An Introduction to Old Saybrook’s Early Childhood Council
The Early Childhood Council is committed to promoting the physical, emotional and academic well being of all children and families in the community. The Council believes in a coordinated community approach to best meet the needs of our youngest children and ensure their future success.
To contact Old Saybrook's Early Childhood Council, call
Council Members
Acton Public Library hosts year-round, drop-in story time programs for children birth to five years old. While entertaining children, these programs also help parents learn how to use picture books with their children, thereby increasing the child’s early literacy skills. As a result of these programs, parents enhance their awareness of Acton Library’s materials and services.
Contact: Phyllis DaCorte, Children’s Librarian at 860-395-3184.
The Children's Tree Montessori School (www.childrenstree.com) offers education for students ages 3 to 12, providing children and their parents an alternative to public school education. We offer a nurturing, child-centered environment where children can develop independence, respect-- for themselves and others, and a lifelong love of learning. The Children's Tree is the only Montessori school on the Connecticut Shoreline with both primary (preschool ages 3-6) and elementary (ages 6-12) programs. They offer every student an individualized workplan, based on their interests and needs. Students at the Children's Tree benefit from small classes, which are guided by teachers and aides who are Montessori certified.
Community Cooperative Nursery School of Old Saybrook is a non-profit, interdenominational, interracial nursery school owned and managed by the parents whose children attend the school. The Co-op is open to all residents of Old Saybrook and surrounding towns. The Co-op offers age appropriate activities that challenge each child. Their philosophy is to nurture the “whole” child – socially, emotionally, creatively, and intellectually through a fun loving, active learning environment. Children must be three by November 30th and be toilet trained.
Contact: Judee Magoon, Director at 860-388-9623.
The Early Childhood Consultation Partnership is a statewide program that is designed to offer Early Childhood Educators and Families relationship-based consultation services. These services focus on the healthy social and emotional development of children birth to five. The overall services offered are based upon a continuum from brief phone consultation to center-based consultation to child-specific consultation. The staff has experience working with children, families, and teen mothers; their services include home visits and clinical work with children and families.
Contact: Sara Schmidt, LCSW at the Child Guidance Clinic for Central Connecticut at (203) 235-2815 or sschmidt@cgccentralct.org
My Second Home serves infants, toddlers and pre-school along with providing pre-kindergarten and before and after school programs. Our summers are filled with art activities and numerous field trips.
We are located at 18 King Street in Old Saybrook and open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with half day and full time programs available. Our Center has been in business since 1989. We build strong foundations for your child’s education. Please call for a tour of our Center.
Contact: Donna Jeffrey at 860-395-0621.
Old Saybrook Parks and Recreation has recreation programs and facilities for all ages year round. Preschoolers have open gym times many days along with scheduled activities requiring registration. Playhouse Recreation Mornings is designed for 3 and 4 year olds and consists of activities such as arts & crafts, sports & games, dance & music, special events and character counts activities. Other programs are designed for 3 – 5 year olds and include classes in Soccer Skills, Story Crafts, Creative Dance Movement, etc.
Contact: Kelly Gaboury at 860-395-3152.
The Old Saybrook Public Health Nurse serves individuals of every age as a resource for health or medical needs. As a Visiting Nurse with the VNA of Southeastern Connecticut, the nurse can do home visits to set up homecare services after an illness or hospitalization, including physical and outpatient therapy, home health aid and homemaker services. Home visits can also be for health counseling for families, or safety checks for someone in need. Collaborating with the local health department and social services the nurse works to identify the health and medical needs of the community and assists with implementing plans and services. The Public Health Nurse also works with the local Food Pantry, providing occasional blood pressure screenings on site and providing information and referrals for health needs.
Contact: Tina Belmont, RN at 860-510-0035.
Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services represents the Town’s commitment to promoting the positive and healthy well-being of its children and families. The agency remains committed to coordinating early intervention services for preschool children to best meet their identified needs prior to their entering kindergarten. Services available to assist this young population include: counseling, parent education, socialization groups and information/referral services.
Contact: Kathy Ferrantelli, LCSW at 860-395-3190.
St. John School Pre-Kindergarten www.stjohnschoolos.com is located at 42 Maynard Road, Old Saybrook. The Pre-Kindergarten program at St. John School offers children the opportunity to develop and grow while in a Catholic environment. We offer a traditional curriculum to help children learn and succeed while in a safe, spiritual and creative atmosphere. Our mission is to provide a Roman Catholic Christian environment which supports a partnership with parents in offering a quality curriculum that challenges its students to achieve spiritual, academic, physical and
social potential.
Contact: Tina Greene at 860-388-0849
Saint Paul Lutheran Church offers “The Blessing Place”, a free Christian playgroup for children 14-36 months and their caregivers. Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 am. For information or registration, contact Donna Vinelli at the church.
Sunday morning worship is held at 8:30 am and 10:45 am. Adult and Children’s Learning Hour at 9:30
Stay and Play L.L.C. is a 5,700 square foot play space for children six and under. Our space offers an environment not only for children, but a place for adults to lounge on couches and drink a great cup of coffee. We are unique in many ways especially when it comes to being green. The space is designed for kids to be kids and adults to be adults, a place for kids to run their energy out and for parents to feel pampered…especially with our chair massages. We are open seven days a week 9:30 to 5:00. Come check us out!
Contact: Roger Rose at 860-395-4446.
The Old Saybrook Early Childhood Program is an inclusive program providing special education services for children in Old Saybrook, who are between three and five years old and are determined eligible to receive special education services. The program also includes typically developing peers who serve as role models. Role model applications are accepted during the month of January and the selection process is finalized during the month of February for the following school year. The program meets five days per week and follows the district calendar. It is located at the Kathleen E. Goodwin School.
Contact: Suzanne Joyce, School Social Worker at 860-395-3165.
The Sherwood School will begin tours for the 2009-2010 Academic Year and Summer Enrichment Programs in mid- October. Half and Full Day Toddler, Pre-School and Pre-K programs are available.
Contact: Nancy Marston at 860-388-3717.
Tracy Art Center is a non-profit art center located at 247 Main Street in Old Saybrook. They offer a variety of enrichment classes for children ages 2 years through high school. Programs support creative exploration and artistic development. Young artists are inspired to express themselves creatively through painting, drawing, sculpture and more.
Contact: Maria Joseph at 860-388-1391.
The Valley Shore YMCA in Westbrook offers a full-day daycare program, half-day preschool, and pre-k designed for five year olds. Swimming is an important part of our day, as well as age-appropriate activities and fun with friends!
Contact: Mary Lewis at 860-399-9622.
Wildwood Pediatrics Dr. Michelle DiLorenzo is a pediatrician and partner of Wildwood Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine located in Essex and Old Saybrook. She has been at Wildwood and living in the community for 12 years. Over time she has developed many special interests including child development, behavioral health and adolescent health. She believes in surrounding children with supportive family and community allowing them to flourish and reach their full potential. Wildwood and Dr. DiLorenzo should be seen as a resource to the community to help children achieve these goals. We are not just about physical health, we are here to support families and their children in all areas of development.
Contact: Dr. DiLorenzo at 860-388-4545.
Old Saybrook's Early Childhood Council is partially supported by a grant from the Middlesex United Way.
| 
