Town Resources
Resources for parents and educators in Southington, Plantsville, Marion and Milldale
Child Care Centers
Bright Beginnings Child Care Center and Nursery School
Licensed for age 6 weeks to 10 years.
Full-time childcare
Part-time nursery school: M/W/F for four year olds and Tu/Th for three year olds
Summer program for school age children, sign up on a weekly basis. The day camp option runs from 9 am to 2 pm, the full day option runs from 7 am to 5:30 pm.
Before & After School Care for Strong Elementary, which has bus transportation to/from the center, and for Oshana (formerly Plantsville) Elementary which is adjacent to the property and staff walk the children across the playground to/from school.
"Bright Beginnings has been providing quality childcare services for the town of Southington and the surrounding area for over 30 years. Our longstanding relationship with the community has been built on trust and a steadfast commitment to providing a safe, supportive and educational environment for every child that walks through our doors. At Bright Beginnings, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing, stimulating and welcoming environment for all children. Our unique programs incorporate a variety of educational theories, while always keeping the child’s best interest in mind and allowing for hands-on, experiential learning. Now under new ownership, come see some of the exciting changes we are making! To find out more about us, feel free to stop by our center or reach out by phone or email."
185 West Main St
Plantsville, CT 06479
Phone: 860-621-9770
Web Site: https://www.brightbeginningsct.org/
Bright Start Child Care & Preschool
"At Bright Start, we believe that children develop and learn most effectively through hands-on play and exploration. It is through independent and cooperative play that children develop the curiosity that leads them to discover and learn the fundamental skills required for lifelong success. By providing children with an abundance of time to play and explore, we help them develop a joy for learning."
Bright Start Child Care & Preschool is a state-licensed facility offering infant, toddler, preschool and before & after school care
Care4Kids Subsidy Accepted
1790 Meriden Rd
Wolcott,
Phone: 203-879-2728
Web Site: https://brightstartchildcareandpreschool.com/
BrightPath Cheshire
BrightPath Cheshire Child Care center, previously Educational Playcare Cheshire, is a newly-built, state-of-the-art daycare center in Cheshire Licensed for age 6 weeks to 12 years.
They provide before/after school care with transportation to the two Cheshire elementary schools (not Southington), snow and vacation day programs and summer programs.
Email: cheshirect@brightpathkids.com
Additional BrightPath Kids locations are in Berlin, Wallingford, Farmington and other towns in CT and across the U.S
1430 Highland Ave
Cheshire,
Phone: 203-872-7686
Web Site: https://brightpathkids.com/us/locations/cheshire
Care 4 Kids – Connecticut’s Childcare subsidy
UPDATE: The eligibility income guidelines increased from 50% to 60% of the State Median Income as of July 1, 2021.
Care 4 Kids helps low to moderate income families in Connecticut pay for child care costs. This program is sponsored by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood.
Several childcare centers and camps in Southington accept the Care 4 Kids subsidy. They are identified in the ECCS Resources listing or call 211 to identify participating providers.
To participate in the program, there are certain eligibility requirements for parents, children and child care providers.
Families must:
- live in Connecticut;
- be working or attending a temporary family cash assistance (Jobs First) approved education or training activity; and
- meet the program’s income requirements.
Children must:
- live in Connecticut; and
- be under age 13, or if the child has special needs, be under age 19.
Providers must:
- be licensed by the CT Office of Early Childhood (unless exempt from licensing); or
- be a relative, like a grandparent; or
- take care of the child in the child’s home.
Phone: 1-888-214-KIDS (5437)
Web Site: http://www.ctcare4kids.com
Carriage House Day Care
Preschool and childcare program serving children of all ages. Teachers provide developmentally-appropriate activities and materials that encourage children to explore and learn through play. Activities are hands-on and work on each child's physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Children work on fine and gross motor skills, sensory-based activities, music, art, language development, math, literacy, science, and more.
320 Colony St
Meriden,
Phone: 203-235-4859
Web Site: https://www.carriagehousedaycare.org/
Cheshire KinderCare
KinderCare offers preschool, trusted part-time or full-time daycare, and educational before- or after-school programs.
