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Meriden YMCA Headstart

Daycare center in Meriden, CT. 398 Liberty St, Meriden, CT 06450

4.1 (21 on Google)Read parent reviews
Call (203) 238-9166Visit website
AgesPreschool
Hours7 am to 5 pm, Mon to Fri
Tuition fromNot listed
Licensed capacity124 children
Violations, last 3 years16
On the register since2011

About the program

Meriden YMCA Headstart is a licensed daycare center in Meriden, Connecticut, on the state register since 2011. It is licensed for 124 children and serves preschool ages.

The Meriden YMCA Head Start is a NAEYC-accredited preschool program for children ages three to five.

The program states NAEYC accreditation and includes meals.

NAEYC accreditedMeals includedHead Start

Tuition and capacity

Tuition: not listed. Meriden YMCA Headstart does not publish a fee schedule on its website. Programs in the area that publish full-time tuition have a median starting price of $1,408 a month.

Licensing and safety

Open the state record →
Licence typeChild Care Center · DCCC.16864
Licence statusActive since 2011
Licensed capacity124 children
Inspections on file4
AccreditationNAEYC (stated by the program)
Source: Connecticut Office of Early Childhood. Last synced September 18, 2026.
Violations, last 3 years16Area median for centers: 15
Inspections on file4
All violations on file26Most recent October 2025

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 October 31, 2025

No Violations [-]

Regulation: -

Cited October 30, 2025

Authorized prescriber/parent permission [19a-79-9a(b)(3)(A-B)]

Regulation: Except for nonprescription topical medications, no medication shall be administered to a child without the written order of an authorized prescriber and the written permission of the child's parent(s) which shall be on file at the facility. Individual written medication administration records for each child shall be written in ink, reviewed prior to administering each dose of medication and kept on file at the facility for at least three years after the child is no longer attending the program.

Cited October 30, 2025

Unused/Expired meds-destroyed/returned [19a-79-9a(b)(5)(D)]

Regulation: All unused or expired medication, except for controlled substances, shall be returned to the parent(s) or disposed of if it is not picked up within one week following the termination of the order, in the presence of at least one witness. The facility shall keep a written record of the medications destroyed for three years which shall be signed by both parties.

Cited October 30, 2025

Postings [19a-79-3a(d)6)(C), (e)(1-6), 7a(e)(17), 10(g)(8)]

Regulation: The operator shall post the following items in a conspicuous place, accessible to the public: the license, the OEC complaint procedure, menus, No Smoking signs, the plan for administrative oversight, the radon test, the OEC Inspection report (posted or available), the safe sleep policy and the OEC Developmental Milestones document.

Cited October 30, 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

Show all 26 violations on file
Cited October 30, 2025

Medication Trainings [19a-79-9a(b)(1)(A-F)-(2)(A-C)]

Regulation: Prior to the administration of any medication, the director(s), head teacher(s), program staff or group child care home provider(s) who are responsible for administering the medications shall first be trained by a pharmacist, physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse or registered nurse in the methods of administration of medications and shall receive written approval from the trainer which indicates that the trainee has successfully completed a training program as requi

Cited October 30, 2025

Parent Permissions [19a-79-5a(a)(1)(D)(i-iv)]

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 specific written permission forms signed by the parent(s) authorizing the operator to use the programs emergency policies which shall accompany the child on trips away fro

Cited October 30, 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 October 30, 2025

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

Cited August 5, 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 August 5, 2024

Oral/Topical/Inhalant/Injectable Medications: Authorized Prescriber/Parent Permission/MAR [19a-79-9a(b)(3) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(4)]

Regulation: Except for nonprescription topical medications, no medication shall be administered to a child without the written order of an authorized prescriber and the written permission of the child's parent(s) which shall be on file at the facility. Individual written medication administration records for each child shall be written in ink, reviewed prior to administering each dose of medication and kept on file at the facility for at least two (2) years after the child is no longer attending the program

Cited August 5, 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 August 5, 2024

Potentially Hazardous Substances Locked [19a-79-7a(e)(10)]

Regulation: Potentially hazardous substances in the child care centers and group child care homes shall be stored in a separate locked area.

Cited August 5, 2024

Hot Tubs/Spas/Saunas: Locked/Inaccessible [19a-79-7a(i)]

Regulation: Swimming, wading and bathing facilities, if provided, shall comply with applicable state laws. No wading pools shall be used. Hot tubs, spas and saunas shall be locked and inaccessible to children.

Cited August 5, 2024

Oral/Topical/Inhalant/Injectable Medications: Labeling/Storage [19a-79-9a(b)(5)]

Regulation: Medication shall be stored in the original child-resistant safety container and appropriately labeled. Medication shall be stored in a locked area or a locked container in a refrigerator in keeping with the label directions away from food and inaccessible to children. Controlled drugs shall be stored in accordance with state law. Equipment and medications prescribed to treat asthma, administer glucagons, or as an emergent first line of defense medication against an allergic response shall be s

Cited August 5, 2024

018b-Background Checks [19a-79-4a(b)]

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 evidence that the necessary information and documentation specified by the Office of Early Childhood in order to conduct background checks has been submitted. The operator shall provide to the Office of Early Childhood any information obtained concerning substantiated child abuse or neglect records or criminal convictions upon request.

