
Report
TheVardellReport
The Children's Tree Montessori
Child care center
96 Essex Rd
Old Saybrook, CT 06475

TheVardellReport
Child care center
96 Essex Rd
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
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 18 licensing visits from February 2013 to March 2026, OEC cited 80 violations at The Children's Tree Montessori.
* Partial year, through November 1, 2026.
| Year | Visits | Violations |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | 1 | 6 |
| 2014 | 1 | 13 |
| 2015 | 2 | 7 |
| 2016 | 3 | 11 |
| 2017 | 1 | 6 |
| 2018 | 1 | 2 |
| 2019 | 1 | 9 |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | 1 | 2 |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 1 | 5 |
| 2024 | 2 | 6 |
| 2025 | 1 | 6 |
| 2026 | 2 | 7 |
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.
1 violation
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2026-786
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), X2026-786
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), X2025-91
3 violations
Opened on a complaint. OEC's resolution: Corrective Action Plan.
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), 2024-1036
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), X2024-60
5 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), X2023-127
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), X2021-2901
No violations
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2020-3992
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), X2019-2951
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), X2018-4762
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), X2017-4744
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), X2016-4806
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), X2016-787
3 violations
Opened on a complaint. OEC's resolution: No Action Taken.
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), 2016-119
No violations
Source: Inspection or investigation, with the violations cited (data.ct.gov: 6rnk-h6iy, tett-bw6q and ccit-2ev8), X2015-593
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), X2015-593
13 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), X2014-638
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), X2013-355
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-79-9a(b)(3) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(4) in February 2013, March 2014, February 2016, September 2017 and June 2019. 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-79-4a(h)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(h)(2) in March 2014, October 2016, June 2019 and January 2023. 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-79-4a(h)(2)(G) in February 2013, March 2014, March 2015 and January 2023. 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-79-3a(e)(5) and/or 19a-79-6a(a)(4) in February 2016, June 2019 and January 2023. The agency describes it this way: Menus. 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-79-5a(a)(2)(E) in February 2013, February 2016 and September 2017. The agency describes it this way: Individual Care Plan (Signed by Parent/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-6a(c) and/or 19a-6a(d) in March 2015 and September 2018. 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-79-10(e)(1)(2)(3) in February 2016 and September 2017. The agency describes it this way: Sturdy/Safety Rail/Nonporous/Exclusive Use. 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 in November 2021 and September 2024. The agency describes it this way: 001b-Administration-Ensuring the safety, health & development of 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.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-4a(a)(1) in January 2025 and February 2026. 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-79-4a(a)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(a)(2) in February 2013 and November 2021. 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-79-5a(a)(2)(A) through (E)and/or19a-79-6a(e) in January 2023 and September 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.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-7a(d)(10) in March 2014 and March 2015. The agency describes it this way: Approved Safety Outlets/Covers. 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 March 2014 and March 2015. 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 March 2014 and March 2015. 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(g)(4) and/or 19a-79-7a(h) in March 2014 and June 2019. The agency describes it this way: Playground Free From 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.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-7a(h)(2) in September 2018 and June 2019. The agency describes it this way: Impact Absorbing Material under Equipment. 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)(1) &/or 19a-79-9a(b)(2) in September 2017 and June 2019. The agency describes it this way: Med Trained Staff/Certificates. 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 February 2013 and June 2019. 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.
OEC licensing staff cited 19a-79-9a(b)(5)(D) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(5)(E) in February 2013 and March 2014. 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.
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-79-9a(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 five 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 four 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 four visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-3a(e)(5) and/or 19a-79-6a(a)(4) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Menus: cited in three visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Individual Care Plan (Signed by Parent/Staff): 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-79-10(e)(1)(2)(3) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Sturdy/Safety Rail/Nonporous/Exclusive Use: cited in two visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-3a was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation 19a-79-3a: cited in two visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-4a(a)(1) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Staff Health Records: cited in two 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 two visits, with no risk level published.
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 two visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-7a(d)(10) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Approved Safety Outlets/Covers: 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(g)(4) and/or 19a-79-7a(h) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Playground Free From Hazards: cited in two visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-7a(h)(2) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Impact Absorbing Material under Equipment: cited in two visits, with no risk level published.
What changed after 19a-79-9a(b)(1) &/or 19a-79-9a(b)(2) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Med Trained Staff/Certificates: 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 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 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.16405
Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2013-355
Visit Feb 15, 2013 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2014-638
Visit Mar 14, 2014 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2015-593
Visit Mar 3, 2015 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2015-593
Visit May 1, 2015 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · 2016-119
Visit Feb 16, 2016 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2016-787
Visit Feb 23, 2016 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2016-4806
Visit Oct 11, 2016 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2017-4744
Visit Sep 25, 2017 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2018-4762
Visit Sep 11, 2018 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2019-2951
Visit Jun 3, 2019 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2020-3992
Visit Oct 16, 2020 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2021-2901
Visit Nov 16, 2021 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2023-127
Visit Jan 12, 2023 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2024-60
Visit Jan 4, 2024 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · 2024-1036
Visit Sep 26, 2024 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2025-91
Visit Jan 9, 2025 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2026-786
Visit Feb 27, 2026 · Published Nov 1, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
Connecticut Office of Early Childhood · X2026-786
Visit Mar 23, 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.