The Boys & Girls Club of Meriden, Connecticut is a safe, positive place for kids to learn and grow while having fun. Their programs are made available to and affordable for all children in the community, and are designed to offer recreation, companionship, and a sense of belonging.
15 Lincoln Street
Meriden,
Phone: (203) 235-8185
Web Site: https://www.bgcmeriden.org/
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/
"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/
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/
Grades - 3 year-old-kindergarten through 12th
School Hours: 8:15 am – 2:50 pm
Central Christian Academy uses Christian school curriculum, books, and material.
1505 West St
Southington, CT 06489
Phone: 860-621-6701 x2006
Web Site: http://centralchristianonline.org/
An independent PreK - Grade 12 day school.
565 Chase Parkway
Waterbury,
Phone: 203-236-9560
Web Site: http://www.chasecollegiate.org
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
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
First Congregational Preschool, Inc. is a nationally accredited, state-licensed, non-denominational, cooperative preschool.
"We are proud of our close relationship with children and their families, we unite to provide the best possible experience for the children who attend First Congregational Preschool. We utilize a parent information app called Tadpoles to keep families informed about our daily happenings, including daily photos of your child in the classroom. We also have daily updates on white boards outside each classroom as well as monthly newsletters.
Our teacher to child ratio is exceptional, 1 teacher to 8 students, all classrooms have 3-4 teachers for the group. Teachers and groups are set for the school year. We believe that the root of good, quality care is the relationships that we enjoy with our families and children."
62 Colony Street
Meriden,
Phone: 203-634-8886
Web Site: https://firstcongregationalpreschool.net/
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
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/
Preschool program for ages 2.5-5 that runs from 9 to 11:30 or 12:30 to 3 on M-F. Tu-Th or M-W-F schedule.
123littlescholars@gmail.com
Plainville,
Phone: 860-356-9900
Web Site: https://www.123littlescholarslearningacademy.com/
The Meriden YMCA Head Start program is a NAEYC Accredited School Readiness Program for ages 2.9 - 4 years old serving families from Meriden, Southington, Wallingford & Berlin.
Nutritious Breakfast, Lunch & Snack are provided and are prepared on site.
Full and Part-Day Classes are available.
The program also includes Hearing, Vision & Developmental Screenings.
Free program based on financial need.
398 Liberty Street
Meriden,
Phone: 203-238-9166
Web Site: https://www.meridenymca.org/programs/Child-Care/PreSchool/Meriden-YMCA-Head-Start/
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/
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/
Plantsville Community Nursery School closed its doors as of June 2018 and is not accepting enrollment for the 2018-2019 school year.
109 Church St
Plantsville, CT 06479
Web Site: http://
The Connecticut State Department of Education's Regional School Choice Office (RSCO) coordinates the Open Choice and Magnet School programs. Southington children can attend a Hartford district school through the Open Choice program or apply to the lottery to attend a magnet school with a specialized educational theme. There are over 40 schools in the program across the Hartford region serving Pre-K 3 to grade 12.
The RSCI lottery application period usually runs from November through late January of each year. Late applications are accepted through the summer.
Transportation is not provided for pre-K students.
Phone: 860-713-6990
Web Site: http://www.choiceeducation.org
"At Saint Paul School, we offer a traditional academic program combined with the development of 21st Century skills in problem solving, communication, and information technology...At the preschool level, we have extended our preschool hours to include full day programs for both three and four year old children. Our four year old group is now included in our Superkids reading program that extends with consistency through grade two."
PreK 3-year-old through grade 8.
Excepting applications for the next school year starting October 1st.
461 Alling Street
Kensington ,
Phone: 860-828-4343
Web Site: https://ourschool.stpaulkensington.org/
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
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: 6 weeks to 5 years
6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, M-F
197 Scott Swamp Rd.
Farmington,
Phone: (860) 676-8298
Web Site: https://www.kindercare.com/our-centers/farmington/ct/070279
Part of the SHS class on early childhood.
The program was not run in 2022-2023. It is unclear if it will be offered in the fall of 2023.
Meets 3 mornings a week for ages 3-5.
Contact Erin Proctor at eproctor@southingtonschools.org .
Southington HS., 720 Pleasant Street
Southington,
Web Site: http://
The Southington Public School District has 8 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 1 high school and an alternative high school.
To determine which school your child will attend visit the school/street directory at https://www.southingtonschools.org/school-zone-directory.
The Integrated Preschool Program, which has approximately 50% typically developing children who serve as peer models for the students who require special education, meets at Wrinn Preschool Center at Hatton Elementary School (3 classrooms) and Strong Elementary School (1 classroom).
