Nature's Playground- After School Program
253 BUSHY HILL ROAD-ACTIVITIES CENTER, DEEP RIVER, CT 06417Childery Rating: 2/5
Data last updated ·
Quality Indicators
See Methodology →- Overall QualityCombines daily care quality (interactions, learning, environment) with structural features like staff-to-child ratios and teacher qualifications.2 / 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.2 / 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 2 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Connecticut OEC Elevate rating of Member. Structural quality reflects a 739% violation rate across 8 visits in the last 3 years (most recently inspected April 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 (1 out of Max 3) Learn more →
- Accreditations
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)Not Accredited
- National Accreditation Commission (NAC)Not Accredited
- National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)Not Accredited
- National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)Not Accredited
Facility Info
- Facility type
- Child Care Center
- Age groups served
- Not Available
- Licensed capacity
- 50
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:4 8 Toddlers 1:4 8 Preschool 1:10 20
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 3 inspections since 2024, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (3), Children's Records & Files (1), and Licensing & Administrative Compliance (1). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
Mar 21, 20251 Finding1 Important
- 035- Consultants19a-79-4a(i)(1-2)(H), (F)
Apr 22, 20242 Findings2 Important
- 027-Logs/Visits Documented19a-79-4a(h)(2)(G)
- 038-Individual Care Plan (Signed by Parent/Staff)19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E)
Feb 14, 20242 Findings2 Important
- 002-New Staff/Employee Orientation19a-79-3a(b)(7) &/or 19a-79-4a(3)
- 025-First Aid Trained Staff19a-79-4a(e)(2) 19a-79-4a(f)
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