Discover the ABC’s of Early Education
Early Education Programs In West Hartford
GREAT8 by Funded by the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund Great by 8
Great by 8 Mission: The mission of Great by 8, a diverse group of individuals advocating for the early education of young children, is to ensure that all West Hartford children enter school as eager learners with the skills that enable them to reach their full potential. This will be accomplished by increasing the community’s awareness of the value of preschool education and promoting availability and access to affordable, high quality programs and family support resources.
This resource guide is the result of the collaboration of area early education and childcare providers and Great by 8, in an effort to engage families in accessing community resources for young children.
Great by 8 Office of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment West Hartford Public Schools 50 South Main Street West Hartford, CT 06107 (860) 561-6669 [email protected] www.whps.org/whecp/
Thank you to our collaborative agent: The Bridge Family Center, Inc 1022 Farmington Avenue West Hartford, CT 06107 (860) 521-8035 www.bridgefamilycenter.org
Great by 8 is funded by: William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund One Hamden Center Suite, 2B Hamden, CT 06518 (203) 230-3330 http://discovery.wcgmf.org/
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Table of Contents
Choosing Quality Early Childhood Programs...... 4
Qualifications...... 5
Questions to ask the Provider...... 6
Signs of a Great Preschool...... 7
Preschool Programs...... 8-14
Licensed Homecare Providers ...... 15-18
Kindergarten Information...... 19-20
West Hartford Public Schools Contact Information...... 21
Town of West Hartford Contact Information...... 22
Before/After School Care ...... 23
Social Services...... 23-24
Programs Free of Charge...... 25-26
Additional Programs...... 26-27
Please note: This directory is meant to provide parents with a listing of available early education and childcare providers in the town of West Hartford. The inclusion of a listing here in no way indicates the endorsement of any program by Great by 8. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information printed in this guide. To alert us to a discrepancy, please contact Beth Bye at 561-6669.
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Choosing a Quality Early Childhood Program
Childcare Quality childcare can make a big difference in the future of your child, your community and even the world. Choosing quality care is important. A quality program can help build a child’s confidence, curiosity and language skills. It can help a child share and enjoy learning. When choosing a child care provider, you should consider several factors, including location, convenience, referrals from friends, family and your community. There are also many websites and resources available on the internet to help you choose quality childcare. • Begin by visiting several childcare home providers or centers. • As you observe a homecare provider or a center, look at the whole facility – inside and out. See every room your child will use. • On each visit, think about your first impression. But don’t stop there. You should always visit a home or center more than once. And stay as long as possible so you can get a good feel for what the care will be like for your child. • Once you decide that a childcare provider will work for you, register your child. Many programs require registration a year before your child will enter the program, usually in the fall or winter.
Why Should I Send My Child to Preschool? Children who attend a quality preschool, nursery, childcare center or family childcare before starting kindergarten enter school with a jump- start. Preschool offers children practice in becoming a group member, getting along with others and learning through planned activities that are age appropriate and fun.
When to Begin Looking Start now! If you plan on sending your child to preschool, you should begin looking when your child turns two years old. Most preschools start registration between November and January for the following school year, so it’s important to think ahead.
1 National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, Child Care Aware initiative, 2001, 1-800-424-2246, www.childcareaware.org
2 “ Ready or Not: A Parents Guide to School Readiness, Prenatal to Age Five, Connecticut Commission on Children” www.cga.ct.gov/coc/
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Qualifications
State Licensing All states require centers to be licensed. The goal of licensing is to ensure the safety and developmental well-being of children while in out- of-home care. Licensing does not ensure quality, but it does set health, safety and caregiver training standards that all centers must maintain. All centers are inspected at least once a year. Contact the following agency for details on childcare licensing regulations in the state of Connecticut: Connecticut Department of Public Health 410 Capital Avenue Hartford, CT 06134-0308 Phone: (860) 509-8045 Website:http://www.ct.gov/dph/
The National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care also maintains documents related to child care licensing in Connecticut at: http://nrckids.org
Accreditation The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is dedicated to improving the well-being of all young children, with particular focus on the quality of educational and developmental services for all children from birth through age 8. NAEYC accredited programs complete a rigorous self-study and external review to prove that they meet standards of excellence in early childhood education. Accredited homes and centers voluntarily measure up to national standards of quality that have been established by national childcare organizations. Programs that are accredited have gone beyond state licensing standards. Trained caregivers have an increased understanding of children’s needs at different ages. These programs undergo in-depth self–assessments, independent observation and approval by professional experts.
