations/TB, Cited in Three Visits

   OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(A) through (E)and/or19a-79-6a(e) in April 2022, March 2023 and March 2024. The agency describes it this way: Child Health Records/Immunizations/TB. Connecticut does not publish a risk level for each violation. OEC does not publish when a violation was corrected, so it is worth asking what changed after each one.

   222222232323242526262619a-79-5a(a)(2)(A) through (E)and/or19a-79-6a(e) across all 11 visits, oldest to newest
3. 3

   Citation 19a-79-7a(e)(10), Cited in Three Visits

   OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-7a(e)(10) in April 2022, March 2023 and January 2026. The agency describes it this way: Potentially hazardous substances, materials � labeled, inaccessible to children. Connecticut does not publish a risk level for each violation. OEC does not publish when a violation was corrected, so it is worth asking what changed after each one.

   222222232323242526262619a-79-7a(e)(10) across all 11 visits, oldest to newest
4. 4

   Citation 19a-79-9a(a)(2), Cited in Three Visits

   OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-9a(a)(2) in April 2022, March 2023 and March 2024. The agency describes it this way: Nonprescription Topical Medications: Administration/Parent Permission/MAR. Connecticut does not publish a risk level for each violation. OEC does not publish when a violation was corrected, so it is worth asking what changed after each one.

   222222232323242526262619a-79-9a(a)(2) across all 11 visits, oldest to newest
5. 5

   Adequate Sinks in Program Space, Cited in Two Visits

   OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-10(d)(1) in April 2022 and March 2024. The agency describes it this way: Adequate Sinks in Program Space. Connecticut does not publish a risk level for each violation. OEC does not publish when a violation was corrected, so it is worth asking what changed after each one.

   222222232323242526262619a-79-10(d)(1) across all 11 visits, oldest to newest
6. 6

   Crib/Bed Free from Observable Hazards, Cited in Two Visits

   OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-10(g)(3) and/or 19a-79-7a(g)(1) in April 2022 and March 2023. The agency describes it this way: Crib/Bed Free from Observable Hazards. Connecticut does not publish a risk level for each violation. OEC does not publish when a violation was corrected, so it is worth asking what changed after each one.

   222222232323242526262619a-79-10(g)(3) and/or 19a-79-7a(g)(1) across all 11 visits, oldest to newest
7. 7

   Annual Staff Training, Cited in Two Visits

   OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-3a(b)(7) &/or 19a-79-4a(3) in April 2022 and March 2023. The agency describes it this way: Annual Staff Training. Connecticut does not publish a risk level for each violation. OEC does not publish when a violation was corrected, so it is worth asking what changed after each one.

   222222232323242526262619a-79-3a(b)(7) &/or 19a-79-4a(3) across all 11 visits, oldest to newest
8. 8

   Staff Health Records, Cited in Two Visits

   OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-4a(a)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(a)(2) in April 2022 and March 2024. The agency describes it this way: Staff Health Records. Connecticut does not publish a risk level for each violation. OEC does not publish when a violation was corrected, so it is worth asking what changed after each one.

   222222232323242526262619a-79-4a(a)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(a)(2) across all 11 visits, oldest to newest
9. 9

   First Aid Trained Staff, Cited in Two Visits

   OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-4a(e)(2) and/or 19a-79-4a(f) in April 2022 and May 2022. The agency describes it this way: First Aid Trained Staff. Connecticut does not publish a risk level for each violation. OEC does not publish when a violation was corrected, so it is worth asking what changed after each one.

   222222232323242526262619a-79-4a(e)(2) and/or 19a-79-4a(f) across all 11 visits, oldest to newest
10. 10

    Consultants, Cited in Two Visits

    OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-4a(i)(1-2)(H), (F) in March 2025 and January 2026. The agency describes it this way: Consultants. Connecticut does not publish a risk level for each violation. OEC does not publish when a violation was corrected, so it is worth asking what changed after each one.

