Connecticut Child Care Licensing Requirements

The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Connecticut Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Connecticut. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.

CONNECTICUT Child Care Licensing Requirements

Child Care license obtained from:

MCT Department of Public Health

410 Capitol Avenue Mail Station 12 DAC, P.O. Box 340308, Hartford, CT 06134-0308

http://www.ct.gov/oec/lib/oec/licensing/childcare/centers_statsregs.pdf

(860) 509-8045

License renewal is required once every four years.

Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child

	< 18 Mos.	18 –27 Mos.	27 Mos.-3 Years	4Years	5 + Years
Required Teacher: Child Ratio	1:4	1:4	1:4	1:10	1:10
Required Max. Group Size	None	None	None	None	None
Recommended Classroom Capacity	8	8	20	20	20
Recommended Staff per Classroom	2	2	2	2	2
Recommended Min. Classroom Area	280 sf.	280 sf.	700 sf.	700 sf.	700 sf.

Outdoor Space Requirements: 60 sf per Child

Fences used to protect children from hazards must be at least 4 feet in height.
Where swings, seesaws, or climbing apparatus are used, the surface must be protected with a minimum of 8 inches of impact absorbing materials.
Outside equipment must be anchored for stability. Anchors must be below ground level.

Building Code Requirements


CHILD FIXTURES	ADULT FIXTURES	DRINKING FOUNTAINS	MOP SINK	BATH TUB/ SHOWER

1: 15	1:50	1:100	1	1
2012 International Building Code

Fire Code Requirements

5	If the children are at the child care for more then 5 hours, either snacks or meals will be provided.	60	A designated headteacher must be on site for 60% of the time the child care is in operation on a weekly basis.	50	Each child care should have at least 50-foot candles of lights per sf.
2016 Connecticut Fire Safety Code

Did you know . . .

	All windows that open to the outside and are used for ventilation must be equipped with 16 mesh screening and must be protected to prevent falls.		Cots, cribs, and playpens must be placed so that walkways are clear for emergencies and evacuation.		All staff that is responsible for administering the medications needs to be trained by a physician, or nurse.

To access Connecticut Child Care requirements along with other states please see our interactive Child Care Requirements US map here.

Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019