For more information contact: NAEYC 1313 L St. NW Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005 (800) 424-2460 Website: www.naeyc.org
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Other Resources: 211 Child Care Infoline is a confidential childcare referral telephone service. Childcare counselors are available to assist parents and childcare professionals in locating appropriate resources and referrals.
211/Child Care Infoline 1344 Silas Deane Highway Rocky Hill, CT 06067 Website: www.211childcare.org Phone: 211 Phone: 1-800-571-7500
QUESTIONS TO ASK THE PROVIDERS: • What are the hours of operation? • What are the age ranges? • How are children of different ages, needs, and abilities grouped? • How many children are in each group? • How many adults work with a group? • Is the program licensed? • Is the program accredited? (SEE PAGE 5) • What are the qualifications of the director and staff? • What does the program cost? • Does the provider offer a lunch program? • Does the provider have a summer program? • Does the provider offer more than one language? • Does the provider smoke or have pets?
Important Details To Consider: • Preschools housed in places of worship are usually non- denominational and welcome all faiths. • Some preschools offer scholarships or financial aid, a sliding scale, or may take the Care for Kids state subsidy. They are based on slot availability and consideration is on an individual basis. Don’t be afraid to ask!
State Readiness Funds are available for preschool education on a limited basis for those families who qualify. Please contact Mary Stone in the Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment at (860) 561-6635.
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10 Signs of a Great Preschool If your child is between the ages of 3 and 6 and attends a child care center, preschool, or kindergarten program, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) suggests you look for these 10 signs to make sure your child is enrolled in a high quality program. 1. Children spend most of their playing and working with materials or other children. They do not wander aimlessly, and they are not expected to sit quietly for long periods of time. 2. Children have access to various activities throughout the day. Look for assorted building blocks and other construction materials, props for pretend play, picture books, paints and other art materials, and table toys such as matching games, pegboards, and puzzles. Children should not all be doing the same thing at the same time. 3. Teachers work with individual children, small groups, and the whole group at different times during the day. They do not spend all their time with the whole group. 4. The classroom is decorated with children’s original artwork, their own writing with invented spelling, and stories dictated by children to teachers. 5. Children learn numbers and the alphabet in the context of their everyday experiences. The natural world of plants and animals and meaningful activities like cooking, taking attendance, or serving snack provide the basis for learning activities. 6. Children work on projects and have long periods of time (at least one hour) to play and explore. Worksheets are used little if at all. 7. Children have an opportunity to play outside every day. Outdoor play is never sacrificed for more instructional time. 8. Teachers read books to children individually or in small groups throughout the day, not just at group story time. 9. Curriculum is adapted for those who are ahead as well as those who need additional help. Teachers recognize that children’s different background and experience mean that they do not learn the same things at the same time in the same way. 10. Children and their parents look forward to school. Parents feel secure about sending their child to the program. Children are happy to attend; they do not cry regularly or complain of feeling sick.
7 Great by 8 Busing available magnet school application lottery Available to students in Bugbee, Available Charter Oak and Smith neighborhoods only; bussing available. Reverse main stream special ed regular ed One class a day. All teachers have One class a day. 4-yr college degrees. PreK programs in Greater Various Hartford area Family membership to JCC included with tuition, bus line, part-time nurse, enrichment classes including swimming Noteworthy
no no yes no no Summer
5 years 5 year olds -year olds -year olds 4 4 Ages 3-5 year olds 4 months- 3-
Great by 8 Great by 8:35-3:20 M T TH F T 8:35-3:20 M 8:35-2:00pm W WHPS hours 8:00-11:30 12:15-2:45 Hours/ 9:00-Noon lunch bunch occasionally 12:00-1:00 8:35-3:20 M T TH F T 8:35-3:20 M 8:35-2:00pm W WHPS hours preschool 9:00-12:30 open 7:30-5:30 Before/After
, Bethany Lutheran Nursery School 1655 Boulevard, 06107 860-521-5076 www.blcwh.org [email protected] Bugbee School 06117 Ave, Asylum 1943 860-233-1234 www.whps.org Capital Region Education Council (CREC) Hartford 06106 Ave, Charter Oak 111 860-247-2732 schools www.crec.org/magnet Charter Oak School 06110 Ave, 452 Oakwood 860-233-8506 www.whps.org Aiken School-Early Learning Center 212 King Philip Drive, 06117 860-233-1455 www.whps.org Auerback ECC of the Mandell JCC Beatrice Fox Ave.,06117 335 Bloomfield 860-231-6344 www.mandelljcc.org [email protected]
Preschool Program
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Noteworthy Sessions run Nov.-Dec. and April-May and Sessions run Nov.-Dec. HS students are grades 9-12, they plan activities for children, usually 1:1 ratio Children visit the Museum weekly for a related science lesson. One year free membership provided. Classes run 10 week program sessions Tues/Thurs Bi-lingual (English/Spanish); program aligned with CT Preschool program aligned with CT Framework Financial aid available. Call for a tour.
