First Step Child Care & Learning Center
Daycare center in New Haven, CT. 95 Hamilton St, New Haven, CT 06511
About the program
First Step Child Care & Learning Center is a licensed daycare center in New Haven, Connecticut, on the state register since 2014. It is licensed for 183 children and serves infant, toddler, preschool and school age ages.
First Step Learning Center is an NAEYC-accredited early childhood education provider that uses Developmentally Appropriate Practice to support holistic child development.
The program states NAEYC accreditation and offers Español.
Tuition and capacity
Tuition: not listed. First Step Child Care & Learning Center 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 →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.
Licensed premises-clean, good repair, hazard free-maintenance program [19a-79-7a(c)(2)]
Regulation: For programs serving children younger than school age, the building, equipment and furnishings 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.
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
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.
Lead Water Test/Bottled Water [19a-79-7a(a) and/or 19a-79-7a(c)(3)]
Regulation: Water supply, food service and sewage disposal facilities shall be in compliance with all applicable sections of the Public Health Code. All water supplies shall be tested every two (2) years for lead content and the results submitted to the local and state health departments. Whenever water is obtained from other than a Department of Public Health-approved public water supply, it shall be of a safe and sanitary quality and tested every two (2) years for bacterial and chemical quality and the re
Adequate Sinks in Program Space [19a-79-10(d)(1)]
Regulation: In child care centers that serve children under three years of age, there shall be a sink with hot and cold running water designated for diaper changing and hand washing of staff and children in the program space. Visual contact with all other children shall be maintained while changing diapers or using the sink. Child care centers which staff three (3) adults to a group size of eight (8) infants or toddlers may use an accessible diaper changing facility if it is immediately adjoining the progra
Show all 33 violations on file
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.
Consultant Agreements/Contracts [19a-79-4a(h)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(h)(2)]
Regulation: A written plan for consultation services shall be developed, signed annually by the consultant and implemented. These services shall include an early childhood educational consultant, a health consultant, a dentist or dental hygienist consultant, a social service consultant, and a registered dietitian consultant for those programs that serve meals. Consultative services shall include annual review of written policies, plans and procedures, annual review of education programs, availability by tel
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
Impact Absorbing Material under Equipment [19a-79-7a(h)(2)]
Regulation: Where swings, seesaws or climbing apparatus are used, the surface in the space shall be protected with a minimum of eight (8) inches of impact absorbing materials.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Plastic Bags/Balloons/Styrofoam Objects Inaccessible [19a-79-10(h)(2)]
Regulation: Plastic bags, balloons and Styrofoam objects shall not be accessible to children under three (3) years of age.
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.
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.
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.
Authorized Released Permission [19a-79-5a(a)(1)(D)(ii)]
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 one responsible person other than the parent(s) who can remove the child from the child care center o
Plastic Bags/Balloons/Styrofoam Objects Inaccessible [19a-79-10(h)(2)]
Regulation: Plastic bags, balloons and Styrofoam objects shall not be accessible to children under three (3) years of age.
Sturdy/Safety Rail/Nonporous/Exclusive Use [19a-79-10(e)(1)(2)(3)]
Regulation: The diapering area shall be an elevated sturdy table or counter equipped with a safety rail. Infants and toddlers shall be diapered at a diapering area used only for this purpose and located in the program area. Each diapering area shall have a non-porous surface and be kept in good repair.
Impact Absorbing Material under Equipment [19a-79-7a(h)(2)]
Regulation: Where swings, seesaws or climbing apparatus are used, the surface in the space shall be protected with a minimum of eight (8) inches of impact absorbing materials.
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.
000 No Violations [-]
Regulation: -
Alternate Sleep Position/Equipment Medical Documentation [19a-79-10(g)(1) and/or 19a-79-10(g)(4)]
Regulation: Infants under twelve (12) months of age shall be placed in a supine (back) position for sleeping in a well constructed, free standing crib or bed designed for infant sleeping, with a snug fitting mattress unless the child has written documentation from a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse specifying a medical reason for an alternative sleep position. No infant shall be put to sleep on a sofa, soft mattress, waterbed or other soft surface. No infant shall be put
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.
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.
Professional Development [19a-79-4a(a)(3) and/or 19a-79-4a(g)]
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 documentation of professional development for each program staff person who cares for the children, including new employee orientation and annual training for current staff on programs policies, plans and procedures. Professional development for program staff shall be required for one (1) per cent of the total annual hours worked. The operator of the child c
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.
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.
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.
Authorized Released Permission [19a-79-5a(a)(1)(D)(ii)]
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 one responsible person other than the parent(s) who can remove the child from the child care center o
Lead Water Test/Bottled Water [19a-79-7a(a) and/or 19a-79-7a(c)(3)]
Regulation: Water supply, food service and sewage disposal facilities shall be in compliance with all applicable sections of the Public Health Code. All water supplies shall be tested every two (2) years for lead content and the results submitted to the local and state health departments. Whenever water is obtained from other than a Department of Public Health-approved public water supply, it shall be of a safe and sanitary quality and tested every two (2) years for bacterial and chemical quality and the re
What parents say
We love Maria so much. She’s so good with our children. We recommend this place to everyone in five stars all day long.!
Curtis Fogler · 5/5 on Google · 5 months agoFirst Steps is a special place. We felt like our son's last daycare was just like a holding tank - a place where kids were. First Steps is SCHOOL even for the young toddlers like our son. He is learning AND playing. He is happy to go in the mornings and cheerful coming home. It seems like everyone knows his name. It feels like leaving him with family. We feel blessed to have found this place!
Melissa Cardosi · 5/5 on Google · 9 months agoEvery morning when my child is dropped off they take up to 30 min to come out and take her back to her class while a number of parents wait and complain that they're gonna be late for work.same thing when shes picked up.theres supposed to be someone in the front at all times but they're never there.theres never any parking in the lot because all of the parents have to wait.then when you say something they catch an…
Oscar Nevarez · 2/5 on Google · 4 months agoFirst Step Learning Center is a wonderful and welcoming place! The environment is fun and engaging for the children, and the staff truly cares about each child’s growth and happiness. Highly recommend!
Victor Irizarry · 5/5 on Google · 2 years agoGetting there
95 Hamilton St, New Haven, CT 06511
Questions about First Step Child Care & Learning Center
Is First Step Child Care & Learning Center licensed?
Yes. First Step Child Care & Learning Center holds an active Child Care Center licence from Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (licence DCCC.70158), with a licensed capacity of 183 children. The state record was synced in September 2026.
Has First Step Child Care & Learning Center had any inspection violations?
Connecticut records 6 violations for First Step Child Care & Learning Center in the last three years, across 6 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 First Step Child Care & Learning Center take?
First Step Child Care & Learning Center is licensed to serve infant, toddler, preschool and school age ages, and is open 6 am to 5 pm, Mon to Fri.
How much does First Step Child Care & Learning Center cost?
First Step Child Care & 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.
