See Us Grow provides child care and early educational services to kids and their families in Branford. At See Us Gorw, children are encouraged to develop academically and socially, with lessons in basic reading and math, as well as teamwork and conflict resolution skills. These skills will set the foundation for learning all through a student's life.
Named for its goal of creating an atmosphere as comforting and safe as home, Almost Home Childcare offers a variety of early childhood programs, such as preschool (including programs for infants and toddlers), before and after school care, kindergarten enrichment programs and summer camp.
Almost Home was founded in 1991 by Jennifer and Scott Soodek. Jennifer holds Masters degrees in Early Childhood Education and Community Counseling and has worked as a consultant for Work/Family Directions in Boston. She also has elementary school teaching experience.
Almost Home's infant program incorporates music, literature and toys that help children develop their motor skills. The program is highly individualized, with parents filling out extensive infant information forms detailing their child's schedule and routines. These forms serve as the basis for each child's daily care.
Children ages 1 through 3 enroll in the toddler program, which is based on an "integrated core curriculum." Daily themes are used to help the children explore art, music, literature, science, cooking, dance, motor development, language skills and social development. The preschool program uses monthly thematic units to help children develop positive self-esteem, creativity, problem solving skills and critical thinking skills. Themes may include units on subjects like dinosaurs, the rain forest or the solar system, and each unit incorporates lessons in areas including music, art, science, pre-math skills, pre-reading skills, writing and cooking.
Almost Home has two locations. The director of the location at 35 Copps Hill Rd., Fran Kelley, can be reached at 203-438-6118 or 203-438-8551. Bunny Kolf, the director of the location at 100 Danbury Rd., can be reached at 203-894-8208. Information is also available via e-mail at [email protected].
The Helen King Reynolds Private School focuses on the complete development of 3- and 4-year-old children – socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually. Language and numbers are informally introduced. There is a large fenced-in playground with many playsets for the students. The school is nationally accredited and maintains a low teacher-to-student ratio.
Families throughout the area have nothing but rave reviews for Clinton's Red Barn Children's Center. Located at the end of Kelseytown Rd., this family pre-school offers a developmental approach including are, music and education, socialization, science and nature and food preparation, and more. Red Barn offers three classroom areas and four acres of land including lawn areas and woodlands for nature walks. It also has a heated pool and a summer program.
The Cobb School Montessori, established in 1974, educates children 15 months through 6th grade. A children's house and the center of a community committed to the healthy mind, body and spirit of every child, The Cobb School dedicates itself to an authentic Montessori experience for each child as designed by Dr. Maria Montessori and upheld by the rigorous standards of the Association Montessori Internationale. The Cobb School provides co-curricular and extra-curricular programs in Latin, Spanish, music and art, field trips and clubs in basketball, soccer, the outdoors, chess and chorus. Learn more by visiting The Cobb School Montessori website, liking them on Facebook, following them on Twitter and scheduling a tour.
B'nai Torah Nursery School offers individual attention as well as group interaction opportunities for its children. This small, developmentally appropriate preschool offers art, music, block-building, problem solving, reading readiness, role playing, nature, cooking and woodworking for children to participate in. The school also features extensive indoor and outdoor physical activities. Regularly scheduled movement and music classes and a summer camp program are also available at B'nai Torah Nursery School.
Since 1994, Joni's has provided high-quality child care and preschool for children in the greater Farmington Valley area. The center in Canton ocupies a beautiful pair of yellow buildings, complemented by a large outdoor play area. Jennifer Aiello is the director of this facility and her smiling face and pleasant demeanor make the children comfortable. Joni's believes in treating children with respect and teaching them manners. It has a day filled with pleasant educational activities as well as free play and nap time. Child care is available for children from 6 weeks to 1o years old.
The Shirley Reaback Early Childhood Center is located in the Kol Haverim Reform Jewish Congregation facility on Hebron Avenue. It is an all-faith childhood development center that is available two to five days a week for nursery school, kindergarten, play days and extended days. Tuesday morning play groups and a six-week summer program with a themed curriculum are also available.
