
Report
TheVardellReport
St Thomas More Happiness Preschool
Child care center
374 Middlesex Road
Darien, CT 06820

TheVardellReport
Child care center
374 Middlesex Road
Darien, CT 06820
Life by Vardell Presents
The deeper story, beautifully organized. Available records, historical context, and questions worth asking.
This report is free. Vardell does not certify, grade or endorse; it shows what the record documents.
The Essentials
Across 19 licensing visits from October 2012 to October 2026, OEC cited 92 violations at St Thomas More Happiness Preschool.
* Partial year, through November 1, 2026.
| Year | Visits | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 | 1 | 4 |
| 2013 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 | 1 | 9 |
| 2015 | 1 | 21 |
| 2016 | 2 | 6 |
| 2017 | 2 | 16 |
| 2018 | 1 | 4 |
| 2019 | 1 | 7 |
| 2020 | 2 | 4 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 | 6 |
| 2023 | 4 | 3 |
| 2024 | 1 | 6 |
| 2025 | 1 | 4 |
| 2026 | 1 | 2 |
Chronology
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.
2 violations
OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2026-4205
4 violations
OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2025-4157
6 violations
OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2024-4193
1 violation
OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2023-4963
No violations
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2023-1252
No violations
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2023-213
2 violations
OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2023-213
6 violations
OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2022-316
No violations
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2020-2782
4 violations
OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2020-1188
7 violations
OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2019-2075
4 violations
OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2018-4911
7 violations
OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2017-5949
9 violations
OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2017-1956
3 violations
OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2016-4363
3 violations
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2015-4419
21 violations
OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2015-4419
9 violations
OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2014-559
4 violations
OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2012-569005
Connecticut’s Office of Early Childhood publishes each violation it cites, not a risk level for it.
Context
A repeated citation can merit attention, but context and corrective action must be reviewed before drawing a conclusion.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E) in October 2015, January 2016, April 2017, December 2017, April 2019, February 2022, December 2023, October 2024 and October 2025. 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.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-4a(h)(2)(G) in March 2014, October 2015, September 2016, December 2017, September 2018, April 2019, February 2022 and October 2024. The agency describes it this way: Logs/Visits Documented. 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.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-4a(h)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(h)(2) in March 2014, October 2015, December 2017, September 2018, April 2019, February 2022 and October 2024. The agency describes it this way: Consultant Agreements/Contracts. 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.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-9a(b)(3) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(4) in March 2014, October 2015, January 2016, September 2016, April 2017, March 2020 and February 2022. The agency describes it this way: Oral/Topical/Inhalant/Injectable Medications: Authorized Prescriber/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.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-3a(e)(2) in October 2012, October 2015, December 2017, March 2020 and February 2022. The agency describes it this way: Current Fire Marshal Certificate. 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.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-2a(c)(7) in October 2012, October 2015, December 2017 and March 2020. The agency describes it this way: Local Health Inspection. 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.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-4a(a)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(a)(2) in March 2014, October 2015, April 2017 and October 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.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-3a(d)(2) thru (8) &/or19a-79-7a(d)(11)(A) in September 2018, April 2019 and October 2024. The agency describes it this way: Policies. 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.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-7a(a) and/or 19a-79-7a(c)(3) in October 2012, October 2015 and December 2017. The agency describes it this way: Lead Water Test/Bottled Water. 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.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-9a(b)(5)(D) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(5)(E) in October 2015, January 2016 and April 2017. The agency describes it this way: Oral/Topical/Inhalant/Injectable Medications: Unused/Expired Meds Returned/Disposed. 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.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-6a(c) and/or 19a-6a(d) in March 2014 and October 2015. The agency describes it this way: First Aid Kit(s):Indoor/Outdoor/Field Trip. 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.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-3a(c) in December 2017 and March 2020. The agency describes it this way: Notification of Change. 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.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-6a and/or 19a-79-7a in October 2015 and October 2024. The agency describes it this way: License Premise Clean/Good Repair/Safe. 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.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-7a(e)(10) in October 2015 and April 2017. The agency describes it this way: Potentially Hazardous Substances Locked. 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.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-7a(e)(5) in October 2015 and April 2019. The agency describes it this way: Rugs Secured. 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.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-7a(h)(5) &/or 19a-79-7a(h)(9) in March 2014 and October 2015. The agency describes it this way: Equipment Anchored/Safely Arranged. 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.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-9a in September 2018 and April 2019. The agency describes it this way: Administration of Medications: Written Policies/Procedures. 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.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-9a(b)(5) in October 2015 and April 2017. The agency describes it this way: Oral/Topical/Inhalant/Injectable Medications: Labeling/Storage. 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.
For Your Next Visit
Bring these to the tour. Each one comes from something in the record; the reason is under the question.
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 nine visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-4a(h)(2)(G) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Logs/Visits Documented: cited in eight visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-4a(h)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(h)(2) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Consultant Agreements/Contracts: cited in seven visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-9a(b)(3) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(4) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation 19a-79-9a(b)(3) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(4): cited in seven visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-3a(e)(2) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Current Fire Marshal Certificate: cited in five visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-2a(c)(7) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Local Health Inspection: cited in four visits, with no risk level published.
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 four visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-3a(d)(2) thru (8) &/or19a-79-7a(d)(11)(A) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Policies: cited in three visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-7a(a) and/or 19a-79-7a(c)(3) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Lead Water Test/Bottled Water: cited in three visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-9a(b)(5)(D) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(5)(E) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation 19a-79-9a(b)(5)(D) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(5)(E): cited in three visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-6a(c) and/or 19a-6a(d) was cited, and how do you check it now?
First Aid Kit(s):Indoor/Outdoor/Field Trip: cited in two visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-3a(c) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Notification of Change: cited in two visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-6a and/or 19a-79-7a was cited, and how do you check it now?
License Premise Clean/Good Repair/Safe: cited in two visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-7a(e)(10) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Potentially Hazardous Substances Locked: cited in two visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-7a(e)(5) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Rugs Secured: cited in two visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-7a(h)(5) &/or 19a-79-7a(h)(9) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Equipment Anchored/Safely Arranged: cited in two visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-9a was cited, and how do you check it now?
Administration of Medications: Written Policies/Procedures: cited in two visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-9a(b)(5) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation 19a-79-9a(b)(5): cited in two visits, with no risk level published.
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.
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.
The Evidence
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.
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · DCCC.13246
Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2012-569005
Visit Oct 15, 2012 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2014-559
Visit Mar 10, 2014 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2015-4419
Visit Oct 16, 2015 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2015-4419
Visit Jan 5, 2016 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2016-4363
Visit Sep 13, 2016 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2017-1956
Visit Apr 25, 2017 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2017-5949
Visit Dec 12, 2017 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2018-4911
Visit Sep 24, 2018 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2019-2075
Visit Apr 29, 2019 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2020-1188
Visit Mar 5, 2020 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2020-2782
Visit Sep 17, 2020 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2022-316
Visit Feb 10, 2022 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2023-213
Visit Jan 19, 2023 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2023-213
Visit Jan 30, 2023 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2023-1252
Visit Apr 4, 2023 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2023-4963
Visit Dec 4, 2023 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2024-4193
Visit Oct 7, 2024 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2025-4157
Visit Oct 30, 2025 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2026-4205
Visit Oct 6, 2026 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Record windowSeptember 1, 2011 – November 1, 2026
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.