no Summer no yes yes 7-week summer program 9:00-12:30 yes 5 consecutive 2 week camps 3rd week june-end of august
5 year olds 6 wks - 5 year olds Ages 3- 2 1/2 - 4 year olds 3 -5 year olds 2 1/2 - 4 year olds
Great by 8 Great by 9:30-11:30 T/TH either M/F or 9:30-12:30, 10-week semesters fall and 9:00-3:00, spring, Tues/Thurs MWF or T/TH 7:30-5:30 part-time 9:00-1:00 9:00-12:00, 12:00-1:00 extended lunch p.m. session 1:00-3:45 open 8:30-9:00 Hours/ Preschool 9:00-12:00 or 9:00-12:45 w/lunch bunch 7:30-5:30 Before/After Beechwood Rd, 110 06107 860-231-5151 134 Flagg Rd,
www.thechildrens museumct.org www.thechildrens [email protected] Little Tykes Preschool - Hall High School Little Tykes 975 North Main St.,06117 860-232-4561 ext 1118 marcia_harrington@whps. org The Children’s Museum Preschool The Children’s 06119 Brook Dr., Trout 950 860-523-7499 www.thechildrensmuseumct.org [email protected] De Colores Early Learning Nursery School 134 Flagg Road, 06117 860-236-4773 First Church Nursery School 12 South Main Street, 06107 860-232-2106 www.whfirstchurch.org [email protected] The Children’s Place The Children’s Conard High School Beechwood Rd.,06107 110 860-231-5151 [email protected]
Preschool Program
9 Great by 8 Noteworthy PT nurse, school teachers w/ MA/BA nurse, school teachers w/ MA/BA PT degrees, nonprofit parent-run Board Art, music Temple Housed at Beth Israel Extensive cultural programming includes Spanish language curriculum and visiting artists program. Enrichment programs: Spanish, art, wizards (math gymnastics, library, science). Program runs Sept-June On-site staff speak Lao, Chinese and On-site staff Spanish
yes Summer no yes summer option for enrolled students
Ages 8 wks-Prek 2 -5 year olds and PreK 6 weeks to 5 year olds 12 mo - 5 year olds 15 mo-12 yrs (6th grade)
Great by 8 Great by 1:00 - 4:00 9:00-1:00, Before and after care available 8:00-9:00 & 7:30-5:30 7:30-5:30 7:30-5:30 Full and Part Day 7:30-5:30 Hours/ Before/After 110 Beechwood Rd, 110 06107 860-231-5151 134 Flagg Rd,
Knight Hall School Park Rd., 06119 411 860-232-9015 www.knighthallschool.org [email protected] Our Children’s Center Our Children’s 90 North Main St.,06107 860-561-0569 www.occdaycare.wordpress.com [email protected]
Preschool Program Lollipop Tree Nursery School Lollipop Tree 160 Mohegan Drive, 06117 860-236-5748 lollipoptreenurseryschool.com, [email protected] Montessori School of Greater Hartford 141 North Main St., 06107 860-236-4565 www.msgh.org [email protected] Ark Noah’s 06119 Ave., 701 Farmington 860-232-5038 www.cbict.org/learn/noahs-ark-preschool-2 [email protected]
10 Great by 8 Noteworthy After care available 2:30-5:30 for 4 year olds. Private PreK-grade 5 3-year-old program offers options of 3-year-old program offers Program taught by half or full day. certified teachers and full time aides. Enrichment classes taught by specialists:art, foreign language, music & movement, library physical education child care programs: before/after school, extended day and vacation care. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Children (NAEYC) Young Kinder Music Spanish w/4 yr extended day
Summer yes yes for month of June, four offer week camp 4’s 3’s, no no
e Ages 3-6 years old 3 yrs-8th grade 3-4 year olds PreK-5th grad 3-5 year olds
Great by 8 Great by 8:20-2:50 (M-Th) 8:00-2:40 TH, F,) (M,T, 8:00-1:40 (W) After care 2:30-5:40 7:50-2:20 Hours/ 9:00-1:00 3 ‘s 8:20-12:30 (M-F or MWF) 8:20-12:30 (MTThF) JK’s 8:20-2:50 (W ) Kindergarten 8:20-1:50 (F) 3-yr old program 9:00-12:00 T/Th 3-yr old program 9:00-12:00 optional lunch 12:00-1:00 4-yr old program 9:00-1:00 MWF Before/After 110 Beechwood Rd, 110 06107 860-231-5151 134 Flagg Rd,