They have an online application for information and a chat feature for after hours at kindercare.com
Ages: licensed for 6 weeks to 12 years, but not taking school age children
Open: 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, M-F
1544 Byam Rd
Cheshire, CT 06410
Phone: (203) 574-2892
Web Site: https://www.kindercare.com/our-centers/cheshire/ct/070220
Cub Academy
Cub Academy opened a new center next to the Southington firehouse in May 2024.
Infant and Toddler care, Preschool 3 and 4 programs.
Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Email Contact@southingtoncubacademy.com
C.U.B Academy, standing for "Cultivating and Uplifting Brilliance", is a premier daycare center focused on providing top-tier education and nurturing care for young children. It offers an innovative curriculum designed to foster intellectual, emotional, and social growth in a state-of-the-art facility.
316 North Main Street
Southington, CT
Phone: 860-276-0123
Web Site: https://southingtoncubacademy.com/
Early Childhood Center Lab School • Tunxis Community College
The Early Childhood Center Lab School on the campus of Tunxis Community College provides a quality program for preschool children and is a model lab school for the Early Childhood Associate degree program. It is staffed with qualified and experienced early childhood professionals and serves children ages three to five years old (non-kindergarten enrolled). The Center is among a select group in the nation accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and licensed by the State of Connecticut. The Center is open to children of students, staff, and members of the community. Staff members believe that young children learn best through hands-on experiences and meaningful interactions in a carefully planned environment. The goal of the staff is to encourage the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children in a safe and nurturing environment.
Hours
Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
For more information, contact Debra Collins, Director, Early Childhood Center Lab School, at 860.773.1350.
Tunxis Community College, 271 Scott Swamp Road
Farmington,
Web Site: https://tunxis.edu/campus-resources/early-childhood-center/
Easterseals Children’s Academy
The Children's Academy/Children's Center provides inclusive, high-quality early care and education that promotes a child's social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth. We offer a full-day, year-round program, parental support and a School Readiness program to prepare children for Kindergarten success. The Children's Academy/Children's Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). There are additional facilities in Waterbury.
Each state-licensed facility features: developmentally appropriate curriculum, certified staff in CPR/First-Aid, and an all-accessible playground with skid-proof surface and tricycle track.
Tuition fees are calculated on a sliding-fee scale based on gross annual earnings and family size. Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack are provided daily at no additional cost.
Children’s Academy Meriden Campus, 125 Broad St
Meriden,
Phone: 203-686-1438 ext#1
Web Site: https://www.easterseals.com/waterburyct/our-programs/childrens-services/child-care.html
ESPN Kids Center
Bright Horizons Family Solutions runs the ESPN Kids Center for children 6 weeks through 12 years of age from 7 am to 7 pm. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
205 Enterprise Drive
Bristol,
Phone: 860-582-4300
Web Site: https://child-care-preschool.brighthorizons.com/ct/bristol/espn
Giggles and Grins Childcare Center, LLC
Licensed for age 6 weeks to 5 years. Call for availability.
21 Cummings St
Plantsville, CT 06479
Phone: 860-621-3408
Web Site: http://
Great Beginnings Daycare Center and Nursery School
Licensed for age 6 weeks through 12 years old. Recently granted re-accreditation by the National Association for the Education for Young Children (NAEYC).
195 East Street (age 3-12) and 15-17 Cooke Street (age 6 weeks thru 2)
Plainville,
Phone: (860) 747-1679
Web Site: http://www.greatbeginningsdaycarecenter.com
Imagine Nation
Imagine Nation is a NAEYC accredited, state licensed Early Learning School offers an affordable, quality School Readiness Preschool Program and a mixed age infant and toddler program. Their highly qualified, degreed teachers implement developmentally appropriate curriculum utilizing the State of CT Early Learning and Development Standards along with tangible learning experiences throughout our Museum Studios.
A free family membership to our Museum Studios is included upon enrollment.
The mixed age classroom is open to all children ages 6 weeks up to 3 years of age. The mixed age infant toddler classroom is a full-time program,
The preschool program is open to Bristol and out of town residents. Children entering the preschool program must be ages 3 to 5 years old.
At the beginning of the school year in September they accept children aged 2 years 9 months, turning 3 before December 31,
per State of Connecticut Licensing Requirements.
