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Lighthouse Exploration & Learning Center

Daycare center in Columbia, CT. 195 Route 6, Columbia, CT 06237

4.4 (7 on Google)Read parent reviews
Call (860) 228-2891Visit website
Lighthouse Exploration & Learning Center in Columbia, CT
AgesPreschool and school age
Hours9 am to 12 pm
Tuition fromNot listed
Licensed capacity48 children
Violations, last 3 years17
On the register since1985

About the program

Lighthouse Exploration & Learning Center is a licensed daycare center in Columbia, Connecticut, on the state register since 1985. It is licensed for 48 children and serves preschool and school age ages.

Lighthouse Exploration and Learning Center is a state-licensed Christian preschool in Columbia, CT, serving children ages three to five.

The program follows a play-based and faith-based approach.

Play-basedFaith-basedParent app updates

Tuition and capacity

Tuition: not listed. Lighthouse Exploration & Learning Center does not publish a fee schedule on its website.

Licensing and safety

Open the state record →
Licence typeChild Care Center · DCCC.12858
Licence statusActive since 1985
Licensed capacity48 children
Inspections on file6
Source: Connecticut Office of Early Childhood. Last synced September 18, 2026.
Violations, last 3 years17Area median for centers: 14
Inspections on file6
All violations on file29Most recent May 2026

Most violations are record-keeping, training or maintenance items, and nearly every program has some. Read what each one was and how fast it was fixed. Connecticut records each regulation cited at an inspection with the date it was closed. The state does not assign a risk level. The text shown is the regulation the program was cited under.

Cited May 20, 2026

Professional development [19a-79-4a(a)(2), (h)(1-2)]

Regulation: Documentation of professional development for each program staff who cares for the children, including new employee orientation and annual training for current program staff on the child care center or group child care home policies, plans and procedures. Program staff, including the director, shall complete health and safety training no later than three months after the date of hire. Written verification of ongoing training that is at least one percent of the total annual hours worked. As of A

Cited May 20, 2026

Consultants [19a-79-4a(i)(1-2)(H), (F)]

Regulation: An education consultant shall be available to the operator and program staff for advice and support regarding the educational content and practice of the program. A person needs to apply for approval to be an education consultant. Program staff shall not serve as education consultants for programs in which they provide direct care or direct program supervision in a non-consultative role; or in a program with the same operator as a program in which they provide direct care or direct program super

Cited May 20, 2026

Children's Enrollment information [19a-79-5a(a)(1)(A)-(C)]

Regulation: The operator of a child care center or group child care home is responsible for maintaining on the licensed premises a current record for each child enrolled. A copy of the record shall be available and provided upon request to the Office of Early Childhood, the child's parent(s) and the local health director. The record shall include enrollment information signed and dated by the parent(s) that shall include, but not be limited to: the child�s name, address, date of birth and date enrolled, th

Cited May 20, 2026

Child Health Records [19a-79-5a(a)(2)(A)-(E)]

Regulation: The operator of a child care center or group child care home is responsible for maintaining on the licensed premises a current record for each child enrolled. A copy of the record shall be available and provided upon request to the Office of Early Childhood, the child's parent(s) and the local health director. It shall include a health record that shall include date of birth, a signed physical examination form including the child's date of birth, a statement about the child's general health and

Cited May 20, 2026

Outdoor space [19a-79-7a(h)(1-9)]

Regulation: There shall be access to a minimum of seventy-five (75) square feet per child of outdoor space for the number of children using the space at any one time. The outdoor area shall be fenced or protected for safety. Outdoor play equipment shall have a shock absorbing surface, under and around, that shall effectively cushion the fall of a child, except where the child is sitting or standing at ground level. The shock absorbing surface shall be maintained at a depth of at least eight inches, be free

Show all 29 violations on file
Cited May 20, 2026

Immunization records [19a-79-5a(2)(C)

Regulation: The operator of a child care center or group child care home is responsible for maintaining on the licensed premises a current record for each child enrolled. A copy of the record shall be available and provided upon request to the Office of Early Childhood, the child's parent(s) and the local health director. It shall include a health record that shall include date of birth, a physical examination form, an immunization record, and information regarding disabilities or special health care needs.

