A Guide to Day Care and Pre-school Programs

Finding the best program for your child takes time.  You should call each preschool you are considering and ask about its fees, admission policy and what they teach.  You should also visit the preschools that you think will meet your needs and offer your child a fulfilling experience.

Things to consider when choosing a Preschool for your child
• Is it close to home or work?
• Do you need half-day or full day?
• Do you need 2-3 days a week or full time?
• Is the preschool clean and safe?
• Is there an outdoor play area?
• Are there different activity areas in the classroom?
• Are there lots of materials and books?
• Is there student artwork on the walls?
• What early childhood credentials do the staff have?
• Is the atmosphere friendly and fun?
• Are parents welcome to visit and observe their child?

Adapted from Parents.com Why Preschool Matters

Some terms you need to know…

• NAEYC Accreditation

NAEYC is the National Association for the Education of Young Children.  The NAEYC accreditation process examines all aspects of a program, including health and safety, teacher qualifications, and administration—and especially the quality of interactions between teachers and children and the nature of the child’s experience.

• School Readiness Programs

School Readiness is a state funded subsidy program that helps families afford a quality child care program.  School Readiness programs in Bridgeport are closely monitored by the Bridgeport Alliance for Young Children’s School Readiness Council for quality.

• Head Start/Early Head Start

Head Start is a national program that promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social and other services to enrolled children and families.  The program provides comprehensive child development services to economically disadvantaged children and families, with a special focus school readiness by helping preschoolers develop the early reading and math skills they need to be successful in school.  Significant emphasis is placed on the involvement of parents in the administration of local Head Start programs.

Care 4 Kids

The goal of the Care 4 Kids program is to make child care affordable for low to moderate income families in Connecticut. The program is a partnership between the State of Connecticut, the families in the program and the providers who take care of the children.  To participate in the program, there are certain eligibility requirements for parents, children and child care providers.

Families must:
• live in Connecticut;
• be working or attending a temporary family cash assistance (Jobs First) approved education or training activity; and
• meet the program's income requirements.

Children must:
• live in Connecticut; and
• be under age 13, or if the child has special needs, be under age 19.

Providers must:
• be licensed by the CT Department of Public Health (unless exempt from licensing); or
• be a relative, like a grandparent; or
• take care of the child in the child's home.

Click here to find out if you might be eligible for Care 4 Kids.