Tuition is based on a sliding fee scale according to you family’s gross income and size. They are open year round to working and accept Care4Kids child care subsidies for those families that qualify.
1 Pleasant St
Bristol, CT 06010
Phone: (860) 314-1400
Web Site: https://www.imaginenation.org/
Jack and Jill II Day Care Center
Licensed for age 6 weeks to 6 years. This location opened in 2017. Jack and Jill, founded in 1954, also has a location in Cheshire. Call for availability.
1593 Meriden-Wtby Tpke
Milldale, CT
Phone: (860) 426-3766
Web Site: http://www.jackandjillchildcare.com
Kinder-Garden Learning Center and Childcare
Kinder-Garden Learning Center is a year-round (full-time only) nursery school, preschool, kindergarten & childcare. The center consists of families with children who range in age from 6 weeks to 6 years of age.
Kinder-Garden Learning Center has served the communities of Meriden, South Meriden, Tracy, Wallingford, Yalesville, Cheshire, Southington, Plantsville, Middlefield, Middletown, Berlin & North Haven for 28 years. Quality children's daycare, preschool, nursery school, child care, learning center, and kindergarten which specializes in preparing students for the elementary school systems. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accredited. Member of the National Child Care Association (NCCA) located in central Connecticut (CT).
20 S Broad Terrace
Meriden,
Phone: 203-686-1586
Web Site: https://www.kinder-garden.net/
Leadership Martial Arts
Leadership Martial Arts offers martial arts classes, an exciting and safe Summer Camp and an after-school program specializing in unique fun games designed to motivate and challenge children ages 5-12.
Campers will get to enjoy dodge ball, Ninja Warrior courses, NERF Battles, arts & crafts, and Martial Arts lessons in a huge 7,000 air-conditioned indoor space as well as play outdoor sports such as kickball, catch, and water balloon fun in our large fields. 8 Weeks of camp are offered with hours as early as 7:30 am - 5:30 pm being offered. Each week offers a unique theme as its focus with discounts available for enrolling for multiple weeks.
The after-school Enrichment Program is fun and offers a ton of variety. Kids are active and participating in fun drills and specialty training. Located in the South End School District with a school bus stop. Free Transportation for every other elementary school in Southington.
Check out all of these exciting activities that are included in your membership at no extra charge;
Martial Arts!
Dance and Tumbling!
Indoor team games!
Leadership Training!
Outdoor Sports!
Arts & Crafts!
Ninja Equipment and Monkey Bars!
Homework and Reading Time Done By Pick Up!
A Decked Out KID CAVE For Tons Of Fun!
971 Meriden Waterbury Tpke
Plantsville,
Phone: (860) 426-3198
Web Site: http://www.leadershipmartialartsct.com/
Margaret C Griffin Child Development Center
Full day, year-round programs for ages 3-5, fees based on a sliding scale. The Care4Kids childcare subsidy is accepted.
Located in the same building as Derynoski Elementary, but not associated with the Southington Public School District.
Accredited by the National Association for the Education for Young Children (NAEYC).
240 Main St
Southington, CT 06489
Phone: 860-621-5885
Web Site: http://www.griffinchildcenter.org
My Little Rascals Daycare
My Little Rascals reopened under a new OEC license in December 2024. They are licensed to serve children under the age of 3. Contact Carla at (860) 426-9933 or mylittlerascals32@yahoo.com.
The Care4Kids childcare subsidy will be accepted.
445 North Main Street
Southington, CT 06489
Phone: 860-276-0123
Web Site: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559051003819
My Little Rascals Too
Licensed for age 6 weeks to 5 years. The Care4Kids childcare subsidy is accepted.
Call about openings.
1850 West Street
Southington, CT 06489
Phone: 860-392-8942
Web Site: https://www.facebook.com/mylittlerascalsct/
New Britain YWCA
The New Britain YWCA offers a variety of programs for children and adults.
Toddler care and preschool programs
Family Literacy Center
Sexual assault services including; sexual assault crisis service, sexual violence prevention education, empowerment workshops, and more.
Fitness Center with gym, in-person and virtual options for group exercise classes and personal training sessions.
Summer Sizzlers; The program is open to children kindergarten through 5th grade. Arts and crafts, sports and games, cooking activities, community exploration, and more!
