The Family Connection:
A Resource Guide for Groton Families With Children Ages Birth to Eight Spring 2008
GROTON Table of Contents
Emergency Service Agencies Page 1
Early Care Services Page 6 General Information Page 7 Licensed/School Programs Page 11 Licensed Family Home Care Page 20
Family Support Services Page 25 Food and Staples Page 35 Clothing Page 37 Housing/Shelter Page 37 Transportation Page 41
Health and Medical Services Page 46
Municipal and Government Page 51
Family Fun and Recreation Page 53
Parks, Playgrounds and Recreational Areas Page 68
Museums, Arenas, and Concert Venues Page 73
Groton Schools Page 77 Emergency Service Agencies
1 City of Groton Fire Department 140 Broad Street Groton, CT 06340 445-2456
City of Groton Police Department 295 Meridian Street Groton, CT 06340 445-2451
City of Groton Police Substation Branford Manor Location 115 Branford Avenue Groton, CT 06340 446-1696
Groton Ambulance Association P.O. Box 824 Groton, CT 06340 445-6925 449-0924
Provide emergency services to all ages as needed. Agency provides CPR and First Aid instruction as requested. Tours of facility, including ambulances, are available for schools, childcare centers, and other groups. Certified instructors.
2 Ledge Light Health District P.O. Box 909 943 North Road Groton, CT 06340 448-4882
Mystic Fire Department P.O. Box 338 Mystic, CT 06355 572-7567
Mystic River Ambulance P.O. Box 64 West Mystic, CT 06388 572-0581
Noank Fire Department P.O. Box 9202 Noank, CT 06340 536-7366
Old Mystic Fire Department 295 Cow Hill Road Mystic, CT 06355 536-2220
Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department 13 Fort Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 446-5997
3 Town of Groton Police Substation Poquonnock Bridge Location 38 Central Avenue Groton, CT 06340 441-6693
Town of Groton Police Substation Military Housing Location 92 Gungywamp Road Groton, CT 06340
Town of Groton Police Substation Mystic Location Water Street Mystic, CT 06355
Connecticut Bicycle Helmet Law: LAW: All children under age 16 must wear a Helmet when riding a bicycle in Connecticut.
For more information, please contact Connecticut SAFE KIDS at http://www.ctsafekids.org or 860-545-9988 or in New London County 860-442-0733.
4 Child Passenger Safety Laws in Connecticut (Effective October 1, 2005) Public ACT 05-58 LAW: Infants must remain rear-facing until they are both 20 pounds and at least one year old. Further recommended: Keep infants rear-facing until they meet the maximum height or weight requirements of the car seat when it is rear-facing and they are at least one year old and 20 pounds.
LAW: Toddlers must be in a car seat. Further recommend- ed: Children should remain in a car seat until they are 40 pounds. Additionally, don’t use a car seat that has been in a crash or is more than six years old.
LAW: Children must be in a booster seat (or car seat with harness straps weighted for children over 60 pounds) until the children are both over 6 years old and over 60 pounds. Children who ride in a booster seat must use a lap and shoulder belt. Further recommended: Children should con- tinue to ride in a booster seat until they are 4’9”.
LAW: Children, tweens and teens must be in a seat belt wherever they ride in the vehicle. Further recommended: Children should ride in the back seat until they are 13 years old. All people and objects should be properly restrained wherever they are in the vehicle.
For more information, please contact Connecticut SAFE KIDS at http://www.ctsafekids.org or 860-545-9988 or in New London County 860-442-0733.
5 Early Care Services
6 General Early Care Information
State of Connecticut Department of Public Health Child Care Licensing Division PO Box 340308 Hartford, CT 06134 800-282-6063 fax: 800-439-0437 http://www.dph.state.ct.us/BRS/Day_Care/day_care.htm Information on all licensing requirements, tips for selecting quality programs, and listings of all licensed programs.
Care-4-Kids Program 1344 Silas Deane Highway Rocky Hill, CT 06067 1-888-214-5437 http://www.ctcare4kids.com/ This program offers childcare subsidies based on family income. Forms are available online.
2-1-1 Child Care 1344 Silas Deane Hwy. Rocky Hill, CT 06067 http://www.infoline.org A confidential and free child care referral telephone service in Connecticut - just dial 2-1-1. Child care referral specialists are available to assist parents and child care providers in locating appropriate resources, child care openings and referrals.
7 LEARN Early Care And Education Department 44 Hatchetts Hill Road Old Lyme, CT 06371 http://www.learn.k12.ct.us 434-4800 ext. 161 Working with communities, families and schools to ensure all children birth-age eight are learning and ready to succeed.
NAEYC – National Association for the Education of Young Children 1313 L St. N.W. Suite 500 Washington DC 20005 202-232-8777 http://www.naeyc.org Promoting excellence in early childhood education. Provides information for parents and providers on quality early care program standards and expectations. NAEYC accreditation is a nationally recognized voluntary accreditation program. All state funded child care programs are required to be accredited by NAEYC in Connecticut.
DCF Abuse and Neglect Hotline 1-800-842-2288
8 Tips for selecting a quality Early Childhood Education program, Child Care Center or School:
Is the program licensed?
Call the licensing help desk at 860-509-8045 to check or go to www.dph.state.ct.us
Is the program NAEYC accredited?
Visit NAEYC’s website at www.NAEYC.org
Visit the program when children are present prior to enrolling your child. After enrolling pay unannounced visits at various times a day.
Make sure the staff members are friendly, smiling, and qualified.
Make sure there is adequate staff to provide careful supervision.
Look for clean, safe and well maintained equipment, toys, and environment indoors and outdoors.
