The Best Daycare Centers in Ellington, CT
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ellington. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ellington
The Goddard School of Ellington
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School of Ellington offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic learning with creative play. The center features state-of-the-art facilities with secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. Highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The curriculum focuses on STEAM learning, literacy development, and social-emotional growth with daily communication to parents through the Goddard mobile app. The center maintains low student-teacher ratios and follows strict health and safety protocols.
Daycare Services:
Little Learners Academy
Independent
Little Learners Academy provides a nurturing, family-oriented environment with a comprehensive early childhood curriculum. The center emphasizes hands-on learning through centers-based classrooms where children explore math, science, literacy, and creative arts. The facility features secure access, modern classrooms with natural lighting, and age-appropriate playgrounds. Teachers are certified in early childhood education and participate in continuous training. The program includes nutritious meals and snacks, regular developmental assessments, and strong parent-teacher partnerships. Special features include music enrichment, gardening activities, and community involvement projects.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Vernon
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just minutes from Ellington in neighboring Vernon, The Goddard School serves families throughout the broader community with its research-based curriculum and play-based learning approach. The center features modern, purpose-built classrooms with advanced security systems, including keypad entry and comprehensive surveillance. The educational program incorporates literacy-rich environments, technology integration, and character development. Certified teachers implement individualized learning plans and maintain detailed progress reports. The facility includes multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, indoor gross motor spaces, and dedicated art and music rooms. Extended hours and flexible scheduling accommodate working families.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ellington, CT
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Ellington, CT, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Ellington, CT, the cost of full-time daycare or preschool can vary significantly based on the type of program and the child's age. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $1,300 and $1,700 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $1,100 to $1,400 per month. Home-based daycare programs are often slightly less expensive, ranging from $900 to $1,200 monthly. It's important to note that these are estimates, and prices can fluctuate. For financial assistance, Connecticut's Care 4 Kids program is the primary state-subsidized option for eligible families based on income. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. We recommend contacting the Ellington Human Services Department for information on any town-specific resources or referrals.
How can I verify that a daycare or childcare provider in Ellington is properly licensed and in good standing with the state?
All licensed childcare providers in Ellington must be registered with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC). To verify a provider's license and compliance history, you can use the OEC's online "Look Up a License" tool on their official website. This public database allows you to search by provider name, town, or license number and will show the license status, any history of violations, and the results of their most recent inspections. You can also call the OEC at (860) 500-4450 for assistance. We strongly recommend performing this check for any center or home-based provider you are considering, as it provides crucial information about health, safety, and program standards.
What is the current availability and waitlist situation for daycare centers in Ellington, especially for infants?
Due to high demand and limited infant care slots (which require a lower staff-to-child ratio), securing a spot for an infant (under 18 months) in Ellington can be challenging. Many of the town's licensed centers, such as those affiliated with local schools or churches, often have waitlists that can be 6 to 12 months long, or even longer. It is highly advisable to begin your search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible, ideally during pregnancy. For older toddlers and preschoolers, availability is generally better, but popular programs still fill up quickly. Contacting providers directly is the best way to get current waitlist information, as situations change frequently.
Are there any unique or specialized childcare programs in Ellington, such as nature-based preschools, Montessori, or programs for children with special needs?
While Ellington is a smaller town, it offers a few specialized childcare options. There are programs that incorporate Montessori-inspired methods and play-based curricula. Given Ellington's semi-rural character, some home-based providers and centers may emphasize outdoor play and nature exploration, though there isn't a formally designated "forest school." For children with special needs, providers are required to make reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Ellington Public Schools system also provides early intervention services for eligible children aged 3 and up. For more specialized therapeutic programs, parents often look to larger regional centers in nearby towns like Vernon or Manchester. Always inquire directly with providers about their philosophy, curriculum, and experience with specific needs.
What are the options for before and after-school care for school-age children in Ellington?
Ellington Public Schools provides a School Age Child Care (SACC) program for students in grades K-6. This district-run program operates at the elementary schools (Crystal Lake and Windermere) and offers care before school from 7:00 AM and after school until 6:00 PM. Space can be limited, so early registration is encouraged. Additionally, several private daycare centers in town may offer transportation to and from local schools for their after-school programs. Other options include local organizations like the Ellington Parks and Recreation Department, which may offer holiday and summer camp programs that fill the gap on school breaks. It's best to contact the Ellington Board of Education and individual centers for the most current details, schedules, and fees.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Ellington: