The Early Learning Program

To address the early educational needs of the children of the University community (and, when possible, the New Britain community), the University sponsors the Early Learning Program, located just off the campus of at 1285 East Street, New Britain. This Web site is intended to provide a brief overview of the major features of the ELP. For more information, including a parent’s handbook, and to register, please contact the director of the ELP at (860) 827-7018.

Organization

Central Connecticut State University holds the childcare license for this facility.  The University and its academic departments are not directly responsible for the daily operation of the facility. An elected board of directors oversees the general operations.

Philosophy

Our belief is that young children will thrive through their positive interactions with appropriate role models, exposure to developmentally appropriate materials and the introduction of educational concepts in a developmentally appropriate environment. The children enrolled in our program are involved in activities, based on play, that address their developmental needs in the following areas of growth social, emotional, cognitive and physical.

We believe that it is the responsibility of all early childhood educational environments to provide, on a daily basis, challenging, age-appropriate experiences in order to foster a child’s positive developmental growth.

Curriculum

The Early Learning Program accepts toilet trained children ages three to five years old. Our program stresses the use of an interactive curriculum involving the implementation of a variety of “activity centers.” The centers are based on the developmental needs and interests of the children in the group as a part of the emergent curriculum of the program. All of the activities presented are a mixture of real life and imaginative play situations.

Each teacher introduces a concept/ theme that is used to develop the curriculum for the program.  Daily activities are then structured around that theme. Input from the children is highly encouraged to develop the concepts presented. The focus and direction of each topic is based directly upon the developmental needs and interests of the children in the group.

Each classroom has a parent information board (“What We Did Today”) that gives an overview of that program’s activities. Parents are encouraged to review the posted materials and provide input for the classroom staff as appropriate.

Program Fees

Registration Fee

A $50.00 non-refundable registration fee is due at the beginning of each school year in order for your application/paperwork to be processed. Applications may be obtained by calling the program (860) 827-7018.

Attendance Fees

The following attendance schedules are available:

Full Day (a child who is at the program at least 6 hrs. per day will be considered to be full-day enrollment)

Monday-Friday              7:30am to 5pm.                        

*Daily rates are available with a minimum of two-day attendance         

 Half Day (a child who is at the program at least 4 hrs. per day will be considered to be half-day enrollment)

Monday-Friday              7:30am to 12:30pm 

*Daily rates are available with a minimum of two-day attendance        

Nursery School

Monday-Friday              9am to 12pm            

Mon., Wed., Fri.            9am to 12pm          

Tues., Thurs                 9am to 12pm            

*If scheduling allows, we will attempt to accommodate your other needs.

Rates for ’05-’06 School Year

Late Pick Up Fees

A late fee of $20.00 will apply for every fifteen (15) minutes or part thereof that a parent is late for scheduled pick up. This fee applies to ALL families regardless of the time of late pick up (i.e. if pick up is at 11:30 am, 12 noon, or 5pm). Parents/designated persons are required to notify the program if they will be picking up late. The late fee will still apply. The program reserves the right to refuse service to any individual with continual late pick up situations.

Waiting List

Due to the size of our classes, we are typically in the position of keeping a waiting list. Because our main focus is to serve the Central Community, priority on the list is:

1.   Students of CCSU

2.   Faculty and Staff members of CCSU

3.     Families with children currently enrolled at ELP

4.    Alumni of CCSU

5.   Persons in the local community

Daily Schedule

The Early Learning Program, Inc. operates from the last week of August through mid-May. Exact dates are dependent upon the university’s calendar.

Our hours of operation are 7:30 am. to 5:00 pm., Monday through Friday.

A summer session may operate from mid-May through the beginning of August. The availability of this program is subject to enrollment and availability. 

Discipline Policy                  

The staff recognizes and accepts each child’s individual differences and unique personalities and temperaments. It is our belief that a combination of positive discipline and developmentally appropriate guidance help children to cultivate self-discipline. ELP strives to provide a program that fosters the healthy development of a child’s self-esteem.

Our program believes in…

1. Setting limits that are developmentally appropriate and consistent.

2. Encouraging children to verbalize feelings and find solutions to solve problems using cooperation under teacher supervision/direction where appropriate.

3. Use of positive role models and the modeling of appropriate behaviors for the children.

4. The use of genuine praise and attention for appropriate behaviors.

Parents are encouraged to stop in and participate as much as possible.