9 Ask for parent references.
Look for a thoughtfully planned program of activities all throughout the day that will meet all of your child’s developmental needs.
Make sure the children are having fun and are predominantly happy sounding.
Do you feel welcome and comfortable in the program?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
*taken from Parent Guidelines for Choosing A Child Day Care Program on the Connecticut Department of Public Health website.
10 Licensed Early Care Centers and Public School Pre-K Programs
Cherished Children, LLC 801 Poquonnock Road Groton, CT 06340 448-3174
Children’s Nook 925 Old Buddington Road Groton, CT 06340 448-1984 6 weeks to 5 years Offering school-year and summer programs; 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. contact center for details.
Catherine Kolnaski Magnet School-Age Childcare 500 Poquonnock Road Groton, CT 06340 449-5612 Offering before and after school care for students in Grades 1-5 enrolled at Catherine Kolnaski Magnet School. Program scholarships available.
Fairview Child Development Center 235 Lestertown Road Groton, CT 06340 446-4337 fax: 448-3005 http://www.oddfellowsct.com 6 weeks to 6 years Full-day and extended-day programs available from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. NAEYC Accredited
11 Groton Early Childhood Development Center 591 Poquonnock Road Groton, CT 06340 449-8217 Provides childcare for Infant, Toddler and Preschool children living in the Groton/Noank zip code, using a School Readiness Sliding Scale to determine tuition. NAEYC Accredited
Groton Family Resource Center/Childcare 500 Poquonnock Road Groton, CT 06340 445-2191 and 446-9362 Provides childcare for preschool children and ½ day kindergarten children who live in Catherine Kolnaski School district of Groton. Sliding Scale fees.
Groton Head Start 36 Central Avenue Groton, CT 06340 448-2933 http://www.tvcca.org 3 to 5 years A variety of full and part-time sessions. Home based program available for children 2 years 9 months. FREE Program; must meet income guidelines.
12 Groton Public Schools Special Needs Preschool P.O. Box K Groton, CT 06340 572-2150 http://www.groton.k12.ct.us/centralOffice/pupil.html 3 to 5 year olds Offering a half-day program for preschool aged students with identified special needs. Slots are also available for typical peers. FREE Program.
Groton Public Schools Title I PreK P.O. Box K Groton, CT 06340 572-2173 http://www.groton.k12.ct.us/centralOffice/prek2.html 4 year olds Offering a half-day program designed to supplement a youngster’s progress in the area of school readiness. Students are selected to participate in the program based on screening scores, teacher recommendations, and residing within the appropriate school boundaries. School sites are selected based on district poverty level ranking. FREE Program.
13 Happy Times Nursery School Union Baptist Church 119 High Street Mystic, CT 06355 536-9871 3 to 5 year olds 2 1/2 hour programs of nursery school offering developmentally appropriate early childhood services. Morning and afternoon sessions available. 3 year old programs offered Tuesdays and Thursdays. 4 and 5 year old programs offered Monday, Wednesday, and yearly tutition fees, some scholarships available. NAEYC Accredited
Navy Child Development Program CDC#4 Sub Base NLON MWR, Box#14, Building CT-383 Groton, CT 06349-5014 694-3215 Birth to school-age Programs are open to children of active duty military, Department of Defense (DOD) employees, reservist, or DOD contractors of Subase NLON. Offering a full range of preschool and early care services. NAEYC Accredited
14 Navy Child Development Program CDC#5 383 Highland Avenue - Building 386 Groton, CT 06340 694-5967 Birth to school-age Programs are open to children of active duty military, Department of Defense (DOD) employees, reservist, or DOD contractors of Subase NLON. Offering a full range of preschool and early care services. NAEYC Accredited
Navy Child Development Homes Highland Avenue, Bldg. 386 Groton, CT 06340 694-5965 http://mwr.subasenlon.navy.mil/navy_child_dev_homes.htm Navy Home based childcare program.
Navy School-Aged Care Program Nautilus Community Center Gungywamp Road Groton, CT 06340 694-5586 http://mwr.subasenlon.navy.mil/sac.htm Before and after school care for children from kindergarten through sixth grade. Runs for 42 weeks during the school year. Fees are determined by a sliding scale.
15 Noank Baptist Church Day Nursery School 18 Cathedral Heights Noank, CT 06340 536-7129 3 to 5 year olds Traditional nursery school - play oriented setting. 3 day per week program offered Mon, Wed, Friday; 2 days per week offered Tues & Thurs.
Pfizer Kids Groton: Bright Horizons Family Solutions 40 High Rock Road Groton, CT 06340 449-9446 http://centers.brighthorizons.com/pfizerkidsct/ Birth to 12 years. This program is available to Pfizer employees only. Program offers Full-time kindergarten program, school-aged care, holiday and summer care. Facility includes meals services and on-site nurse. NAEYC Accredited
Precious Memories Preschool and Development Center 195 Sandy Hollow Road Mystic, CT 06355 572-9958 Birth to school-age Services available from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and include two snacks, lunch, natural juices and milk. Offering before and after-school care; year-round programs; and preschool sessions. Fees based on age group.
16 Riverfront Children’s Center 476 Thames Street Groton, CT 06340 445-8151 http://www.riverfrontchildren.org 3 months to school-age Full day, Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. Offering full year services, summer school-aged programs, before and after school programs, and school snowday programs. Sliding scale fee based on income and Care-4-Kids participation. NAEYC Accredited
Sacred Heart School Preschool Program 50 Sacred Heart Drive Groton, CT 06340 445-0611 Preschool 3 and 4 years.
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Preschool 310 Fort Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 405-0478 3 to 5 year olds Preschool and Toddler programs offered Monday thru Friday. Four year olds attending three days per week (M-W-F) and three year olds attending two days per week (Tu-Th). Toddlers meet either Tu-Th or W-F. All preschool classes meet from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Toddlers from 9:15 to 11:45 a.m.
