What are the ages of the children who may enroll in the Regional Center for Early Learning?
Students are between 2 and 5 years old. For our preschool program, children are required to turn 3 by September 1st. For our toddler program, children are required to be 2 by September 1st.

What hours are the program available? 
7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Children that are enrolled in a Early Start grant supported space are required to attend for at least 6 hours a day, 5 days each week. Consistent attendance is necessary to maintain your child's participation in the program.

Is this a year-round program?
Yes, the program is open for 48 weeks per year.

Do teachers provide a lesson plan?
Yes. Each classroom's team of teachers creates a weekly Learning Experience Plan (LEP).  The LEP is divided into sections that support the child's learning in multiple content areas. The teachers plan experiences that support the current CT Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS) that children are working on. 

How many teachers are in each classroom?
There are three teachers from 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

What is the curriculum that is used?
Teachers use the Creative Curriculum for Preschool to plan lessons around the children's topics of interest. They provide developmentally appropriate experiences informed by the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS). To learn more about the CT ELDS please visit the CT ELDS Website. 

What will my child learn?
We support the whole child in their development across multiple domains:

• Cognition – problem solving through exploration and investigation of a variety of topics

• Social and Emotional learning – relationship building with others and emotional regulation techniques

• Physical Development and Health – development of gross- and fine-motor skills and independence habits

• Early Language, Communication, and Literacy – how to express themselves and understand storytelling

• Creative Arts - an appreciation for the arts through music activities, visual arts, drama, and dance  

• Early Mathematical Discovery - engagement with age-appropriate math concepts like counting and measuring

• Early Scientific Inquiry – questioning and defining problems, investigating, and using evidence

• Social Studies - connections between the wider world, their community, and their own life experiences

Children participate in play-based activities that are facilitated by teachers to support their growth. For example, your child will be exposed to letters and numbers through a letter hunt in the classroom or practice their phonics and writing by adding their name to their artwork. At this age, play is children’s work and they learn best through hands-on experiences.

Does my child need to be toilet-trained?
Children are not required to be toilet-trained. Families are asked to provide disposable diapers or pull-ups, wipes, and extra clothing in case of soiling. Each classroom has its own bathroom.

Is breakfast/lunch provided?
No. Our program supplies snacks in the morning and afternoon. You may bring in your child's breakfast to eat at school up until 8:30 a.m. Lunches must be provided by the family and cannot require re-heating or refrigeration. 

Is my child required to go outdoors if they are recovering from an illness?
Yes. If your child is or has been ill and you feel that they are not sufficiently well enough to go outdoors, we require them to remain home until they are able to participate in a full daily schedule.