Cited August 11, 2025

Child Health Records [19a-79-5a(a)(2)(A)-(E)]

Regulation: The operator of a child care center or group child care home is responsible for maintaining on the licensed premises a current record for each child enrolled. A copy of the record shall be available and provided upon request to the Office of Early Childhood, the child's parent(s) and the local health director. It shall include a health record that shall include date of birth, a signed physical examination form including the child's date of birth, a statement about the child's general health and

Cited August 11, 2025

Consultants [19a-79-4a(i)(1-2)(H), (F)]

Regulation: An education consultant shall be available to the operator and program staff for advice and support regarding the educational content and practice of the program. A person needs to apply for approval to be an education consultant. Program staff shall not serve as education consultants for programs in which they provide direct care or direct program supervision in a non-consultative role; or in a program with the same operator as a program in which they provide direct care or direct program super

Cited August 11, 2025

Water supply- water testing [19a-79-7a(c)(5)(A-C)]

Regulation: Water supply, food service and sewage disposal facilities shall be adequate, safe and in compliance with all applicable sections of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. Water from at least one drinking fountain or drinking, beverage and food preparation sink, and from two such sources if the facility has more than one, shall be tested every two years for lead content. The water sample shall have been standing in plumbing pipes at least six hours and the results shall be submitted to th

Cited August 11, 2025

Equipment-clean and safe, good repair, non-toxic-sturdy, free from protruding nails, rust [19a-79-7a(g)(1)]

Regulation: All equipment shall be of such design and material as to be readily cleaned and safe for children. Equipment shall not be colored or covered by any poisonous material. Equipment shall be sturdy, safely constructed and free from protruding nails, rust, toxic material and other hazards.

Cited August 11, 2025

Fire marshal codes/certificate [19a-79-7a(a)(2)]

Regulation: The operator shall comply with all local codes and ordinances, including the State of Connecticut Fire Safey Code. These codes include but are not limited to: inspections by the fire marshal, ensuring fire marshal inspection certificates are on file, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and documentation of fire drills.

Cited April 30, 2024

Current Fire Marshal Certificate [19a-79-3a(e)(2)]

Regulation: The operator shall post the current fire marshal certificate in a conspicuous place, accessible to the public.

Cited April 30, 2024

Logs/Visits Documented [19a-79-4a(h)(2)(G)]

Regulation: A written plan for consultation services shall be developed, signed annually by the consultant and implemented. Consultative services shall include documenting the activities and observations in a consultation log that is kept on file at the facility for two years.

Cited April 30, 2024

Staff Health Records [19a-79-4a(a)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(a)(2)]

Regulation: A file shall be kept on the licensed premises for each employee of the child care center or group child care home which shall include an acceptable medical statement and a written report of a negative tuberculin test.

Cited April 30, 2024

Annual Staff Training [19a-79-3a(b)(7) &/or 19a-79-4a(3)]

Regulation: The operator shall be responsible for the overall management and operation of the child care center or group child care home in accordance with applicable state and local laws and regulations and shall assure annual training for all current staff on the child care center or group child care home policies, plans and procedures. A file shall be kept on the licensed premises for each employee of the child care center or group child care home which shall include documentation of professional develo

Cited April 30, 2024

License Premise Clean/Good Repair/Safe [19a-79-6a and/or 19a-79-7a]

Regulation: The building, equipment and services shall be maintained in a good state of repair. A maintenance program shall be established that ensures that the interior, exterior and grounds of the building are maintained, kept clean and orderly, free from accumulations of refuse, dampness, stagnant water, dilapidated structures and other health and safety hazards.

Cited April 30, 2024

Water Temperature 60 degrees-115 degrees [19a-79-7a(e)(3)]

Regulation: The water heating equipment shall deliver water at the tap, the temperature of which shall be within a range of sixty (60) degrees Fahrenheit to one hundred fifteen (115) degrees Fahrenheit. It shall have the capacity to deliver the required amounts at all times in conformance with the State of Connecticut Basic Building Code.

Cited May 31, 2023

000 No Violations [-]

Regulation: -

Cited September 8, 2022

Annual Staff Training [19a-79-3a(b)(7) &/or 19a-79-4a(3)]

Regulation: The operator shall be responsible for the overall management and operation of the child care center or group child care home in accordance with applicable state and local laws and regulations and shall assure annual training for all current staff on the child care center or group child care home policies, plans and procedures. A file shall be kept on the licensed premises for each employee of the child care center or group child care home which shall include documentation of professional develo

Cited September 8, 2022

New Staff/Employee Orientation [19a-79-3a(b)(7) &/or 19a-79-4a(3)]

Regulation: The operator shall be responsible for the overall management and operation of the child care center or group child care home in accordance with applicable state and local laws and regulations and shall require participation by new staff in employee orientation. A file shall be kept on the licensed premises for each employee of the child care center or group child care home which shall include documentation of professional development for each program staff person who cares for the children, inc

Cited September 8, 2022

Staff Health Records [19a-79-4a(a)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(a)(2)]

Regulation: A file shall be kept on the licensed premises for each employee of the child care center or group child care home which shall include an acceptable medical statement and a written report of a negative tuberculin test.