17 St. Marks Toddler Play Group Program St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 15 Pearl Street Mystic, CT 06355 572-0749
Stedfast Baptist Academy 1041 Poquonnock Road Groton, CT 06340 449-8526 Preschool program for 3 to 4 year olds. Scholarships available.
Stepping Stones Discovery and Development Center 177 Pleasant Valley Road South Groton, CT 06340 446-0441 6 weeks to 10 years old. Offering full and part- day early care services year-round. Before and after-school care available. Owned and operated by certified educators. NAEYC accredited
Susan’s Family Childcare 28 Hyrock Terrace Groton, CT 06340 449-1974 2 to 5 years old Offering school-year and summer programs; 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. full and part-time slots available.
18 Tollgate Christian Nursery School 66 Tollgate Road Groton, CT 06340 445-8040 http://www.grotonbiblechapel.org 2 to 4 year olds. 2 1/2 hour a day nursery school program including circle time, free play, snacks, music, and more. Monthly fees for 2 and 3 day a week programs.
Treasure Chest, Inc. P.O. Box 9234 10 Ward Avenue Noank, CT 06340 572-1553 4 years and older. Offering a variety of childcare and education programs, including before and after school care sessions, beginning at 7:00 a.m through 5:45 p.m.
YMCA Small World Childcare Center 40 Central Avenue Groton, CT 06340 448-6406 448-6406 Birth to 6 years Offering childcare services from 6:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, year round. Morning and afternoon snacks provided. Half-day programs available for preschoolers.
19 Licensed Family Day Care Home Providers
Shannon Aguilar 50 Raintree Circle Groton, CT 06340 326-5141
Naimbi Heyward 187 Laurelwood Road Groton, CT 06340 449-9519
Karen Feliciano 14 Griswold Avenue Groton, CT 06340 448-2916
Susan Gerald 28 Hyrock Terrace Groton, CT 06340 449-1974
Tammy Jones 2 Chestnut Hill Square Groton, CT 06340 445-7296
20 Michelle Kaniecki 113 Blueberry Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 446-2492
Lisa Hylton 44 Newport Street Mystic, CT 06355 536-3277
Annette Lapietra 34 Larchmont Terrace Mystic, CT 06355 536-6703
Heather Keet 16 Wilson Lane Groton, CT 06340 326-5555
Lori Saunders 9 Maple Drive Groton, CT 06340 449-6953 and 449-8265
21 Kathleen Overton 18 Whittle Street Mystic, CT 06355 572-8126
Donna Taylor (can only take NAVY families) 26 Locust Circle Groton, CT 06340 449-8101
Pamela Regnere 54 Ginger Drive Groton, CT 06340 445-7655
Clara Sanabria 115 Chestnut Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 405-1479
Tammy Shinn 54 Jefferson Drive Groton, CT 06340 449-1939
22 Mary Louise Smith 326 Judson Avenue Mystic, CT 06355 536-0630 (Before/After care only)
Amy Vandyne 30 Fleming Court Groton, CT 06340 287-2919
Cynthia Weber 160 Dogwood Lane Mystic, CT 06355 536-3052
Sonia Wood 57 Miner Street Groton, CT 06340 405-8221
23 8 Safety Rules to Teach Children:
1. I always check first with my parents or the person in charge before I go anywhere or get into a car, even with someone I know.
2. I always check first with my parents or a trusted adult before I accept anything from anyone, even from someone I know.
3. I always take a friend with me when I go places or play outside.
4. I know my name, address, telephone number, and my parents’ names.
5. I say no if someone tries to touch me or treat me in a way that makes me feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.
6. I know that I can tell my parents or a trusted adult if I feel scared, uncomfortable or confused.
7. It is OK to say no, and I know that there will always be someone who can help me.
8. I am strong, smart and have the right to be safe. *taken from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children www.missingkids.com
24 Family Support Services
25 Programs listed in this section provide a vari- ety of emergency services, tangible resourc- es, and general support to families. For a full listing of churches, religious groups, or civic organizations, please refer to the Yellow Pages.
Apostolic Cathedral of Hope 157 Green Street New London, CT 06320 437-7500 Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m.
Bear That Cares 131 Cedar Grove Avenue New London, CT 06320 444-7189
Catholic Charities & Family Services 32 Huntington Street New London, CT 06320 443-5328 Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
26 Child & Family Agency of SECT New London Day Nursery 7 Vauxhall Street New London, CT 06320 442-2797 http://www.cfapress.org
Child & Family Agency of SECT ECDC Site 591 Poquonnock Road Groton, CT 06340 449-8217 http://www.cfapress.org
Children First Groton C/O Groton Human Services 2 Fort Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 441-6760 Working together to make Groton a better place for all young children and their families
CT Legal Services 153 Williams Street New London, CT 06320 447-0323 http://www.connlegalservices.org/
27 Early Connections Birth to 3 Program 401 West Thames Street, Suite 202 Norwich, CT 06360 859-5528 http://www.birth23.org Birth-3 years old. Full array of early intervention services, including but not limited to developmental, speech, physical, and occupational therapists. All inquiries for services must call Infoline to make referral (800-505-7000)
Groton Family Support Center 52 Litton Avenue Groton, CT 06340 441-6790 Offers parents, caregivers and children the opportunity to come together for friendship, counseling and support services. Families of all types are encouraged to achieve and maintain healthy, positive relationships. Services include parent education, play and craft groups, family activities, workshops, home visits, counseling, support groups, information and referral. All services are free and confidential. Counseling available to Groton residents on a first come, first serve basis.
