Friends Center for Children - Blake Street
Data last updated · May 2026
Quality Indicators
See Methodology →- Overall QualityCombines daily care quality (interactions, learning, environment) with structural features like staff-to-child ratios and teacher qualifications.4 / 5
- Process QualityThe quality of daily care — caregiver-child interactions, learning activities, and the emotional climate. Drawn from the state QRIS rating, accreditations, and Head Start CLASS observations.5 / 5
- Structural QualityMeasurable features like staff-to-child ratios, group sizes, license status, and teacher qualifications. Provider-level data when available; otherwise the state regulatory baseline.3 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Connecticut OEC Elevate rating of Member Accredited and NAEYC accreditation. Structural quality reflects a 273% violation rate across 9 visits in the last 3 years (most recently inspected March 2026) and a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes Connecticut's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Connecticut caps infant ratios at 1:4, toddler ratios at 1:4, and preschool ratios at 1:10. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- Connecticut OEC Elevate Member Accredited (3 out of Max 3) Learn more →
- Accreditations
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)Accredited
- National Accreditation Commission (NAC)Not Accredited
- National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)Not Accredited
- National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)Not Accredited
- Recognized by Head Start.
Facility Info
- Facility type
- Child Care Center
- Age groups served
- Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- 44
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Toddlers 1:4 8 Preschool 1:10 20
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 1 inspection since 2025, the issues cited most often were Food Safety & Allergic Reactions (2), Building & Premises Safety (2), and Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (1). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See the Inspection Visit
Jul 17, 20255 Findings5 Important
- 033-Professional Development19a-79-4a(a)(2), (h)(1-2)
- 048- Proper Refrigeration -41 Degrees19a-79-6a(a)(3)
- 049- Menus- 1 Wk in Advance- Keep 3 Mths19a-79-6a(a)(4)
- 066- Licensed Premises-clean, Good Repair, Hazard Free-maintenance Program19a-79-7a(c)(2)
- 084- Air Temperature 65F at 3 ft-Thermometer Affixed19a-79-7a(e)(1-2)