., 06119 The Preschool of West Hartford, Inc The Preschool of West 06107 Dr., 1 Westminister 860-561-3241 www.thepreschoolofwesthartford.com
Preschool Program 860-523-9550 www.quakerlane.org, [email protected] Renbrook School Beginning School @ Renbrook 2865 Albany Avenue, 06117 860-236-1661 www.renbrook.org St. Brigid School 100 Mayflower St., 06110 860-561-2130 www.saintbrigidschool.org [email protected] Quaker Lane Cooperative Nursery School 144 South Quaker La St. Thomas the Apostle St. Thomas the 25 Dover Rd., 06119 860-236-6257 www.stthomasapostlewh.org
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Noteworthy Magnet school PreK- grade 5 7 towns participate Summer camps and computer classes offered. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Children (NAEYC) Young Spanish and Portuguese We are a Jewish Day School, 2nd We language is Hebrew Variety of after school programs. Variety Busing available Magnet applications
no no Summer yes 2 week sessions for 8 weeks no yes
4 year olds 2 yr 9 mon. to 5 years old 3- 5 year olds Ages 6 weeks to 12 year olds 24 months- 14 years old Great by 8 Great by 9:00-2:00 extension for a fee 8:20-12:45 before: 8:00 after:12:45-5:30 7:15-5:30 8:35-3:20 (M/T,TH,F) 8:35-2:00 (W) WHPS Hours 9:00-1:00 7:45-5:00 Hours/ Before/After 110 Beechwood Rd, 110 06107 860-231-5151 134 Flagg Rd,
School for Young Children- Young School for Saint Joseph College 238 Steele Rd., 06117 860-231-5565 www.sjc.edu/syc
Preschool Program Smith School Preschool 64 St. James St., 06110 860-236-3315 www.whps.org Solomon Schechter School Rd, 06107 26 Buena Vista 860-561-0700 ext. 161 www.ssds-hartford.org, [email protected] Through the Eyes of a Child 20 Dover Rd., 06119 860-232-5405 www.throughtheeyeesofachilddaycare.com University of Hartford Magnet School- Gardner Multiple Intelligences Avenue., 06117 196 Bloomfield 860-236-2899 www.crecschools.org
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Noteworthy Run by Bloomfield BOE/school calendar Auer 4-H Farm in Partnership with Bloomfield, field trips 2x/month, Reverse main stream special ed/ regular ed. School year Provide a high quality preschool experience within a Christian environment Available to students in Webster Hill to students in Webster Available neighborhood only
extension is open, school is not no Summer no yes -6 week summer program
2.9 - 5 year olds 3-5 year olds 3 yrs (by Dec 31) -5 year olds 4 year olds Ages Great by 8 Great by 9:00-1:00 8:35-3:20 MTRF 8:35-2:00 W WHPS hours 9:00-11:30 12:15-2:45 Hours/ Prek 8:50-2:40, K 8:50-3:30 Extension 7:30, after until 5:30 Before/After
110 Beechwood Rd, 110 06107 860-231-5151 134 Flagg Rd,
Webster Hill School Webster Hill Blvd., 06107 125 Webster 860-521-0320 www.whps.org [email protected]
Preschool Program West Hartford Mehodist Nursery School West 7 Berkshire Road, 06110 860-521-8063 www.westhartfordumc.org [email protected] Whiting Lane School- Early Learning Center 47 Whiting Lane, 06110 860-233-1455 ext. 1108 www.whps.org Early Childhood Magnet School Wintonbury 44 Brown Street, Bloomfield, 06002 860-769-5510 www.bloomfieldschools.org [email protected]
13 Great by 8 Noteworthy Bi-lingual staff Sign language and Spanish program
yes Summer yes
6 wks-5 year olds Ages 14 months - 5 year olds Great by 8 Great by 7:00-5:30 Hours/ 7:15-5:30 Before/After 110 Beechwood Rd, 110 06107 860-231-5151 134 Flagg Rd,