28 Groton Social Services 2 Fort Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 441-6760 http://www.town.groton.ct.us/depts/humansvcs/ Offers residents of the City and Town of Groton support in the form of direct assistance, case management, advocacy, crisis intervention and information/referral services to individuals and families who are in need of temporary assistance with housing, food and other basic necessities.
Groton Youth and Family Services 2 Fort Hill Rd Groton, CT 06340 441-6780 Provides intervention services for at-risk children and youth and prevention services for children, youth, and families.
Help Me Grow 1-800-505-7000 For help on your child’s learning, behaving and developing. Call to access Help Me Grow, the Connecticut Birth to 3 System, and Preschool Special Education Services
29 HUSKY 1-800-656-6684 Healthcare for Uninsured Kids and Youth
Joshua Center 20 Maple Avenue Uncasville, CT 06382 848-3098 and 848-1152 http://www.natchaug.org 6-18 years old Partial hospitalization program, intensive outpatient program, extended day treatment program, and clinical day school program.
LEARN Early Care And Education Department 44 Hatchetts Hill Road Old Lyme, CT 06371 http://www.learn.k12.ct.us 434-4800 ext. 161 Working with communities, families and schools to ensure all children birth-age eight are learning and ready to succeed.
30 Mother’s Retreat, The Connection Inc. 542 Long Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 405-2107 http://www.theconnectioninc.org Birth to 5 years old Services provided to mothers and their children, intensive substance abuse, residential 6 month treatment facility. A holistic approach to addressing women with addiction (drug/alcohol) issues, addiction education, parenting, trauma, socialization.
Navy Fleet and Family Service Center Submarine Base NL P.O. Box 93 Groton, CT 06349 694-3383 http://www.subasenlon.navy.mil/
New London County Parent Aide Program UCFS 47 Town Street Norwich, CT 06360 892-7042 http://www.ucfs.org/
31 Pathways Center for Learning and Behavioral Health 251 Westbrook Road Essex, CT 06426 1-860-767-1277 2 years and older Developmental, psychological, and educational evaluations.
Safekids New London County Car Seat Safety Check (By appointment only) Lawrence and Memorial Hospital New London, CT 06320 442-0733
Social Services - State of Connecticut 401 West Thames Street Norwich, CT 06360 823-5000 http://www.ct.gov/dss/site/default.asp
Stopping Men’s Violence - OIC 106 Truman Street New London, CT 06320 447-1731 http://www.oicnlc.org/
32 Sylvan Learning Center Tutoring 255 Route 12 Groton, CT 06340 445-4333
TVCCA - Thames Valley Council for Community Action, Inc. 401 West Thames Street Norwich, CT 06360 889-1365 http://www.tvcca.org/index.html
United Community & Family Services 153 Williams Street 2nd Floor, Suite B New London, CT 06320 889-2375
United Way of Southeastern Connecticut 1868 Route 12 Gales Ferry, CT 06335 464-7281
The Women’s Center of SE Connecticut 16 Jay Street New London, CT 06320 447-0366 (Domestic Abuse Hotline)
33 FIT FACTS from the American Council On Exercise: The Top Ten Fun Fitness Summer Activities for Kids:
All year round children need to stay active, healthy and busy, especially when on break from school. Parents need to encourage their children to warm up properly and stretch be- fore each activity and teach them to never play through any type of pain or make winning the reason for playing a game or sport. Let them choose the activity and keep the focus on having fun. To keep kids moving, The American Council on Exercise suggests ten fun fitness activities:
1. Soccer 6. Obstacle Course 2. Martial Arts 7. Dancing 3. Bike Riding 8. Board Sports 4. Swimming 9. Jumping Rope 5. Basketball 10. Ice/Inline Skating
Always be sure to gear up properly for any sport or game to keep kids injury free.
For more information, call 1-800-825-3636 or go online to www.acefitness.org.
*Adapted from the American Council on Exercise Fit Facts.
34 Food and Staples
Care and Share Kitchen Pleasant Valley Community of Prayer and Praise 20 Grove Avenue Groton, CT 06340 446-1616 Offering a free meal to all every Thursday, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Groton Food Locker 2 Fort Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 441-6760 Any local family or individual who is in need of food is eligible to receive food from the food locker. Available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekly.
Groton Social Services and Youth Services Bureau 2 Fort Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 441-6760 447-6780 (Youth Services)
35 MTC-MDA UAW Food Locker 18 Pleasant Street Groton, CT 06340 445-8619 Thursdays 7 a.m.-3 p.m. or by appt for emergencies
New London Area Food Pantry 106 Truman Street New London, CT 06320 443-6680 Mon, 2-4 p.m./Tue-Th, 10-noon
WIC – Women, Infants, and Children TVCCA 81 Huntington Street New London, CT 06320 444-0006 http://www.tvcca.org/services/wic.html
36 Clothing
Baby Go Round 334 Long Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 446-8174
Goodwill Store & Donation Center 664 Long Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 448-6400
Twice is Nice 19 Roosevelt Avenue Mystic, CT 06355 536-4634
Housing & Shelter Programs
AHEPA - Senior Housing 251 Drozdyk Drive Groton, CT 06340 449-0291
Avery Heights Apartments 300 Brandegee Avenue Groton, CT 06340 445-5133
37 Bishop Court Apartments 60 Bishop Lane Groton, CT 06340 448-3860
Branford Manor Apartments 37 Mather Avenue Groton, CT 06340 445-6076 HUD subsidized housing; sliding scale rental fee.
