Creative Starts Learning Center (61 California St)
Daycare center in Stratford, CT. 61 California St, Stratford, CT 06615
About the program
Creative Starts Learning Center (61 California St) is a licensed daycare center in Stratford, Connecticut, on the state register since 2016. It is licensed for 44 children and serves infant, toddler, preschool and school age ages.
Creative Starts Learning Center operates multiple locations in Connecticut providing infant, toddler, preschool, and pre-kindergarten programs.
The program follows a play-based approach and states NAEYC accreditation.
Tuition and capacity
Tuition: not listed. Creative Starts Learning Center (61 California St) does not publish a fee schedule on its website.
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.
Outdoor Protected/Fenced [19a-79-7a(h)(7)-(A-C)]
Regulation: The outdoor play area shall be protected from traffic, bodies of water, gullies and other hazards by barriers in a manner safe for children. Fences used to protect children from hazards shall be at least four feet in height. When there is a swimming pool or any other body of water at the facility or near enough to the facility to attract or be accessible to children at any time of the year, there shall be a sturdy fence or barrier, four feet high or higher, which totally and effectively bars acc
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
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
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
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.
Show all 22 violations on file
Covered Waste Receptacle [19a-79-10(e)(6) and/or 19a-79-10(e)(9)]
Regulation: A covered washable lined waste receptacle shall be available and located in a convenient place for soiled waste material. These materials shall be removed to an exterior waste storage area at least daily. Disposable diapers shall be discarded in a covered receptacle immediately after diapering.
Children's Linens/Clothing/Bedding Stored Individually [19a-79-10(f)]
Regulation: A supply of linen and emergency clothing shall be available for each child in the child care center or group child care home at all times. All children's linens shall be washed at least weekly and as needed. Each child's linens and clothing shall be stored individually. Plastic bags shall not be accessible to infants and toddlers.
Washed/Disinfected [19a-79-10(e)(4)]
Regulation: Diapering areas shall be washed and disinfected after each use.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Hand Washing Policy Posted/Followed [19a-79-10(e)(7) and/or 19a-79-10(e)(8)]
Regulation: The hands of the staff and the children shall be washed before and after each diaper change. Diapering and hand washing policies and procedures shall be posted in each diapering area.
Written Statement/Feeding Schedule from Parent [19a-79-10(k)(1)]
Regulation: A written statement specifying the formula, breast milk or other liquids and the feeding schedule for infants shall be obtained from the parent(s).
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.
Daily Attendance Records: Children/Staff [19a-79-3a(d)(1)]
Regulation: The operator shall implement and annually review specific written policies, plans and procedures that include daily attendance records for both children and staff showing the specific times of arrival and departure. The operator shall notify the parent(s), staff and the Office of Early Childhood within five (5) days of changes in these policies, plans and procedures.
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.
Individual Care Plan (Signed by Parent/Staff) [19a-79-5a(a)(2)(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 an individual plan of care for any child with special health care needs or disabilities, developed with the child's parent(s) and health care provider and updated, as nece
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.
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.
Oral/Topical/Inhalant/Injectable Medications: Unused/Expired Meds Returned/Disposed [19a-79-9a(b)(5)(D) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(5)(E)]
Regulation: All unused or expired medication shall be returned to the parent(s) or disposed of if it is not picked up within one (1) 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 which shall be signed by both parties. The facility shall require the parent(s) of a child who has a prescription for an automatic prefilled cartridge injector, or similar automatic injectable equipment used to treat an all
What parents say
My daughter went here from just 10 weeks old until almost 2 1/2 years old. She was treated like family and loved by all the staff. We still visit sometimes because my daughter absolutely loves the staff and remembers them. Every time we pass by she screams “mommy that’s my old daycare!!” I would recommend this daycare to anyone looking for a safe place for their child !!
Bianca Ortiz · 5/5 on Google · a year agoThis daycare was a great starter daycare for my daughter. She was very well taken care of, and during our time there they were going through the NAEYC accreditation process, which was very exciting to witness. They are now NAEYC certified, which says a lot about their commitment to quality care. Marta truly goes above and beyond for parents, and that is something I really appreciated. She was always supportive and…
Jessica Carrion · 5/5 on Google · 8 months agoI love Creative Starts! My daughters have been attending since 2022 and love it! They got my daughter ready for kindergarten and she is doing great! The staff are attentive and the directors (Janell and Marta) are always available to address any concern. I love that they use Brightwheel and keep it updated throughout the day. My children are always coming home with creations and can’t wait to tell me about their day!
Nichelle B · 5/5 on Google · a year agoMy son has been coming here since April 2023. He loves coming here and they do lots of activities with the kids. I also love that they send updates and pictures throughout the day so I know how he's doing. The teachers are all really nice and welcoming and the assistant director Janell is always super helpful. I will continue to send my son here for as long as possible!
Courtney Cacchione · 5/5 on Google · a year agoGetting there
61 California St, Stratford, CT 06615
Questions about Creative Starts Learning Center (61 California St)
Is Creative Starts Learning Center (61 California St) licensed?
Yes. Creative Starts Learning Center (61 California St) holds an active Child Care Center licence from Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (licence DCCC.70297), with a licensed capacity of 44 children. The state record was synced in September 2026.
Has Creative Starts Learning Center (61 California St) had any inspection violations?
Connecticut records 8 violations for Creative Starts Learning Center (61 California St) in the last three years, across 5 inspections on file. The median daycare center in the area has 13. Each one is listed above with the date it was corrected.
What ages does Creative Starts Learning Center (61 California St) take?
Creative Starts Learning Center (61 California St) is licensed to serve infant, toddler, preschool and school age ages, and is open 7 am to 6 pm, Mon to Fri.
How much does Creative Starts Learning Center (61 California St) cost?
Creative Starts Learning Center (61 California St) does not publish tuition on its website. Ask for the full fee schedule on a tour, including registration, supply and late pick-up fees.