19 Franklin Square
New Britain,
Phone: 860-225-4681
Web Site: https://www.ywcanb.org/
New Britain YWCA Preschool and Toddler Care
The toddler program at YWCA New Britain is designed to provide children ages one to three years of age with a safe and nurturing environment where they can explore and make new discoveries. Toddlers learn about themselves, their feelings, communication, and movement. Children learn through play and acquire the basic skills that will serve as building blocks for a lifetime of learning.
For more information on our toddler program, contact Michelle Japs at 860-225-4681 x285 or mjaps@ywcanewbritain.org, or Virginia Osborne at 860-225-4681 x251 or vosborne@ywcanewbritain.org
YWCA New Britain's full-time and part-time preschool programs help to prepare children for kindergarten by offering developmentally appropriate ways to learn new skills within a play-based learning environment. Each day is filled with fun activities that help children grow socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Teachers plan activities while considering the needs of individual children, the needs of the group, and the goals set forth in the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards. Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack are provided. Care 4 Kids is accepted.
For more information on our preschool program, contact Michelle Japs at 860-225-4681 x285 or mjaps@ywcanewbritain.org
19 Franklin Square
New Britain,
Phone: 860-225-4681 x285
Web Site: https://www.nbbymca.org/programs/childcare/new-britain-infant-and-toddler-care/
Nurturing Nest and Early Learning Center
The Nurturing Nest and Early Learning Center believes that great child care depends upon consistent caregiving in a home-like atmosphere. The Nurturing Nest offers high quality care for children 6 weeks up to 6 years on full-day basis on a Monday to Friday, Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday/Friday schedule.
Opened August 2018.
info@nurturingnestct.com
1721 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike
Southington, CT
Phone: 860-276-0013
Web Site: https://nurturingnestct.com/
Over the Rainbow Cheshire
The Cheshire, CT daycare program provides a challenging, yet developmentally appropriate curriculum for each age group, especially toddlers, who have two classrooms.
1481 Highland Ave
Cheshire, CT
Phone: (203) 699-9900
Web Site: http://www.overtherainbowkids.com
Plainville Early Learning Center
Plainville Early Learning Center, Inc. is a state funded program that provides affordable, year round, high-quality, early care and education for three to twelve year-olds in a safe and nurturing environment. Our staff encourages the social-emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development of the children in our care.
Main Office: Toddler, Preschool, and School Readiness Programs - 130 West Main Street, 860-747-3321
Preschool & Before and After School Program - 19 South Canal Street, 860-410-5029
Plainville,
Web Site: http://www.plainvilleelc.net/
Play To Learn
At Play to Learn Childcare, the team believes that every child is unique. Each child should receive the opportunity to develop social and emotional skills that will help them grow. Our nurturing childcare environment provides each child one-on-one attention that will help them to learn important life skills such as respecting others, sharing, polite manners, following instructions, responsibility, emotional control, and problem management.
Programs available for infants 6 weeks up to 5 years old.
The Care4Kids childcare subsidy is accepted.
Email: plccheshire@gmail.com
200 Mansion Road
Cheshire,
Phone: 203-832-3519
Web Site: https://playtolearnchildcare.net/
Saint Dominic Childcare Center
St. Dominic Child Care Center is a program of the St. Luke Catholic Parish.
Licensed for ages 6 weeks to 5 years.
Open 6:30 am to 6 pm.
Offers full-time for all ages and in 2025 is adding options for half days for over 3 years old.
Over 3’s – AM Part Time M-F are 6:30am to 12:30pm
Over 3’s – PM Part Time M-F are 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Email: directorcc@stlukect.org
1050 Flanders Street
Southington, CT
Phone: 860-628-4678
Web Site: https://www.stlukect.org/child-care
SCCYMCA Learning Center
YMCA Learning center offers full time care for children age 3 to 5. They accept the Care4Kids childcare subsidy.
The YMCA also has a nursery school and after school programs.