    222222232323242526262619a-79-4a(i)(1-2)(H), (F) across all 11 visits, oldest to newest
11. 11

    Individual care plan- signed by parents/staff, Cited in Two Visits

    OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E) in April 2022 and January 2026. The agency describes it this way: Individual care plan- signed by parents/staff. Connecticut does not publish a risk level for each violation. OEC does not publish when a violation was corrected, so it is worth asking what changed after each one.

    222222232323242526262619a-79-5a(a)(2)(E) across all 11 visits, oldest to newest

Bring these to the tour. Each one comes from something in the record; the reason is under the question.

1. 01

   What changed after 19a-79-3a was cited, and how do you check it now?

   001b-Administration: cited in three visits, with no risk level published.

2. 02

   What changed after 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(A) through (E)and/or19a-79-6a(e) was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Child Health Records/Immunizations/TB: cited in three visits, with no risk level published.

3. 03

   What changed after 19a-79-7a(e)(10) was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Citation 19a-79-7a(e)(10): cited in three visits, with no risk level published.

4. 04

   What changed after 19a-79-9a(a)(2) was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Citation 19a-79-9a(a)(2): cited in three visits, with no risk level published.

5. 05

   What changed after 19a-79-10(d)(1) was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Adequate Sinks in Program Space: cited in two visits, with no risk level published.

6. 06

   What changed after 19a-79-10(g)(3) and/or 19a-79-7a(g)(1) was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Crib/Bed Free from Observable Hazards: cited in two visits, with no risk level published.

7. 07

   What changed after 19a-79-3a(b)(7) &/or 19a-79-4a(3) was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Annual Staff Training: cited in two visits, with no risk level published.

8. 08

   What changed after 19a-79-4a(a)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(a)(2) was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Staff Health Records: cited in two visits, with no risk level published.

9. 09

   What changed after 19a-79-4a(e)(2) and/or 19a-79-4a(f) was cited, and how do you check it now?

   First Aid Trained Staff: cited in two visits, with no risk level published.

10. 10

    What changed after 19a-79-4a(i)(1-2)(H), (F) was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Consultants: cited in two visits, with no risk level published.

11. 11

    What changed after 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E) was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Individual care plan- signed by parents/staff: cited in two visits, with no risk level published.

12. 12

    What is the ratio in the room my child would join, and how is every child accounted for at nap time, pickup and on the playground?

    Ratios change through the day, so they are worth counting yourself on a visit.

13. 13

    Has the center ever been referred for legal action or put on a corrective plan, and what changed afterward?

    OEC’s files list no enforcement action in this window.

Program details, inspections, investigations and the violations cited at each are published by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood's Division of Licensing in its daily files on data.ct.gov.

• Child care licensing program data (data.ct.gov)

  Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · DCCC.70553

  Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  View Dataset ↗
• Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8)

  Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2022-1324

  Visit Apr 19, 2022 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  View Dataset ↗
• Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8)

  Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2022-1324

  Visit May 2, 2022 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  View Dataset ↗
• Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8)

  Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2022-3218

  Visit Aug 9, 2022 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  View Dataset ↗
• Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8)

  Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2023-935

  Visit Mar 13, 2023 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  View Dataset ↗
• Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8)

  Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2023-935

  Visit Apr 11, 2023 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  View Dataset ↗
• Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8)

  Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2023-2669

  Visit Jun 26, 2023 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  View Dataset ↗
• Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8)

  Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2024-937

  Visit Mar 11, 2024 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  View Dataset ↗
• Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8)

  Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2025-954

  Visit Mar 17, 2025 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  View Dataset ↗
• Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8)

  Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2026-232

  Visit Jan 15, 2026 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  View Dataset ↗
• Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8)

  Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · 2026-102

  Visit Feb 6, 2026 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  View Dataset ↗
• Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8)

  Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2026-232

  Visit Feb 17, 2026 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  View Dataset ↗

Historical coverage varies by agency and location. Missing records do not mean that no complaint or violation occurred.

Data architecture: Cierto supplies the source-backed machine-readable bundle. Life by Vardell independently creates the narrative, design, and consumer report.