Middletown Early
CHILDHOOD
READINESS
SCHOOL
What is Early Start CT?
The Early Start Program provides affordable, high-quality early care and education services in high-need communities that help young children prepare for kindergarten. The program funds spaces for children ages 3, 4, and 5 who aren’t yet eligible for kindergarten. At least 60 percent of the children enrolled must be at or below 75 percent of the State Median Income.
The Early Start Program benefits individual children, their families, and their communities. Middletown is very fortunate to qualify for this grant and makes every effort to assist parents/guardians in securing care for their preschool aged children.
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Programs funded by this grant are NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited and promise high quality and age appropriate early education experiences for all children. Preschool and childcare programs offer part-day or full day care and are open during the school year and/or year round. Children are safely cared for and gain social/emotional and Kindergarten ready skills in our programs.
Early Start offers parents financial support for their children's care and early education. The School Readiness facilitator will assist parents in finding a preschool and/or childcare program that best suits their children. Children are eligible for a space at age 2 years and 8 months.
Early Start Programs
Bright & Early Learning Center
861 Middle Street, Middletown, CT
Contact: Jenn Ames
Phone: 860.635.0544
Email: jenn@brightandearly.com
Availability: 6 Preschool Classrooms
South Farms Nursery School
261 Ridge Road, Middletown, CT
Contact: Annette DiMauro
Phone: 860.344.1179
Email: southfarmsnurseryschool@gmail.com
Availability: 1 Preschool Classroom (18 students)
YMCA Phelps Ingersoll
Center for Children
99 Union Street, Middletown, CT
Contact: Karyn Hurlbert
Phone: 860.343.6227
Email: khurlbert@midymca.org
Availability: 3 Preschool Classrooms
Middletown Public Schools Preschool
BOE Preschool at Snow, Spencer & Bielefield
Contact: Jen Larson
Phone: 860.347.2579 ext 1116
Email: Larsonj@mpsct.org
Availability: 4 Half Day Classrooms at Snow
1 School Day at Snow, Bielefield and Spencer
Town & Country Early
Learning Center
195 South Main Street, Middletown, CT
Contact: Sarah Bishop
Phone: 860.347.1400
Email: sarah@townandcountryelc.com
Availability: 8 Preschool Classrooms
YMCA Phelps Ingersoll
Center for Children
Macdonough School
61 Spring Street, Middletown, CT
Contact: Karyn Hurlbert
Phone: 860.343.6227
Email: khurlbert@midymca.org
Availability: 1 Preschool Classroom (16 children)
Middletown Early Childhood Partnership
Each CT city/town has a Local Governance Partnership that’s responsible for making recommendations about the Early Start grant program. The LGP is jointly appointed and convened by the Mayor, for example) and the Superintendent of schools.
LGP Members Include:
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The chief elected official or designee
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The superintendent of schools
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Parents and other community members
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Representatives from a range of programs that provide early education and child care
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Representatives from the community who provide services to children and their families — like librarians and healthcare providers
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See our list of members for more information about who serves on the Middletown Early Childhood Partnership (LGP)