Wynkin, Blinkin and Nod Wynkin, 389 Park Road, 06119 860-236-4742 www.wbncares.com
Preschool Program YWCA Child Care of Elmwood YWCA 06110 Avenue, New Britain 1106 860-233-7906 www.ywcahartford.org [email protected]
14 Wynkin, Blinkin and Nod Wynkin, Avenue., 06117 196 Bloomfield 860-236-2899 www.crec.org [email protected] Great by 8
lunch, snacks calendar; available weekends on request snacks/lunch follows school calendar lunch,snacks, dinner at 5:30 meals/snacks snacks; follows school calendar follows school calendar snacks snacks; follows school ECE Associates Degree Special needs experience meals/snacks provides music lessons Notes
Elem. Smith Smith/ Charter Oak Charter Oak Braeburn Web Hill Web Norfeldt Morley Aiken Charter Oak 2nd Lang. Spanish no Spanish no no Poco Spanish no Hebrew Spanish
yes no yes yes yes yes
no yes
yes
Summer yes yes no no yes yes yes yes
Before/ After Sch. yes Great by 8 Great by
7:30-5:00 7:15-4:15 7:30-5 6:00 am- 8:00 pm 7:15-5:30 7:30-5:30 7:00-5:00 Hours 7:00 -8:00 p.m. infant-4 7:30-5:30 birth-5 birth-4
birth-5 birth-5
birth-5 birth-5
Ages
Infant/ toddler & preschool Infant/ toddler & preschool 860-233-4729 3 Seldan Street, 06110 860-231-0686 601 Fern Street, 06107 860-561-2718 71 Greenhurst, 06107 860-216-0805 873 North Main Street, 06117 860-519-0003 358 Fern St. 06119 860-523-7951 860-231-1979 860-570-1257 14 Hugh Street, 06119 06110 Ave, 120 Boulanger 74 Fuller Drive, 06117 860-232-9086 Address Phone/Email
91 Wilfred St. 06110 Home Care Providers Evelyn DeJesus
Patricia Beyer
Johanna Buttimer Rose Clark Fancy Collado
Claudia Coney- Janess Collado Elsie Daniel Dvora Elkayam Moynihan
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snacks speech pathologist meals/snacks
snacks snacks follows school calendar follows school calendar Notes
meals/snacks Elem. Aiken
Web Hill Web Morley Duffy Smith Wolcott Aiken Smith
2nd Lang. no Portuguese Spanish no
Spanish Spanish
no yes no
yes yes
no
yes Summer yes evenings no yes
yes no
yes yes no Before/ After Sch. Great by 8 Great by Hours 6:00-5:30 7:30-4:30 7:30-5:30
6:00-11:00 7:45-6:00 7:30-4:30 7:00-5:30 7:30-5:30 7:30-5:00
Ages
infant-5 0-3 Infant/ toddler & preschool/ Infant/ toddler & preschool/ adolescents Infant/ toddler & preschool/ Infant/ toddler & preschool/ infant-k under 2 -full time over 2 after school
Address Phone/ 860-233-8455 860-502-0682 84 Seminole Circle, 06117 171 Webster Hill Blvd 06107 171 Webster 860-521-4087 66 Craigmoor Rd, 06107 11 Kimberly Rd, 06107 11 860-521-3463 860-523-7903 860-231-1407 860-232-7088 136 Richard St 1st floor 06119 57 Greenhouse Blvd. 06110 860-833-1092 18 Fennbrook Rd 06119 06117 232 King Philip Dr,
Home Care Providers Huguet Lynn Magdahli Hernandez Carolyn Kent Karen Hanson
Maria Pérez Brenda Morfu Linda Olesnevich Maria Pereira
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Duffy district Duffy
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follows school calendar snacks snacks meals, snacks
snacks year round year round
snacks follows school calendar
snacks Notes
snacks
Wolcott Elem. Whiting Lane Wolcott Braeburn closest, Charter Oak district Duffy Web Hill Web Morley Wolcott, 2nd Lang. no no no no Italian
yes yes day no yes 3-5 yrs yes yes
Summer no after school
no
yes-after only Before/ After Sch. yes yes
yes
Great by 8 Great by
Hours 7:30-5:30 3:30-5:00, 7:30-4:00 8:00-5:00 2:00-5:00 W 7:00-5:30 8:00-5:00 6:30-6:30 7:00–5:30 yes
Infant/ toddler & preschool
Ages
Infant/ toddler & preschool infant-3
k-5
