River Street Preschool/Early Learning Center

Philosophy

We believe that children learn best in a calm and nurturing environment through play-based, hands-on experiences, using a discovery approach to foster curiosity and build independence. Children are encouraged to explore, experiment, investigate, and problem solve through play, supporting both personal and academic growth and development. The preschool environment is carefully planned using stimulating, creative materials based on the interests and needs of the children.

Curriculum

Teaching Strategies’ Creative Curriculum is utilized to help plan instruction. Second Step SEL for Early Learning helps children benefit from preschool and prepare for kindergarten by learning skills to help them pay attention, remember directions, and manage their behavior. In addition, supplemental teacher created curriculum resources are utilized in order to provide thoughtfully planned, play-based, interactive learning activities to teach skills across all domains of the CT ELDS. Curriculum and instruction is adjusted to meet the needs of each student as identified by data that is taken using the CT Documentation and Observation for Teaching System (CT DOTS).

Hours & Tuition

Our program is a full day preschool and is open year-round from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. We accept Care 4 Kids and are also funded by School Readiness grants. Our director will work with families around tuition options that work for them.

Enrollment and Admissions

In order to enroll in the River Street Early Learning Center children must be between 3 - 5 years of age. Under the CREC guidelines and policies, we are a nonsectarian program that provides equal education opportunities for all students regardless of race, color, age, national origin, sex, or disability.

Class size and Staff

ELC is staffed with a certified teacher and two to three assistant early childhood instructors, all of whom have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Numerous additional support staff are involved in our program, as needed, including the school nurse, an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, a behavior analyst, and a speech/language therapist. Additional staff members who are specially trained in working with students with autism will accompany children from the autism program.

The class size consists of no more than 10 children. At times, the class may include children from the River Street Autism Program. These students will be practicing skills that they’ve acquired in an individual setting, applying them in the group setting of the preschool.

Families

We value early childhood as a time of learning through play in the environment of inclusion and acceptance, utilizing current, research-based, best practices to provide students with an individualized program unique to their abilities. We nurture and value collaborative partnerships with families and our community, honoring and celebrating families’ diverse cultures, language, values, strengths and needs. Children are encouraged to be curious, independent, respectful, confident, and joyful learners.

Daily Preschool Schedule