Cited September 8, 2022

Administration of Medications: Training Outline/Med Training [19a-79-9a(b)]

Regulation: Upon completion of the required medication administration training program, the training approval and an outline of the curriculum content shall be on file at the facility.

Cited September 8, 2022

Hand Washing After Toileting: Staff/Children [19a-79-7a(d)(11)(E)]

Regulation: Staff and children shall wash their hands with soap and water after toileting.

Cited September 8, 2021

Local Health Inspection [19a-79-2a(c)(7)]

Regulation: At least every two (2) years, the local health director shall make unannounced visits, inspections or investigations of the licensed child care center or group child care home.

Cited September 8, 2021

Documentation of Behavioral Management Techniques Discussed with Parents [19a-79-3a(b)(8)(B)]

Regulation: The operator shall document that the techniques used to manage child behaviors in the facility have been discussed with the child's parent(s) prior to enrollment and reviewed as needed during the period of the child's enrollment.

Cited September 8, 2021

Child Health Records/Immunizations/TB [19a-79-5a(a)(2)(A) through (E)and/or19a-79-6a(e)]

Regulation: The operator of a child care center or group child care home is responsible for maintaining on the licensed premises a current record for each child enrolled. A copy of the record shall be available and provided upon request to the Office of Early Childhood, the child's parent(s) and the local health director. It shall include a health record that shall include date of birth, a physical examination form, an immunization record, and information regarding disabilities or special health care needs.

Cited September 8, 2021

Water Temperature 60 degrees-115 degrees [19a-79-7a(e)(3)]

Regulation: The water heating equipment shall deliver water at the tap, the temperature of which shall be within a range of sixty (60) degrees Fahrenheit to one hundred fifteen (115) degrees Fahrenheit. It shall have the capacity to deliver the required amounts at all times in conformance with the State of Connecticut Basic Building Code.

Cited September 8, 2021

Equipment Anchored/Safely Arranged [19a-79-7a(h)(5) &/or 19a-79-7a(h)(9)]

Regulation: Outside equipment shall be anchored for stability. Anchors shall be buried below ground level. Outdoor equipment shall be arranged in such a way as to avoid accidents.

Cited September 8, 2021

Glass Protected to 36 [19a-79-7a(d)(5)]

Regulation: Any unprotected glass doors, windows or mirrors to which children have access shall be protected.

What parents say

Our experience with lighthouse exploration & learning center was far from great. Our 3 year old was exhibiting aggressive behavior/ language. He was explaining kids were pushing him down and using mean language (words that we dont use in our household) After we expressed our concerns we had countless sit down meetings/conversations through their protal talking about what was going on and what could be done to insure…

Meli Lara · 1/5 on Google · 3 years ago

A safe and loving environment for kids. My children thrived here. I thought my son would have a tough time in school but this place prepared him for it. Only wished they could have more. grades

Naturescape LLC · 5/5 on Google · 6 years ago

We absolutely love the way kids learn here. Self lead learning with so much thought and detail provided. Lots of outdoor learning too. Very friendly teachers.

C. Gilm · 5/5 on Google · 6 years ago

Great preschool! They are in tune with what is developmentally appropriate for preschoolers and how to encourage learning through play. My daughter loves attending here!

Jessica DeCarli · 5/5 on Google · 6 years ago
Read all 7 reviews on Google →

Getting there

195 Route 6, Columbia, CT 06237

Questions about Lighthouse Exploration & Learning Center

Is Lighthouse Exploration & Learning Center licensed?

Yes. Lighthouse Exploration & Learning Center holds an active Child Care Center licence from Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (licence DCCC.12858), with a licensed capacity of 48 children. The state record was synced in September 2026.

Has Lighthouse Exploration & Learning Center had any inspection violations?

Connecticut records 17 violations for Lighthouse Exploration & Learning Center in the last three years, across 6 inspections on file. The median daycare center in the area has 14. Each one is listed above with the date it was corrected.

What ages does Lighthouse Exploration & Learning Center take?

Lighthouse Exploration & Learning Center is licensed to serve preschool and school age ages, and is open 9 am to 12 pm.

How much does Lighthouse Exploration & Learning Center cost?

Lighthouse Exploration & Learning Center does not publish tuition on its website. Ask for the full fee schedule on a tour, including registration, supply and late pick-up fees.

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