infant- prek infant- school
infant-5
&preschool/ adolescents Infant/toddler
10 Address Phone/ 1483 Blvd, 06119 860-521-6928 Davenport Rd, 06110 119 860-521-8426 061 Ave, 140 Edgemont 860-232-2389 12 Glenwood Rd 06107 860-561-0313 860-521-8111 60 Beechwood Rd, 06107 860-521-4085 06119 216 Griswold Dr. 860-231-0287 St. 06110 9 Westgate 860-808-7862 Home Care Providers Hulsimati Ramsarup
Marilyn Perone
Maria Pollicito
Elizabeth Proietti
Sarah Rice 7 Kimberly Rd . 061 07
Josephine Signorello Stanton Wendy Kidean Thompson
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Duffy district Duffy
Great by 8 521-5371
Special education Notes meals,snacks Elem. Wolcott, St Brigids Aiken 2nd Lang. French
yes
Summer After Sch. Before/ yes
yes Great by 8 Hours 7:00-5:00 7:00-6:00
Ages infant - 5 preschool/ after school
Phone/ Address 6 Huckleberry La, 06110 2038 Albany Ave 06117 860-231-0379 860-521-5371 Providers Home Care Marilyn Tomlinson Lucy Veilleux
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Kindergarten Information
A child must be 5 years old on or before the first of January of the academic school year to be eligible to attend public school in West Hartford.
Most schools begin their kindergarten screening and orientation process between March and May for the next school year.
If you are unsure as to which school your child will attend, please contact the Residency Office at (860) 561-6620.
West Hartford Public School Expectations for Kindergarten Self-help Skills • Ability to put on coat, backpack; use bathroom; pick up after self; follow directions • Ability to focus for a short time (8-10 minutes) in a group setting, e.g., listening to a story, listening to other children • Ability to verbally express needs, e.g., telling teacher what is needed, explaining situations • Social skills, e.g., able to share, play in appropriate manner, use simple conflict resolution Academic Skills • Exposure to colors, shapes, letters and numbers • Recognition of own name and /or some of the letters in the child’s first name • Exposure to a variety of experiences using writing/drawing materials appropriately, i.e., crayons, markers, pencils • Language development as a base for building further learning, e.g., general knowledge and expressive/ receptive language • Exposure to books, e.g., being read to at home and in preschool Motor Skills • Experiences with writing name • Experiences with fine motor activities, i.e., cutting, pasting, doing puzzles, painting, playing with sand and water
Children come to kindergarten with a wide range of skills. Therefore, many children may enter kindergarten with skills above this level. For further information about kindergarten readiness and registration please contact the Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment at (860) 561-6618.
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Health Check List For Kindergarten Registration √ Avoid the summer rush. √ Call your pediatrician to verify the date of your child’s last well-child visit (yearly physical). √ Review your child’s immunization record with your pediatrician. At the kindergarten orientation for parents, you will receive the CT Health Assessment Record (HAR).If your child is or will be due for a well-child visit (yearly physical): √ Schedule an appointment now. √ Bring the CT Health Assessment Record with you when you go to your appointment. √ Return your completed CT Health Assessment Record to the school your child will be attending as soon as your pediatrician has completed the form.
