Our program is proud to have earned NAEYC accreditation-
the mark of quality for early childhood education programs.

Are you interested in having your child enrolled in our Early Learning Program? 

Here are some things you should know:

The ECS Early Learning Program is an inclusive preschool program with many diverse learners enrolled, including children with identified special needs. This program provides a language-rich environment in which independence and curiosity are fostered.  The program uses the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS) as the foundation of its developmentally appropriate curriculum.

The program is partially funded through a Smart Start grant that provides a high-quality early childhood education program for four year old Cromwell residents. The focus of the Smart Start-funded classrooms is to support children whose families may not otherwise be able to afford to enroll their child(ren) in an early childhood program and/or are at risk due to economic or cultural disadvantages.

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General Information Regarding the Early Learning Program

• Child must be 4 years old by September 1 of the year they are enrolling

• Tuition is calculated based on family income and family size using a slide fee scale

• The program is partially funded through a Smart Start grant which is designed to meet the needs of preschool-age children at risk due to economic or cultural disadvantages. Children with family income meeting guidelines below 75% of state median income will be given priority placement. Other applicants, regardless of economic factors, will then be selected.

• Inclusive classrooms-students with disabilities are members of each classroom

• Mixed-age classrooms of 3-year-olds (special needs only)  and 4-year-olds

• Child should be toilet-trained

• The program follows the school year calendar

• Program school hours: 9:00-3:00

• Lunch and nap are a part of the daily schedule

• Transportation is provided by parents

• Curriculum: CT Early Learning and Development Standards tied to Creative Curriculum topics

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For more information about the CT ELDS, please click on the image below:

 

 

 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions: 

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• What do I do if I have concerns about my child's development?

      If you have concerns about your child's development, please contact the             

     school to schedule a Preschool screening by calling (860) 632-4866 or                       CLICK HERE TO CONACT US.
 

• What age does my child have to be to enter the lottery?

      Children who will be turning 4 by Sept 1 of the year of enrollment are eligible              to enter the lottery.

 

• Do you offer a 3 year old program?  

       No, children must be 4 years old to enter the lottery.

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• My child is eligible for Kindergarten next year but we plan on holding them out for a year. Can my child attend your preschool instead of attending Kindergarten?  

       No, children who are age-eligible to attend Kindergarten (will be 5 on or                     before Sept 1, 2024) are not eligible to enter the lottery. 

 

• What happens if my child doesn’t get into the program?

        We encourage families to investigate other available programs in the area.                 You can search for preschools/daycares within Cromwell by visiting:

        http://www.211childcare.org/

        Children not chosen during the lottery process will be placed on a waiting list.           If an opening becomes available, the next family on the waiting list will be     

        contacted and offered a spot in the program.  

 

• How many days of the week is school in session? 

       Our program runs Monday through Friday from 9:00-3:00.  

       We follow the Cromwell Public School’s calendar.  

 

• What is the cost of the program?

        Family tuition rates are determined through a sliding fee scale provided by                the Office of Early Childhood. Rates are based on household income and                  household size.  Your family’s exact tuition will be determined when income              documentation is received and reviewed.  

        The maximum tuition a family may pay is $6,240 as this is the programs'                    published cost of care.

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• Is there before and after school school care?  

       Before and after care is available for an additional cost at Adelbrook Hilltop               Child Care Center. Please contact them for more information. 

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• Is transportation provided?  Can my child take the bus? 

       Transportation is provided for those students who attend before and after care         at Adelbrook/Hilltop Child Care Center. All other students are transported by             family. 

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• Is lunch provided?

       Families can choose to send a lunch each day, or have their child purchase              lunch through the school cafeteria.  Lunch is eaten in the classrooms.  

     What do I do if I want my child to be entered into the lottery for the preschool           program at ECS? 

     Read the important dates below to follow the lottery application process.

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