• Learn about your campus childcare options by choosing from the list above.

• • The Laboratory School at Capital

    The Laboratory School at CT State Capital provides a high-quality preschool program for children ages three to five. Open to children of CT State Capital students and staff, as well as members of the community, the center is staffed with qualified and experienced early childhood professionals.

    The Laboratory School provides a safe and nurturing environment for all children. We partner with families to establish ongoing, two-way communication, and our open-door policy welcomes parents to the classroom at any time. We encourage families to share information with us, and we value their input.

    Our curriculum supports the development of each child as an individual in an environment that values each family’s ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Teachers strive to build positive self-identity in every child and to appreciate each other’s differences.

    The Laboratory School is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and licensed by the State Department of Public Health.

    Goals

    • To provide a warm and accepting environment in which children experience success, build a positive self-image, and develop to their fullest potential.
    • To develop dignity and respect for oneself and others.
    • To stimulate and encourage children to develop intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically through a variety of experiences.
    • To encourage learning as a life-long experience.

    Contact

    Suzanne Rocco-Foertsch
    Director of the Child Development Center
    Phone: 860-906-5238
    Email: suzanne.roccofoertsch@ctstate.edu

    Tuition

    The cost of attending the Lab School varies according to the status of the parent. Students pay the minimum rate and also are eligible for partial scholarships during each semester. We also accept parents enrolled in the Care-4-Kids program.

    The costs for a child to attend the Lab School are:

    • Students: $3.50 per hour
    • Faculty /Staff: $5 per hour
    • Community: $5 per hour

    Location and Schedule

    The Lab School is located on the Talcott Street level of the building.

    The Lab School's schedule follows the CT State Capital academic calendar during the fall and spring semesters. It is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

    Documents

    • Lab School Application
    • Health Assessment Record
    • Individual Plan of Care
    • Medication Policy

  • Enrollment

    All children between the ages of two years and 8 months and four years old are eligible for enrollment. All children must be toilet trained. Priority enrollment is given to the children of CT State Capital students and faculty, but children in the community are also welcome to attend. Enrollment applications and additional information is available by calling the Director of Child Development Center at 860-906-5238.

    Training

    In addition to providing quality childcare, the Lab School serves as a model setting for students in CT State Capital’s Early Childhood Education Program. Students observe, practice and master the skills necessary to plan and implement their own quality preschool program after graduation.

    Staff

    The director, teachers and educational assistant all have degrees in early childhood education and work with both the preschoolers and the college students. The ratio of teachers to children is maintained at a high level due to the early childhood training component.

• • The Early Learning Center Lab School at Gateway

  • “Nurturing Learners. Empowering Educators. Strengthening Community.”

    The Early Learning Center Lab School, a nationally accredited center is committed to creating a warm, caring environment where children can explore, discover, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

    As a campus-based early childhood laboratory school, we provide high-quality early education while serving as a training site for future educators from CT State Community College. Children benefit from a nurturing, inclusive environment supported by the energy and expertise of a learning community. The center’s staff value the partnership with families and encourage families stay engaged throughout the year.

    At the Gateway Early Learning Center Lab School, we recognize each child as a unique individual and support their growth at their own pace. We serve children ages 6 months to 5 years in mixed-age classrooms, including an infant-toddler room (6 months–2.9 years) and two preschool rooms (ages 2.9–5 years old). Our program uses three different pedagogical approaches, and inclusive, developmentally appropriate practices aligned with ADA policies to ensure every child can fully participate and thrive.

    Download Lab School Application

    Contact

    Carmelita Valencia-Daye
    Email: carmelita.valenciadaye@ctstate.edu
    Location: CE101 First floor, South Building
    20 Church St. New Haven, CT 06511

    Hours of Operation:
    M-F 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

    The Early Learning Center operate for 10 months from August -June following the college calendar

    Note: Daily arrival begins at 7:30 a.m. and continues until 9:15 a.m. Arrival after 9:15 is not permitted without prior arrangements with the child’s teacher. Parents are asked to call the Early Learning Center by 8:30 a.m. if child is going to be late or is not coming in. Please call 203-285-2131 or 203-285-2130.

    Location and Schedule

    20 Church St, New Haven, CT 06510

    Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

  • • History

      The ELC opened in March 1983 through the great efforts of Dr. Earnestine Kirkland and Susan Logston. The primary function of the ELC was to provide a training site for preschool teachers and quality childcare for the community. It was the aim of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) department to integrate theoretical concepts with practical applications for those enrolled in the ECE Program. Gateway Community College (now CT State Gateway) students in Early Childhood Education, Human Services, Psychology, Nursing and other programs would also have the opportunity to use the Center as a learning resource in child development.