Cited August 7, 2023

Notification of Change [19a-79-3a(c)]

Regulation: The operator shall notify the Office of Early Childhood, the parent(s) and staff of any changes in programs or services. Notification of personnel changes shall be made within five (5) business days after the change. If the change is for a head teacher, a plan for interim head teacher coverage shall be submitted to the Office of Early Childhood. A qualified head teacher or a plan approved by the commissioner shall be in place within thirty (30) days of change of a qualified head teacher. Notific

Cited August 7, 2023

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 August 7, 2023

Potentially Hazardous Substances Locked [19a-79-7a(e)(10)]

Regulation: Potentially hazardous substances in the child care centers and group child care homes shall be stored in a separate locked area.

Cited August 7, 2023

Adequate Lighting: 50/30 Candle Feet [19a-79-7a(e)(8) &/or 19a-79-7a(e)(9)]

Regulation: All spaces occupied by people, equipment within buildings, approaches to buildings and parking lots shall have adequate lighting.

Cited August 7, 2023

Playground Free From Hazards [19a-79-7a(g)(4) and/or 19a-79-7a(h)]

Regulation: Hardware such as air conditioners, water heaters or fuse boxes shall be inaccessible to children. The playground shall be free of glass, debris, holes and other hazards.

Cited June 23, 2022

Air Temp 65 degrees, Thermometer Affixed [19a-79-7a(e)(1) &/or 19a-79-12(b)(8)]

Regulation: Every area used by children shall be adequately ventilated and have a thermometer affixed to the wall. The ambient air temperature shall be at least sixty-five (65) degrees Fahrenheit.

Cited June 23, 2022

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 June 23, 2022

Oral/Topical/Inhalant/Injectable Medications: Authorized Prescriber/Parent Permission/MAR [19a-79-9a(b)(3) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(4)]

Regulation: Except for nonprescription topical medications, no medication shall be administered to a child without the written order of an authorized prescriber and the written permission of the child's parent(s) which shall be on file at the facility. Individual written medication administration records for each child shall be written in ink, reviewed prior to administering each dose of medication and kept on file at the facility for at least two (2) years after the child is no longer attending the program

Cited June 23, 2022

First Aid Kit(s):Indoor/Outdoor/Field Trip [19a-6a(c) and/or 19a-6a(d)]

Regulation: The facility shall maintain at least one (1) portable, readily available first aid kit wherever children are in care, including field trips, outdoor play areas and one to remain at the facility if all the children do not attend the field trip. Each kit shall be a closed container for storing first aid supplies, accessible to staff at all times but out of the reach of children. The first aid kit shall contain specified items and be restocked after use, and an inventory shall be conducted at least

Cited June 23, 2022

Walls/Ceilings/Floors/Rugs: Clean/Good Repair [19a-79-7a(e)(5)]

Regulation: Walls, ceilings, floors and rugs shall be maintained in a state of good repair and be washable or easily cleanable.

What parents say

The stairs are my only complaint. If your child's room is on the second floor, you are in for some daily exercise. The teachers are so sweet. They look out for your child. All injuries that occur while at the location are well reported. My child loves his teachers! Every teacher there knows my child's name and they treat him so kindly. There are two teachers in the classroom at all times. The students have an…

Yahaira Martinez · 5/5 on Google · 2 years ago

Ms Fatima is a great teacher she knows how to be calm and patient with the kids. She is also very comforting with the children esp when they’re new and scared. From experience she works well with my child and always makes her feel comfortable.

Krystal Espada · 5/5 on Google · 2 years ago

Nothing but issues from the start. In the attempt to express concerns/situations regarding my son within the classroom, and with others they would rather not address or implement something that would reassure me as a parent for the safety of my son. Couldn’t get a details of the meal plan provided to my son who has allergies. Told my son he was a “problem kid” as if he wasn’t going to tell me. Parent advocate was a…

Lina C · 1/5 on Google · 6 years ago

Took them over a year to look at my application i have called emailed i dont know how many times reach someone at another ymca location she must of told him he finnalycalled to tell me i dont qualify he told me to use my tax form to qualify now this year i dont qualify mind you I dont make much. Very bad in communicating but then you see all these signs that they taking applications still to this day my daughter is…

Isabel Cortes · 1/5 on Google · 4 years ago
Read all 21 reviews on Google →

Getting there

398 Liberty St, Meriden, CT 06450

Questions about Meriden YMCA Headstart

Is Meriden YMCA Headstart licensed?

Yes. Meriden YMCA Headstart holds an active Child Care Center licence from Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (licence DCCC.16864), with a licensed capacity of 124 children. The state record was synced in September 2026.

Has Meriden YMCA Headstart had any inspection violations?

Connecticut records 16 violations for Meriden YMCA Headstart in the last three years, across 4 inspections on file. The median daycare center in the area has 15. Each one is listed above with the date it was corrected.

What ages does Meriden YMCA Headstart take?

Meriden YMCA Headstart is licensed to serve preschool ages, and is open 7 am to 5 pm, Mon to Fri.

How much does Meriden YMCA Headstart cost?

Meriden YMCA Headstart 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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