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West Hartford Public Schools Contact Information
West Hartford Public Schools 50 South Main Street West Hartford, CT 06107 Phone: (860) 561-6600 Website: www.whps.org
School Closure Sourceline: (860) 233-2334 ~public school closings, delay information Continuing & Community Education (860) 561-6900 Superintendent’s Office (860) 561-6651 Office of Residency: (860) 561-6620 ~to register your child or to determine your home school
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Mary Louise Aiken School 212 King Philip Drive (860) 233-6994 Braeburn School 45 Braeburn Road (860) 561-2200 Lloyd H. Bugbee School 1943 Asylum Avenue (860) 233-1234 Charter Oak International Academy 425 Oakwood Avenue (860) 233-8506 Louise Duffy School 95 Westminster Drive (860) 521-0110 Edward Morley School 77 Bretton Road (860) 233-8535 Eric G. Norfeldt School 35 Barksdale Road (860) 233-4421 Florence E. Smith School of Science, Math and Technology 64 St. James Street (860) 236-3315 Webster Hill School 125 Webster Hill Blvd. (860) 521-0320 Whiting Lane School 47 Whiting Lane (860) 233-8541 Henry A. Wolcott School 71 Wolcott Road (860) 561-2300
MIDDLE SCHOOLS King Philip Middle School 100 King Phillip Drive (860) 233-8230 Sedgwick Middle School 128 Sedgwick Road (860) 570-6500 Bristow Middle School 34 Highland Avenue (860) 231-2100
HIGH SCHOOLS Conard High School 110 Beechwood Road (860) 231-5050 William H. Hall School 975 North Main Street (860) 232-4561
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Town of West Hartford Contact Information
Emergency (Police, Fire, Medical) - 24 hours: 911 Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 Routine Police: (860) 523-5203 Routine Fire: (860) 561-8300
Town Hall 50 South Main Street West Hartford, CT 06107 Phone: (860) 561-7500 Website: www.west-hartford.org
West Hartford-Bloomfield-Health District: (860) 561-7900 Town Council Office: (860) 561-7448 Leisure Services Department: (860) 561-7510 Leisure Line ~24-hours a day recreation line: (860) 561-7509
Recreation Facilities Elmwood Community Center: (860) 561-8160 Veterans Memorial Skating Rink: (860) 521-1573 Cornerstone Aquatics Center: (860) 521-3242 Westmoor Park: (860) 561-8260
Public Libraries: Website:www.westhartfordlibrary.org Main Library 20 South Main Street: (860) 561-6950 Library hours of service: (860) 561-6950 Children’s Services: (860) 561-6980 Faxon Branch 1073 New Britain Ave: (860) 561-8200 Bishops Corner Branch 15 Starkel Rd. (860) 561-8210
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BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL CARE Licensed School Age Programs- School based Aiken School, operated by WHEE II (860) 233-8785 Braeburn School, operated by WHEE (860) 561-4088 Bugbee School, operated by YW Kidslink (860) 525-1163 Charter Oak School, operated by WHEE (860) 233-5343 Duffy School, operated by YW Kidslink (860) 561-4104 Morley School, operated by MEDC Board of Directors (860) 232-5336 Norfeldt School, operated by WHEE II (860) 233-0097 Smith School, operated by WHEE (860) 232-0395 Webster Hill School, operated by YW Kidslink (860) 561-4105 Whiting Lane School, operated by WLEDC (860) 233-8462 Wolcott School, operated by YW Kidslink (860) 561-4106
Town of West Hartford Department of Human Services Town Hall 50 South Main Street (860) 561-7561 Human Services provides programs and services to enhance community life. The department is organized into three main divisions: Social Services, Housing Services and Neighborhood Services. Programs offered to West Hartford residents include case management, crisis intervention, counseling, volunteer services and housing rehabilitation.
Children, Birth to Three 1-800-505-7000 www.birth23.org Specific statewide system that provides early intervention services to local education agencies (LEA’S) are active participants in getting appropriate services to eligible children. All children in Connecticut up to age three who have significant delays in development or certain medical conditions that can cause delays are eligible for early intervention services. Anyone who is concerned about a child’s development may call to make a referral including parents, health professionals, and child care providers.
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Bridge Family Center (860) 521-8035 1022 Farmington Avenue www.bridgefamilycenter.org The Bridge Family Center, as the youth service bureau for the Town of West Hartford, offers the following prevention and intervention services: • Counseling for children and families, based on a sliding fee scale • School-based services in collaboration with school personnel • Positive Youth Development Programs • Support Groups for children and adults on various issues
Care 4 Kids 1-888-214-5437 www.ctcare4kids.com Care 4 Kids helps low to moderate income families in Connecticut pay for child care costs. This program is sponsored by the State of Connecticut’s Department of Social Services.
Husky Plan 1-877-284-8759 www.huskyhealth.com This is a great place to learn about Connecticut’s health insurance program for children and eligible caregivers. The HUSKY plan offers a full health insurance package for children and teenagers up to age 19, regardless of family income. HUSKY pays for doctor visits, prescriptions, vision and dental care, and much more.
INFOLINE www.211infoline.org Dial 211 Infoline is a telephone information and referral resource for all human service needs.
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Programs to Check Out Free Of Charge
Family Resource Center (860) 233-4701 In 1991, in partnership with the Bridge Family Center, The Charter Oak Academy established the Family Resource Center to support the healthy development of families in the community. The Family Resource Center offers an integrated system of family support services that enhance parenting, promote family involvement with the schools, and help children to succeed academically, socially and emotionally.
