Federal inspectors have uncovered unsafe conditions at 20 daycares across Connecticut.
Inspectors from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services made unannounced visits to daycares that receive federal funding. According to a new report, 20 had unsafe conditions, including exposed electrical wires, cots for children left outside in the elements, and household chemicals left within the reach of children.
In once instance, a daycare provider was charged with risk of injury to minors after inspectors found five children unattended in the house. Two other providers gave up their licenses after the reviews.
The report did not name the daycares, but said they were located in Hartford, New Britain, New Haven, Bridgeport, East Hartford, Waterbury, Windsor and Windsor Locks.
Of the 20 daycares cited, eight did not have proper criminal background checks done on one or more employees.
The federal report recommended the state Department of Public Health, which oversees daycares, do more frequent inspections.
The Department of Health released a statement on Tuesday.
"We agree that increasing the presence of inspectors in programs will improve the health and safety of children in these settings by identifying deficiencies before children are negatively impacted," the statement read.
Right now, the state Department of Health inspects daycares every three years. A spokesperson for the department said increased federal funding would allow state inspectors to check up on facilities every year.