Chrissy Cassesse, Director of Child Care, at ccassesse@sccymca.org or 203.272.3152 x510
30 High Street
Southington, CT 06489
Phone: 860-621-8130
Web Site: http://www.sccymca.org/preschool
SCCYMCA Nursery School
Nursery School - The partial-day, partial-week Nursery School program is a state-licensed program offering classes MWF from 9-11:30 AM for 4-year-olds and TTH from 9-11:30 AM for 3-year-olds. Nursery School curriculum follows the CT ELDS (Connecticut Early Learning Developmental Standards) as well as Learning Without Tears and is located in the secure, spacious and stimulating environment of early childhood classrooms on the 2nd floor in the main YMCA building. Swimming is included for 4-year-olds. Children must be fully toilet trained and out of pull-ups.
Nursery School Plus (Nursery School Extended) – Children will participate in the regular nursery school program and then have additional time with teachers for more individualized instruction with an emphasis on Pre-K readiness skills, including activities in math, science, and literacy. The program runs MWF from 9-1 for our 4-year-olds. Children will bring lunch from home and be provided with a morning snack. Swimming is included on Fridays. This program will be located in the early childhood classrooms on the 2nd floor in the main Y building. Children must be fully toilet trained and out of pull-ups.
Southington YMCA also offers a full-day preschool program and a full-day, Jump Start program for children who are eligible to start Kindergarten or are impacted by the change to the Kindergarten start age.
Children may join any of their EC programs at 2.8 years of age and fully potty-trained.
The Care4Kids childcare subsidy is accepted. Tours – By appointment only.
Contacts:
Karen Yorker, Director of Child Care, at 860.426.9541 or kyorker@sccymca.org
Kari Robarge: Early Childhood Director, (P) 860-426-9542, (E) krobarge@sccymca.org
Amber Knight: Registrar, (P) 860-621-8130
29 High Street
Southington,
Phone: 860-426-9542
Web Site: https://www.sccymca.org/child-care
Stork Club, Inc.
Southington location licensed for age 6 weeks to 9 years old.
Before and after school care provided. Located in Thalberg district. Transportation to other schools based on enrollment, first come, first served.
Additional locations including Rocky Hill, Glastonbury and Meriden.
The Care4Kids childcare subsidy is accepted.
1348 West St
Southington, CT 06489
Phone: 860-276-1031
Web Site: http://www.storkclubs.com/
The Academy of Early Learning
Fully renovated and opened in June 2022. Licensed for age 6 weeks to 6 years, from 6:30 am to 6 pm on a Monday to Friday, Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/Wednesday/Friday schedule. The Care4Kids child care subsidy is accepted.
Email: academyoel@gmail.com
205 Academy Road
Cheshire,
Phone: (203) 806-1353
Web Site: https://taoel.org/
The Learning Experience
The Learning Experience at Southington is scheduled to open in August/September 2024 at their new facility on West Street.
Pre-registration is now open.
They will be licensed for age 6 weeks to 6 years.
Care4Kids will be accepted.
southington@tlechildcare.com
The Learning Experience is a national franchise with over a dozen locations in Connecticut.
1268 West Street
Southington, CT 06489
Phone: 860-609-5066
Web Site: https://thelearningexperience.com/centers/southington-ct/
Town & Country Early Learning Centers
Licensed for age 6 weeks through 12 years of age. Offers infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten readiness programs.
The Care4Kids childcare subsidy is accepted.
Locations in Colchester and Middletown.
1137 West St
Southington, CT 06489
Phone: 860-628-7900
Web Site: http://townandcountryelc.com/
Wallingford Family YMCA
The Wallingford Family YMCA offers a variety of programs at two campuses.
The YMCA Learning Community at Choate, formerly known as Tot Time, was founded by the Wallingford Family YMCA in 1989. It is located in the Bronfman building and accommodates 80 full-time children. The preschool serves as a laboratory for Choate students taking child development courses. YLC at Choate is open Monday-Friday from 7:00AM-6:00PM.
The YMCA Learning Community at Masonicare is located in the former Child Development Center on the Masonicare Health Center campus. The center is designed to provide care for 49 full-time children and is nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Children are involved in an intergenerational program with residents of Masonicare Health Center and Masonicare at Ashlar Village. YLC at Masonicare is open Monday-Friday from 6:30AM-5:30PM
Care 4 Kids is accepted.
Web Site: https://wallingfordymca.org/ylc/