Programs for Parents and Caregivers-Parenting education workshops * English and high school equivalency classes in collaboration with West Hartford Adult Education * People Empowering People parent leadership training * The Wisdom Circle peer group for grandparents* Lending Library * Training and support for home and center based child-care providers * CPR and first aid training * Child-care referrals * Family therapy * Ongoing parenting support groups * Access to school readiness scholarship information and support
Programs for Young Children-Early Learning Playgroups * Home visits using the Parents As Teachers curriculum * Book and toy lending library * Saturday programs * Family literacy activities * Special events
West Hartford Public Library
Collections: The West Hartford Public Library’s children’s collections at all three libraries include 67,000 books, as well as collections of music CD’s, DVDs, CD- ROMS, audiobooks, and “kits” on a number of topics including parenting, traveling, culture, and subjects of interest to children. Computers with age-appropriate educational and recreational software are available for children at all three libraries.
Programs: To stimulate a child’s curiosity, creativity and imagination, all three libraries host a variety of regularly scheduled programs for children of all ages. These include Babytime (ages newborn – 12 months,) Toddlertime (13-23 months), Totally 2’s (24-29 months) and Top of the Two’s (30-35 months). There are storytimes for children ages 3-6 both for the child alone and with parents, as well as literature, art and craft programs for elementary school-age children. Special events include
25 Great by 8 evening pajama storytimes, puppet shows, music programs, dramatic presentations, cartooning workshops and an annual Halloween Party. There is a knitting program as well as school vacation specials. Detailed information is in the Children’s Program flyer published four times a year as well as on the library website www.westhartfordlibrary.org
Additional Programs
The Children’s Museum Preschool Outreach The Children’s Museum Preschool Outreach offers educational and fun programs that travel to your own classroom. As a science-based preschool for nearly 60 years, we are well positioned to help preschools and childcare centers like yours begin the necessary foundations to inspire students to discover, explore, and learn the wonders of science and nature. Each program is created for children three to five years of age. Our programs are adaptable and appropriate for toddlers from eighteen months to three years. You can choose the program that best fits your curriculum. We offer “Crafty Critters”: Live Animal Presentations, “Bubbling Over”: Water Play, “Inspect Inspectors”: The Busy Life Of Bugs, “Attraction Action,”: Mighty Magnets and More, “Dribble, Dabble, Do!”: A Close Up Look as Colors, and “Winged Warriors”: Butterflies, Birds & Bats. Grant-funded assistance may be available for programs located in priority school districts. For scheduling and program information, please call 860-231-2830 ext. 34.
Noah’s Discover Learning Space at the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society Who knew history could be so fun? Come find out how at the Noah Webster House’s new hands-on play area for kids and their parents! Noah’s Discover Learning Space offers interactive fun and educational activities for families in a historic setting. Whether playing “pretend” colonial house (fake food and costumes included) trying their hand at archeology, or building a farm on our 3-D play mat, kids learn about the past in an entertaining way. Suitable for children aged 2-10, and their parents! Open Thursday through Monday from 1:00-4:00 p.m. or for special programming. For more infromation, contact the Education Department at (860) 521-5362 ext 14, [email protected] or visit us on the web at www.noahwebsterhouse.org. 26 Great by 8
The Nurturing Families Network (NFN) The Nurturing Families Network (NFN) is a statewide program providing family development education and support to first-time parents and parents of infants up to age 5. The Nurturing Families Network at UCONN Health Center serves Farmington Valley and West Hartford. NFN provides maternity visits, postpartum phone support, home visitation, and group programing. Group programs include a monthly mom’s social group, parent-preschooler programs, parent-infant play groups and workshops for prenatal parents. NFN programs work to facilitate and strengthen parent-child relationships. Contact Information: http://nurturingfamilies.uchc.edu [email protected] 860-679-4114 Karen Steinberg, Ph.D., Program Manager Jessica Sanderson, MFT, Clinical Supervisor Debra Johnson, M.Ed., Group Coordinator Jennifer Vendetti, MSW, Connections Coordinator
27 For more information call: Great by 8 The Office of Curriculum, Insruction & Assessment West Hartford Public Schools 860-561-6669
Printed January 2013
West Hartford Public Schools WWESETS TH ARHTARFORTD- PPUUBBLICLGreatIC S CHOOLS by 8