    • Mission, Vision and Philosophy

      Mission Statement
      The CT State Community College Gateway Early Learning Center (Lab School)recognizes and celebrates each child's unique development and individuality in safe, inclusive environments. We partner with families and community to promote equity, and high-quality, evidence-based early learning practices. Through a culture of reflection and innovation, we prepare a skilled, diverse early childhood workforce, ensuring future educators are well-trained to meet the needs of all children and families.

      Vision Statement
      We envision a community where every child thrives in an inclusive, nurturing environment that honors their individuality and supports lifelong learning. By cultivating a well-prepared, diverse early childhood workforce, we aim to advance equity and excellence in early education for all families.

      Program Philosophy
      The CT State Community College Gateway Early Learning Center (Lab School)recognizes each child as a unique individual and supports their growth and development at their own pace. We serve children ages 6 months to 5 years in mixed-age classrooms, including an infant-toddler room for ages 6 months to 2.9 years and two preschool rooms for ages 3 to 5 years. Our program uses three pedagogical approaches and inclusive, developmentally appropriate practices aligned with ADA policies to ensure every child can fully participate.

      We embrace and celebrate the diversity of children, families, and staff, ensuring every child feels seen, valued, and respected. Our program is committed to high-quality, evidence-based practices that promote growth, development, and school readiness while partnering with families as their child’s first and most important teachers.

      We prioritize building strong, respectful relationships with families, educators, and the community to strengthen our collective impact on children’s early learning experiences. By fostering a culture of reflection and innovation, we encourage creativity and continuous improvement among staff and future educators to maintain high standards of care and learning.

      Guided by child-centered practices, we design our teaching and care around each child’s needs, strengths, and interests within safe, nurturing environments. We are committed to equity and access by removing barriers to high-quality early learning and by preparing a skilled, diverse workforce ready to meet the needs of all children and families.

    • Classroom Pedagogical Approaches

      Each classroom at the Early Learning Center Lab School uses a unique approach to meet the needs of the children we serve.

      Infant-Toddler room (6 months–2.9 years) In our Infant-Toddler community, we view infants as capable individuals and foster respectful, responsive care. With small group sizes and low ratios, teachers closely observe and respond to each child’s cues while providing a safe, predictable environment for exploration. Infants are involved in their care routines, encouraged to play and move freely, and supported through consistent boundaries to build trust and security.

      Core Principles:

      • Respectful, responsive interactions
      • Uninterrupted, self-directed play
      • Safe and predictable environment
      • Close observation and understanding of individual needs
      • Active involvement in care routines
      • Clear, consistent boundaries for trust and security

      Children’s House Primary Montessori (ages 2.9–5 years) The Children’s House uses the Montessori principles, one of which is “Grace and Courtesy”. The environment is carefully prepared with hands-on materials that encourage independence, exploration, and a love of learning. Teachers guide rather than direct, allowing children to choose activities and work deeply at their own pace.

      Core Principles:

      • Respect for each child as a unique learner
      • Hands-on, self-directed learning
      • A prepared, orderly environment
      • Extended, uninterrupted work periods
      • Encouragement of intrinsic motivation

      Literature-Inspired Approach (ages 2.9–5 years) This classroom uses quality literature as the foundation for learning, integrating stories, poems, and plays to teach language, social studies, science, and more. Children engage in discussions, creative projects, and exploration to build literacy and critical thinking while connecting learning to their lives.

      Core Principles:

      • Learning through stories and poems
      • Integrated, cross-subject connections

    • Tuition Fee

      The Early Learning Center participates in Early Start CT, the new state-funded early care and education program launched on July 1, 2025. Under this program, families pay fees based on the Early Start CT Fee Schedule, effective July 1, 2025. This schedule calculates family contributions using the State Median Income (SMI), published annually in the Federal Register.

      To calculate your weekly fee, we have to determine the family size and gross annual income, using the federal or state tax return for verification. Then we calculate the weekly fee using a formula provided by the Office of Early Childhood. Fees are set at enrollment or 30 days before your child’s first day and are re-determined annually.

      Note: If gross annual income is above 75% of the SMI, families are not eligible for the Early Start CT sliding scale and will pay the college’s regular weekly rates:

      • CT State Faculty/Staff: $275/week
      • CT State Student (with current registration): $175/week
      • Community: $295/week

      Eligibility and How to Apply

      We accept applications for children of the College staff, faculty, students and the outside community. Enrollments are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, except for CT State Gateway students who have priority enrollment, followed by families who have attended previously and/or have College affiliation, all while ensuring that our classrooms are diverse.