The Integrated Preschool Program of Southington Public Schools provides quality preschool center-based activities to three four and five-year-old (who are not eligible for kindergarten) children in Southington. A portion of enrolled students are typically developing children who serve as peer models for students who require special education. The preschool staff use the Early Learning and Development Standards to prepare children for kindergarten. Through developmentally appropriate play, language experiences are nurtured to foster independence, increase self-esteem, and maximize learning in a positive, encouraging environment.
Open House or tours: Available upon request to the Special Education Coordinator.
Session days/times:
Hatton AM Session runs from 8:35 AM to 11:15 AM
Strong AM Session runs from 9:05 AM – 11:45 AM
Hatton PM Session runs from 12:25 PM to 3:05 PM
Strong PM Session runs from 12:55 PM – 3:35 PM
Three-year-olds attend two or three AM sessions per week. Four or five-year-olds attend three or four PM sessions per week. There are no sessions held on Fridays. Parents/Guardians are responsible for transportation of community peers.
Applications for the community peer program are available at https://www.southingtonschools.org/district-departments/special-education/preschool, open the first business day of January. Preschool registration occurs late spring and parents will be notified how to register online once their child has been accepted into the program. Community peers are charged a non-refundable acceptance fee of $25 annually in addition to a tuition fee (which is comparable to the other nursery schools in town). Registration forms, including a record of required immunizations, will be necessary for those students accepted into the program as a community peer.
Students who need special needs services can reach out for an evaluation as their child turns 3 and are not tied to the school year.
Returning students will be sent a renewal form.
Parents will be notified by mail in August of the child’s teacher, start date, and days per week.
Current availability is tracked by the ECCS at https://www.southingtonearlychildhood.org/kindergarten-ready/preschool-options/.
.
Southington,
Phone: Registration, preschool and special ed: 860-628-3200 x10332
Web Site: https://www.southingtonschools.org/district-departments/special-education/preschool
"St Luke Catholic School is a Christ centered, nurturing learning community that fosters Catholic faith based values in our students while achieving academic excellence."
NEASC Accredited, PreK 3 through Grade 8. Registration happens through the spring.
3 and 4-year-old students in the half-day program are in school from 8-11:30 pm and full-day students are in school from 8-2 pm with lunch and rest time. Parents can choose 2-5 days a week with half or full-day options. Children should turn 3 before December 1st of the year enrolled. Students can register to start kindergarten before they turn 5. Before and Aftercare is also available when needed. The Pre-4 program successfully prepares children for a smooth transition to kindergarten.
Students wear school uniforms.
St. Luke Catholic School is a Christ-centered, nurturing learning community that fosters Catholic faith-based values in our students while achieving academic excellence. Students of all races, ethnicities, and religions are welcomed at St. Luke Catholic School and admission is offered to all qualified applicants whose needs can be fully met by the school. Contact them to arrange a tour.
Previously Southington Catholic School.
133 Bristol St
Southington, Connecticut 06489
Phone: 860-628-2485
Web Site: https://school.stlukect.org/
Registration for the following fall opens in January. Currently full with a waiting list.
The 3-year-old program is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 to 12:00. Class size is limited to 14/16 children.
The 4-year-old program is on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00-12:00. Class size is limited to 14/18 children.
Extended Day Program is offered for the children in the 4-year-old program only. Children have the option to stay until 1:30, adding an additional 1.5 hours to their day. This program is more structured, focusing on kindergarten prep skills.
Village Green is a family-oriented program that encourages parent involvement in the classroom. They also offer evening family events such as Bedtime Story Time, Dessert for Dads, Mother’s Day Tea, and an annual Family Dance. Village Green has a lending library for the children and a parent section that offers parenting books as well as Literacy and Science Kits for at-home family activities.
They accept the CT Care4Kids childcare subsidy for working parents and have limited scholarships.
37 Main St
Southington, CT 06489
Phone: 860-628-6958 x113
Web Site: https://villagegreennurseryschool.com/
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/
Registration for the following fall opens in early December for returning families and mid-December/early January and January for new families.
• The 3-year-old program will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 until 11:30.
• The 4-year-old program will meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 until 11:30.
• The Pre-K program will meet five afternoons a week, from 12:00pm-2:30pm. Pre-K is geared towards those children with “late in the year” birthdays, or for students whose parents decide to wait a year to send them to kindergarten.
Zion Christian Nursery School is a church-sponsored Nursery School and serves as an outreach to the community. The program is designed to be developmentally appropriate for children, while also providing the academics they will need for the future. The staff will help the child develop a sense of self-worth, an appreciation and respect of the uniqueness of others, and give the child the foundation needed for learning. Children come together in an atmosphere of acceptance and caring, which encourages sharing, creativity, and respect for themselves and others.
531 Woodruff St
Southington, CT 06489
Phone: 860-628-6007
Web Site: https://www.zionlutheranct.org/nursery-school.html