Colonial Terrace Apartments 2350 Gold Star Highway Groton, CT 06340 536-5999
Country Glen Apartments 600 Meridian Street Extension Groton, CT 06340 449-9585
Covenant Shelter New London, CT 06320 443-0537
Fieldside Apartments 23 Fieldside Drive Groton, CT 06340 446-8088
38 GMH Military Housing 235 Gungywamp Road Groton, CT 06340 441-2500
Groton Estates 260 Shennecossett Road Groton, CT 06340 445-8519
Groton Towers 39 Broad Street Ext. Groton, CT 06340 445-7456
LaTriumphe Apartments 300 Michelle Lane Groton, CT 06340 449-9999
Ledges Apartments 10 Wildwood Road Groton, CT 06340 448-6444
Mystic Area Shelter and Hospitality, Inc. Union Baptist Church 119 High Street Mystic, CT 06355 245-0222 http://www.cceh.org/MASH.htm
39 Peppertree Apartments 278 Meridian Street Groton, CT 06340 449-1219
Phoenix Apartments 369 Long Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 445-5755
Poquonnock Village Apartments 1039 Poquonnock Road Groton, CT 06340 446-0095
Shipco Property Management Co. 15 Gary Court Groton, CT 06340 445-1475
Sutton Place 24 Sutton Place Groton, CT 06340 446-1950
Toll Gate Estates 1393 Gold Star Highway Groton, CT 06340 446-1945
40 Willow Pond Apartments 55 South Road Groton, CT 06340 446-9171
Women’s Center of SECT 16 Jay Street New London, CT 06320 447-0366 (Domestic Abuse Hotline)
Transportation
Aloha Taxi 240 Hemstead Street New London, CT 06320 442-5642
Amtrack 27 Water Street New London, CT 06320 800-872-2745 http://www.amtrak.com
Blue Cab Company 176 Cross Road Waterford, CT 06385 443-4303
41 Curtain Medical Livery Service 174 Cross Road Waterford, CT 06385 443-1655
Greyhound Bus Lines 45 Water Street New London, CT 06320 447-3841 http://www.greyhound.com
Harry’s Taxi Inc. 158 Montauk Avenue New London, CT 06320 444-2255
Little Livery Transporting young children 691-0057
Norwich Taxi 192 Route 32 North Franklin, CT 848-2227
Port City Taxi 33 Belden Street New London, CT 06320 444-9222
42 Shoreline East – CT Rail System 1-800-ALL-RIDE http://www.shorelineeast.com/ Train services between New London and New Haven
Southeast Area Transit (SEAT) – Local Bus Service 260 Route 12 Preston, CT 06365 886-2631 http://www.town.ledyard.ct.us/SEAT/SEAT.htm
Yellow Cab Company 176 Cross Road Waterford, CT 06385 443-4321
43 Healthy Eating and Fitness For Young Children:
Eating healthy and physical fitness go hand-in- hand. The body is meant to be nourished and is built to move.
Try these tips to help your children eat healthy:
1. Talk about it. Teach your children about the different food groups and how important it is to eat a variety of good foods.
2. Eat together as a family. Practice what you teach. Parents serve as role models for developing lifelong habits.
3. Limit or eliminate foods with sugar (candies, pastries, soft drinks, etc).
4. Give younger children small portions. Let them ask for more if they want more.
5. Give younger children 5 or 6 mini- meals a day. They have smaller stomachs. It may be an easier way to make sure they get a variety of foods throughout the day, and can prevent overeating and high calorie snacking.
6. Provide nutritious snacks (fresh fruits, low fat cheese, and cereal with low fat milk, etc)
44 7. Limit eating at fast food restaurants. Fast foods are typically high in fat.
8. Don’t expect a clean plate. This can lead to overeating.
9. Try a variety of low-fat cooking recipes. Find healthy foods your children will love.
Try these tips to help your children get moving: 1. Let your infant roam around, safely, as much as possible. Limit time in strollers and playpens. 2. Make sure children get outside to play at least 20-30 minutes everyday, weather permitting. 3. Plan weekly family outings that involve being outdoors (biking, walking, Frisbee, swimming, etc). 4. Have a variety of fun equipment that promotes fitness (bouncing balls, basketballs, soccer balls, jump ropes, hula hoops, badminton, and bicycles, etc).
