CT Early Start Programs

Early Start CT is the new state-funded early care and education program that launched July 1, 2025. Connecticut Early Start programs provide high-quality early childhood education and care for children and families. They aim to improve equitable access to affordable, quality care across the state.

The programs listed below in our towns receive funding from Early Start CT.

Brooklyn Elementary School

Brooklyn Elementary School has three NAEYC accredited preschool classrooms serving students ages 3-5 in half day programs for Brooklyn residents. Transportation is available and registration information can be found on the Brooklyn Elementary School website.

Cost: Free for Brooklyn residents

Care 4 Kids Acceptance: No

Contact Info
  • Melissa Violette
  • 860-774-7577
  • violette@brooklynschools.org
  • Facebook
  • 119 Gorman Rd, Brooklyn

Canterbury Elementary School

Our Pre-K program in Canterbury is part of our school community and it the beginning of our journey together as families and school staff. We offer part day and extended day programs. We have an inclusive, play based program that is fun and engaging for our students. Pre-K is full day.

Cost: No Fees Charged

Care 4 Kids Acceptance: N/A

Contact Info
  • Sarah Cary
  • 860-546-6744
  • swcary@canterburypublicschools.org
  • Facebook
  • 67 Kitt Rd, Canterbury

Carelot Children’s Center – Brooklyn

At Carelot Children’s Center, we believe childhood should be filled with wonder, discovery, and joyful learning. Serving children from 6 weeks through 12 years old, our programs provide a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to explore the world around them.

Through hands-on learning, creative play, and engaging educational experiences, our dedicated teachers help children build confidence, curiosity, and the skills they need for lifelong success. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to support the whole child, promoting growth in social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development while aligning with the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS).

From our youngest infants to our energetic school-age explorers, Carelot is a place where friendships grow, imaginations soar, and strong foundations for learning begin.

Carelot Children’s Center — Building Strong Foundations for a Lifetime of Learning.

Cost: Contact Center

Care 4 Kids Acceptance: Yes

Contact Info
  • Danielle DiRaimo
  • 860-779-0400
  • Brooklyn@carelot.net
  • Facebook
  • 86 South Main St, Brooklyn

Carelot Children’s Center – Killingly

Carelot Children’s Center provides high-quality early childhood education and care for children from 6 weeks through 12 years old. Our nurturing programs focus on building strong foundations for lifelong learning through hands-on exploration, play-based experiences, and developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS).

Our experienced and caring educators create a safe, engaging environment where children grow socially, emotionally, physically, and academically. From our infant and toddler programs to preschool and school-age enrichment, we support each child’s curiosity, confidence, and love of learning.

At Carelot, we partner with families to create a community where children feel valued, inspired, and ready to thrive.

Cost: Contact Center

Care 4 Kids Acceptance: Yes

Contact Info
  • Tasha Doyon
  • 860-779-0611
  • Killingly@carelot.net
  • Facebook
  • 155 North St, Danielson

CT Head Start

Killingly Head Start

562 Westcott Road, Danielson

Serves: Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers

Head Start and Early Start CT spots

Monday – Friday, 7am – 5pm

Infant/Toddler programs are year-round, extended hours, sliding scale fees.

Preschool program is school year, 6 hours, free.

Killingly Head Start at Killingly High School

226 Putnam Pike, Dayville

Serves: Preschoolers

Head Start

Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 2:30pm

Preschool program is school year, 6 hours, free.

Moosup Head Start

Serves: Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers

Head Start spots

Monday – Friday, 7:45am – 4:30pm

Infant/Toddler programs are year-round, extended hours, sliding scale fees.

Preschool program is year-round, 6 hours, free.

Putnam Head Start

33 Wicker Street, Putnam

Serves: Preschoolers

Head Start

Monday – Friday, 8:45am – 2:45pm

Preschool program is school year, 6 hours, free.

Interested in learning more about EASTCONN Head Start?
Contact Info
  • Jen Snyder, ERSEA Coordinator
  • 860-455-1586
  • jsnyder@eastconn.org
  • Facebook

Killingly Public Schools – Goodyear Early Childhood Center

Goodyear is an accredited nature based public school preschool working in partnership with families and the community, to support children in developing a strong foundation for learning. Classes are offered at full day or halfday, morning or afternoon)

Cost: Sliding Scale Tuition

Care 4 Kids Acceptance: No

Contact Info
  • Sally Sherman
  • 860 779-6770
  • ssherman@killinglyschools.org
  • Facebook
  • 22 Williamsville Rd, Killingly

Loving Start Daycare

Loving Start Daycare is a home-based childcare program in Sterling, Connecticut, serving children from birth through age 12. We offer a nurturing environment that includes a preschool curriculum as well as before- and after-school care.

As a home daycare, Loving Start provides a more personal experience than larger centers. Children benefit from consistent care and meaningful one-on-one relationships, with activities thoughtfully planned around their interests. Safety is a top priority—CPR and First Aid certifications are kept up to date, vaccination records are required, and monthly evacuation drills are practiced to ensure preparedness.

We believe children learn best through play. Each day includes engaging, hands-on activities that support development in math, science, language, art, and both fine and gross motor skills, along with opportunities for free play. Through games, creative projects, imaginative play, music, and exploration, we strive to foster a lifelong love of learning in every child.

Cost: Contact center

Care 4 Kids Acceptance: Contact center

Contact Info
  • Gianna Piccione
  • 860-317-1363
  • lovingstartdaycare@yahoo.com
  • Facebook
  • Gibson hill Rd, Sterling Ct

Plainfield Family Resource Center

The mission of the Plainfield Family Resource Center is to nurture the healthy development of all children and families, strengthen the bond between the school, the community and the family and help all children be ready for school. Preschool is full day.

Cost: Contact Center

Care 4 Kids Acceptance: Yes

Contact Info
  • Cathy Lane
  • 860-564-6411
  • lanec@plainfieldschools.org
  • Facebook
  • 234 Shepard Hill Rd, Plainfield

Putnam Family Resource Center

Putnam information coming soon!

Cost:

Care 4 Kids Acceptance:

Contact Info

Sterling School

Sterling Information coming soon!

Cost:

Care 4 Kids Acceptance:

Contact Info

Thompson Early Childhood Center

Mary R. Fisher Elementary Preschool is an accredited early childhood program through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), demonstrating a commitment to high-quality education for young children and their families. The program serves eligible 3, 4, & 5-year-old children in Thompson, Connecticut and is designed as an integrated program where children with and without special needs learn together in an inclusive environment. We offer both full-day and part-day options to meet the needs of young children and families while supporting early learning and development.
A full-day preschool program follows a schedule similar to the elementary school day. Children participate in a balance of structured learning activities, play-based exploration, outdoor time, meals, and rest periods. Instruction focuses on building social-emotional skills, language development, early literacy and math, and independence through developmentally appropriate activities. Full-day programs provide extended opportunities for learning, peer interaction, and support services, including special education when applicable.
A part-day preschool program runs for a shorter block of time, often in either a morning or afternoon session lasting about 2½ to 3 hours. These programs focus on the same developmental goals as full-day programs but within a shorter timeframe. Children engage in circle time, small group activities, play-based learning centers, and social interaction with peers. Part-day programs are often designed for younger preschoolers or for families who prefer a shorter school experience.

Cost: Sliding scale tuition

Care 4 Kids Acceptance: No

Contact Info
  • Laurence Prentiss
  • 860-923-9142
  • LPrentiss@thompsonpublicschools.org
  • Facebook
  • 785 Riverside Dr, North Grovenordale