Taken from: childcareaware.org
45 Health and Medical Services
46 Backus Hospital 326 Washington Street Norwich, CT 06360 823-6321
Charter Oak Walk-In Medical Center 324 Flanders Road East Lyme, CT 06333 739-6953
Child and Family Agency of SECT 591 Poquonnock Rd. Groton, CT 06340 449-8217
Child Guidance Clinic 75 Granite Street New London, CT 06355 437-4550
Children’s Dental Associates 190 Hempstead Street New London, CT 06320 447-3216
Children’s Dentistry of Gales Ferry 1527 Rte. 12 Gales Ferry, CT 06355 464-7204
47 Coastal Counseling 52 Bayberry Lane Groton, CT 06340 405-0005
Community Health Center 333 Long Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 446-8858
Community Health Center - Pediatrics 1 Shaw’s Cove New London, CT 06230 447-8304
Early Connections 240 Oral School Road Mystic, CT 06355
Friends and Family Counseling Services 1057 Poquonnock Rd. Groton, CT 06340 405-8142
Gales Ferry Pediatrics 1527 Route 12 Gales Ferry, CT 06335 464-7248
48 Gold Star Pediatrics 495 Route 184 Groton, CT 06340 449-8882
Nutritional Services Unlimited 11 Quarry Dock Road East Lyme, CT 06333 739-4171
Mary Vallee, DDS 925 Old Buddington Rd. Groton, CT 06340 445-2820
Lawrence and Memorial Hospital 365 Montauk Avenue New London, CT 06320 444-5125
Ledge Light Health District Putting on Airs Asthma Program 943 North Road Groton, CT 06340 448-4882
Pequot Medical Center 52 Hazelnut Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 446-8265
49 Shoreline Allergy and Asthma Associates 23 Clara Drive Mystic, CT 06355 536-2995
Shoreline Counseling Associates 616 Gold Star Highway Groton, CT 06340 449-0200
UCFS United Community and Family Services 400 Bayonet St. New London, CT 06320 442-4319 or 892-7042 ext. 735
Visiting Nurse Association of Southeastern Connecticut 403 N. Frontage Road Waterford, CT 06385 444-1111
Women’s Care Medical Center 85 Poheganut Drive Suite #1 Groton, CT 06340 448-6303
Women’s Center of Southeastern CT 16 Jay Street New London, CT 06320 447-0366 (Domestic Abuse Hotline)
50 Municipal and Government Information
51 City of Groton Municipal Building 295 Meridian Street Groton, CT 06340 446-4102
Groton Utilities 295 Meridian Street Groton, CT 06340 446-4000
2-1-1 Infoline 1344 Silas Deane Hwy Rocky Hill, CT 06067 http://www.infoline.org/referweb/
Town of Groton Town Hall 45 Fort Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 448-4050 or 441-6640
Town of Groton Town Hall Annex 134 Groton Long Point Road Groton, CT 06340 448-4050 or 446-5995
52 Family Fun and Recreation Activities
53 All Out Defenses & Fitness, LLC 660 Ocean Avenue New London, CT 06320 848-2050 http://www.alloutdefense.com
America’s Game Baseball and Softball Training Facility 170 Cross Road Waterford, CT 06385 444-9687 or 444-8790 http://www.americasgame.com 3 years to Adults Offering baseball and softball programs, covering all aspects of the game. Six batting cages are available year round. Fixed fees vary in duration.
Barn For Artistic Youth After school Art classes for school agers 35 West Main Street Niantic, CT 06357 691-0555
Big Brothers / Big Sisters of SECT 1595 Route 85 Montville, CT 06353 437-3227
54 Bill Memorial Library 240 Monument Street Groton, CT 06340 445-0392
Birch Plains Golf Course and Driving Range 119 High Rock Rd. Groton, CT 06340 445-9918
Boy Scouts of America 60 Darlin Street East Hartford, CT 06128 1-800-414-2433 ext. 259
Boys & Girls Club of Southeastern CT 30 Central Avenue Poquonnock Bridge Groton, CT 06340 445-7667
Caruso School of Music 94 State Street New London, CT 06320 443-6810
Celebrity Cheer and Dance 1434 Route 85 Montville, CT 06353 443-4324
55 Centro De La Comunidad 109 Blinman New London, CT 06320 442-4463
City of Groton Parks & Recreation 295 Meridian Street Groton, CT 06340 446-4128 446-4109 http://www.cityofgroton.com 4 years and older Summer playground programs and school vacation activities. A variety of sports programs including soccer and basketball (6 yrs and older).
CT Defenders 14 Stott Avenue Norwich, CT 06360 887-7962
CT Songwriting Academy Mystic, CT 06355 572-9285 Guitar, Voice, Drama, etc.
56 Dance Palace School of Mystic Ballet P.O. Box 429 325 Mistuxet Avenue Mystic, CT 06355 536-3671 572-8459 http://www.mysticballet.org 3 1/2 years and older Rhythm and movement classes, creative dance, all forms of ballet. Summer programs available. See website or call for details.
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center 109 Pequotsepos Road Mystic, CT 06355 536-1216
Eastern Connecticut Ballet 435 Boston Post Road East Lyme, CT 06333 739-7899 739-7899 http://www.easternctballet.org 3 years to adult Wide variety of dance instruction. Three levels of pre-ballet, eight levels of ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, tap, natural stretch. Recreational classes and summer programs.
57 Family Bowl 120 Boston Post Road Waterford, CT 06385 443-4232
Four Seasons Indoor Golf 515 Gold Star Highway Rte. 184 Groton, CT 06340 446-8799
Flip City 39 Wedgewood Drive Jewitt City CT 06351
Franco’s Extreme Laser Tag 40 Boston Post Road Waterford, CT 06385 442-3000
Gabrielles Karate Kickbox Studio 774 Long Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 405-8247 405-8089 http://www.gabrieleskaratekickbox.com 3 years to Adult Karate classes for children and adults. Kickbox instruction for adults. Monthly tuition fees upon request. Certified instructors
58 Galaxy Roller Rink 210 Bridge Street Groton, CT 06340 448-3882 or 446-2609 Year round roller and inline skating. Call for times of service.
Girl Scouts Of Connecticut New London Service Center 21 Montauk Avenue, Suite 203 New London, CT 06320 444-8195 http://www.gsofct.org
Greatbrook 18 Hole Miniature Golf and Batting Cages 850 Gold Star Highway Groton, CT 06340 448-7313
Groton Cinemas 6 Groton Shoppers Mart Groton, CT 06340 445-7469
Groton Music Center 441 Long Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 446-9540
59 Groton Public Library 52 Newtown Road Groton, CT 06340 (860) 441-6750
Hispanic American Services 43 Bank Street New London, CT 06320
Holiday Bowl 27 Kings Highway Groton, CT 06340 445-6500
Hoyts Cinemas (phone express line) 599-0400
Imperial Academy of Dance 3 Church Street East East Lyme, CT 06333 739-9940
Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut 28 Channing Rd. New London, CT 06320 442-8062
60 Kay Pere Vocal and Piano Instruction Mystic, CT 06355 572-0629
Kartway 1644 Rte. 12 Gales Ferry, CT 06335
Kids Rule Sports Center 2 Wisconson Ave. Norwich, CT 06360 889-7853 [email protected]
Kente Cultural Center 219 Bank Street New London, CT 06320
Lee’s Toy and Hobby 935 Poquonnock Road Groton, CT 06340 445-4411
Literacy Volunteers of SECT 106 Truman Ave. New London, CT 06320 443-4800
61 Lydia DiScuilla School of Dance 23 Clara Drive Mystic, CT 06355 536-6303
Mad Science 376-9451
MBM Fun Center and Water Slide 1225 Ocean Ave. New London, CT 06320 443-8749 or 437-8618
Mike Turgeon Indoor Baseball School 400 West Thames Street Norwich, CT 06360 887-6808
Monster Mini Golf 658 Long Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 446-0006
Musicians Co-op of Mystic Musical Instruction 44 Washington Street Mystic, CT 06355 572-1490
62 Mystic Arts Center 9 Water Street Mystic, CT 06355 536-7601 536-0610 http://www.mysticarts.org 2 years to adult Art classes offered for ages 2-92 year round. Summer art camps, daytime and evening classes available. Tuition fees, scholarships available.
Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration 55 Coogan Blvd. Mystic, CT 06355 572-5955
Mystic Ballet 325 Mistuxet Ave Mystic, CT 06355 536-3671
Mystic Indoor Tennis 90 Welles Rd. Mystic, CT 06355 572-0632
Mystic Little League Greenmanville Rd. Mystic, CT 06355 536-0586
63 Mystic Noank Library 40 Library Street Mystic, CT 06355 536-7721
Mystic Seaport Greenemanville Avenue Mystic, CT 06355 572-5315
Mystic YMCA 1 Harry Austin Drive Mystic, CT 06355 536-3575
Navy Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) Submarine Base NL Building 164/ Box 14 Groton, CT 06349 694-3695 http://mwr.subasenlon.navy.mil/index.htm Assorted recreation activities for military families.
New London County Cooperative Extension Center 4-H Program 562 New London Turnpike Norwich, CT 06360 887-1608 http://www.canr.uconn.edu/ces/fourh/
Norwich Municipal Ice Rink 641 New London Tpke. Norwich, CT 06360 892-2555
64 Ron’s Guitars Music Center 785 Long Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 445-0194 449-6926 http://www.ronsguitars.com 6 years and older Music center lesson program offering 1/2 hour per week private lessons for guitar, bass guitar, drum and keyboard
Shennecossett Golf Course 93 Plant Street Groton, CT 06340 445-0262
Spirited Soles Irish Dance Academy 1495 Route 85 Montville, CT 06353 439-0192
SUBASE Youth Center 29 Hickory Drive Groton, CT 06340 694-4702 http://mwr.subasenlon.navy.mil/syac.htm The SUBASE Youth Center a 17,000 square foot building, provides kids with a youth lounge, gymnasium and other activity rooms. This fun place for kids is located on 29 Hickory Drive off Route 12 in Navy Housing.
65 Thames Valley Academy Gymnastics 67 North Main Street Norwich, CT 06360 886-4006 376-0120 2 years and older Offering boys and girls recreational gymnastics; girls competitive gymnastics; pre-school through high school instruction in an 8,000 square foot facility covering all olympic events. Annual registration fee.
Thames Valley Cheer Academy 67 North Main Street Norwich, CT 06360 887-4051
The Dance Extension New London 290 S. Frontage Road New London, CT 06320 443-1154 443-1154 http://www.danceextension.com 2 years through Adult An assortment of rhythm and movement classes, dance form, ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop offered at various levels and ages. The center also has a non-profit performing company available for local performances. Monthly rate = $42.00; various semester tuition
66 The Dance Studio 40 Boston Post Road Waterford, CT 06385
Town of Groton Parks & Recreation 45 Fort Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 536-5680 or 536-5690 http://www.grotonrec.com Birth to Adult Provides a wide variety of programs, services and facilities to children and families. Programs include physical activity, socialization, creative expression and skill development in a safe, welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. Fees vary. Scholarships available.
Yamashita International Karate 255 Rte. 12 Blg. #1 Groton, CT 06340 448-0315
67 Groton Parks, Playgrounds, and Recreational Areas
68 Beebe Pond Fishtown Road, Mystic
Bluff Point State Park Depot Road, Groton 860-424-3200
Copp Park Gold Star Highway, Groton
Esker Point Park Groton Long Point Road, Groton
Fort Griswold and Monument Monument Street, Groton
Fort Trumbull State Park 90 Walbach Street, New London 444-7591
Farquhar Park Gales Ferry Road, Groton
Haley Farm State Park Brook Street, Groton 860-424-3200
Mystic River Park Cotrell Street, Mystic
69 Pequot Woods Sandy Hollow Road, Groton
Poquonnock River Walkway Route 1, Groton
Poquonnock Plains Park Fort Hill Road, Groton
Raheem Ali Carter Memorial Park Midway Oval Drive, Groton
Spicer Park Spicer Avenue, Groton
Sutton Park and Skateboard park Fort Hill Road, Groton
Washington Park Meridian Street Extension, Groton
70 The Important Role of Parents in a Child’s Learning to Read:
Reading books to your child is one of the most im- portant things to do to help your child learn to read. Learning to read does not begin the day your child enters school. It begins at home prior to the school years and extends well into the school years. Reading to your child at home will help with the understand- ing of how books work and will develop many of the concepts in reading to be successful in school. It will also result in your child building a stronger sense of language and vocabulary. By modeling your love of books and language, your child will become motivat- ed to be a reader.
It is important that you let your child help choose books and to talk about the pictures prior to reading the book. Other important things to do while reading the book include:
Have the child predict what is going to hap- pen in the story as you read it.
Stop to discuss the book in key areas while reading the book.
Ask your child if there are any connections the child can make with events happening in the story and the child’s life
71 Ask your child to join in if there is repetition of words or phrases in the story.
Use expression while reading so the story sounds real and not just like words on a page.
After reading point out letters of the alpha- bet, pictures, or words in the story.
Read the book many times so your child becomes familiar with the details and the language used in the book
Choose both fiction and non-fiction books
READ, READ, READ TO AND WITH YOUR CHILD EARLY IN LIFE AND OFTEN!
*Adapted from Groton Public Schools school readiness materials.
72 Museums, Arenas and Concert Venues
73 Best Production Company 24 Chestnut Street Norwich, CT 06360 886-2378
Children’s Museum of SECT 409 Main Street Niantic, CT 06357 691-1111
The Denison Homestead 120 Peqoutsepos Rd. Mystic, CT 06355 536-9248
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center 109 Pequotsepos Rd. Mystic, CT 06355 536-1216
DNA EpiCenter 33 Gallows Lane New London, CT 06320 442-0391
Eugene O’Neill Theater Center 305 Great Neck Road Waterford, CT 06385 443-5378
74 Garde Arts Center 325 State Street New London, CT 06320 444-7373
Goodspeed Musicals The Plaza East Haddam, CT 06423 860-873-8664
Lyman Allyn Art Museum 625 Williams Ave. New London, CT 06320 443-2545
Mohegan Sun Arena 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd. Uncasville, CT 06382 1-888-226-7711
Mystic Arts Center 9 Water Street Mystic, CT 06355 536-7601
Rentschler Field East Hartford, CT 06027 860-610-4700
75 Slater Memorial Museum 108 Crescent Norwich, CT 06360 887-2506
Submarine Force Museum – Nautilus 1 Crystal Lake Rd. Groton, CT 06340 694-3174
The Bushnell 166 Capitol Avenue Hartford, CT 860-987-5900
Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium Norwich, CT 06360 887-7962
Yale Bowl and Yale Field New Haven, CT 203-432-1400 or 203-777-5636
XL Center 1 Civic Plaza Hartford, CT 06103 860-727-8010
76 Groton Schools
77 Catherine Kolnaski Magnet School 500 Poquonnock Road Groton, CT 06340 449-5612 http://www.groton.k12.ct.us/schools/ck/
Charles Barnum Elementary 68 Briar Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 449-5640 http://www.groton.k12.ct.us/schools/cb/
Claude Chester Elementary 1 Harry Day Drive Groton, CT 06340 449-5636 http://www.groton.k12.ct.us/schools/cc/
Cutler Middle School 160 Fishtown Road Mystic, CT 06355 572-5830 http://www.groton.k12.ct.us/schools/cm/
Fitch Middle School 61 Fort Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 449-5620 http://www.groton.k12.ct.us/schools/fm/
78 Mary Morrisson Elementary School 154 Tollgate Road Groton, CT 06340 449-5655 http://www.groton.k12.ct.us/schools/mm/
Northeast Academy 115 Oslo Street Mystic, CT 06355 572-5863 http://www.groton.k12.ct.us/schools/na/
Pleasant Valley Elementary School 380 Pleasant Valley Road Groton, CT 06340 449-5600 http://www.groton.k12.ct.us/schools/pv/
S.B. Butler Elementary School 155 Ocean View Avenue Mystic, CT 06355 572-5825 http://www.groton.k12.ct.us/schools/sb/
Sacred Heart School 50 Sacred Heart Drive Groton, CT 06340 445-0611 http://www.sacredheartgroton.org/
79 Stedfast Baptist Academy 1041 Poquonnock Road Groton, CT 06340 449-8526
Stonington Institute School 428 Long Hill Road Groton, CT 06340 449-0611 http://www.stoningtoninstitute.com/
West Side Middle School 250 Brandegee Avenue Groton, CT 06340 449-5630 http://www.groton.k12.ct.us/schools/wm/
80 First Steps The Year Before Kindergarten* Benefits: The year before Kindergarten you should already be laying the foundation for your child’s transition to Kindergarten. You can be- gin the process by:
Identifying the school that your child will be assigned to next year, or in some cases, choosing which school your child will attend.
Visiting the school or schools that your child might attend. Bring your child with you on those visits.
Obtaining the following information from the school:
a. A list of entry requirements (immunizations, documentation, physical, etc.) b. An enrollment form. c. School calendar and hours of operation. d. Information about before and after school programs. e. Transportation information (pick- up location, hours, telephone number of district transportation office, rules, etc).
81 f. Date for Kindergarten registration and/or screening. g. What meal options are provided, requirements for free and reduced lunches, and the cost of meals. h. A description of the Kindergarten program.
Once your child’s school is finalized: a. Obtain names of the principal, school secretary, Kindergarten teachers, librarian, etc. so you may begin talking about the staff in a positive way with your child. b. Find out how you can be involved at school. If you can, volunteer to help out in the school. Begin connecting with other families.
Provide opportunities for your child to become acquianted with other children so that he/she will see familiar faces on the first day.
*Adapted from First Steps The Year Before Kindergarten Parent Tip #3, Terrific Transitions.
82 Funding for this resource guide has been made possible by a grant from
Th e William Casper Graustein Memorial Fund
“Education benefi ts bot h individuals and societ y as a wh ole.”
The mission of the William Casper Graustein Memorial Fund is to improve the effectiveness of education in fostering both personal development and leadership. The Fund’s grantmaking focuses on Connecticut’s young children.
A special thank you goes out to community mem- bers, Children First Groton members, and all oth- ers kind enough to contribute their time, expertise and resource information to this project.
GROTON