      Age Requirements

      Infant Toddler Community Children entering classroom must be 6 months of age by August

      Preschool – either Children’s House Primary Montessori or Literature-Inspired Approach Children entering a preschool classroom must be 2.9 years of age by August

      How To Apply

      Applications may be obtained from the Early Learning Center Lab School, by email request, or by printing the application form below.

      Return applications to: CT State Gateway Early Learning Center CE101 20 Church St. New Haven, CT 06510

• • The Early Childhood Laboratory School at Housatonic

  • The nationally accredited Housatonic Early Childhood Laboratory School has a two-fold purpose: a high quality, pre-school program for the young children of students, faculty, staff, and the community; and a laboratory setting and resource for Housatonic's Early Childhood Inclusive Education Program and other disciplines in the college.

    To enroll, children must be three years of age by December 31 of the calendar year in which they enter the School.

    As a laboratory setting, the Early Childhood Inclusive Education faculty assigns Housatonic students a variety of activities and observations that need to be completed at the Laboratory School. The director, teachers, and teacher assistants evaluate these activities and/or answer any questions that the college students may ask. Students from related fields also use the Laboratory School as a resource for fieldwork and papers.

    Applications for children are available in the Early Childhood Laboratory School, the Business Office and the Admissions Office. Limited Housatonic Community College Foundation Scholarships are available for the children of students. Children are accepted into the Program on a first come first served basis. The Program serves children with disabilities and from diverse racial, ethnic, economic and ability backgrounds. For further information, call the director of the Early Childhood Laboratory School at 203-332-5030.

    Contact

    Michelle Jefferson
    Interim Director of the Early Childhood Laboratory School at Housatonic
    Email: Michelle.janvierjefferson@ctstate.edu
    Phone: 203-332-5030
    Location: Lafayette Hall B127b

    Location and Schedule

    Lafayette Hall in LH-B137 near the Broad Street entrance

    Monday-Friday: 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., 50 weeks a year.

• • The Child Development Center at Manchester

  • CT State Manchester operates a nationally accredited Child Development Center/Lab School. Our dual goals include excellence in education for young children and structured learning opportunities for Manchester students. The program is staffed by professional teachers and enhanced by student teachers enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program.

    Located on a 160-acre campus, the grounds and facilities provide our children with an enriched experience. We participate in the wide variety of activities and events offered by this community. Our program is committed to providing high-quality and innovative early educational experiences for young children.

    We work toward establishing significant and meaningful relationships with children and their families. We value the uniqueness of each family and child and provide a program to meet individual needs. The center has an open-door policy. Parents may visit our classroom at anytime. They are welcome to volunteer, observe, read a story or simply join us for lunch. We encourage families to share information with us, and we value their input.

    Our staff is professionally trained and committed to helping children and adults achieve their full potential through the development of trusting and respectful relationships. The Child Development Center has working relationships with a variety of professional consultants across various disciplines. These consultants offer their professional expertise that help shape our program.

    Teamwork is essential to our success. A strong teaching team, working closely with families and professionals within the context of our rich campus community allows us to accomplish our many goals.

    Contact

    Brittany Zavaski
    Director of the Child Development Center
    Phone: 860-512-3274
    Email: brittany.zavaski@ctstate.edu 

    Tuition

    Fees are determined by the number of days and hours that children attend. Reduced fee scales exist for Manchester students, faculty and staff.

    • Students: $34 per day / $20 per half-day
    • Faculty /Staff: $40 per day / $23 per half-day
    • Community: $46 per day / $26 per half-day

    Financial assistance to parents in need (Manchester students only) is made available by the Student Government Association. The Child Development Center Scholarship Committee awards scholarships each semester. Applications may be obtained at the Center in September and January.

    Location and Schedule

     Student Services Center, Room L-140

    Monday–Thursday: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
    Friday: 8 a.m.-noon

  • • Daily Schedule

      8:00	Arrival and Child Initiated/Teacher Facilitated Play: Children have an opportunity to explore and play in the various interest areas of the classroom including: dramatic play, art center, block center, sensory area, manipulatives/puzzles, science center, writing center, computer, listening center and reading/quiet area.
      9:30	Clean Up and Snack: During this time children practice self-help skills as they clean up classroom materials and then wash their hands before eating snack. While having snack children are not only developing their independence as they serve themselves but are also practicing their social skills as they enjoy a meal and conversation with one another.
      10:00	Circle Time: Large group experiences foster social, language, intellectual, and physical development as well as provide opportunities for children to talk and problem solve.
      10:30	Small Group Activities: Teachers provide structured activities that focus on all areas of development and allow children to work in small groups. During this time staff can work with individual children and assess their strengths and needs.
      11:00	Outdoor Play: Children play with outdoor toys and equipment as they observe and interact with each other while they jump rope, play ball, blow bubbles, make nature discoveries, work in the sandbox, engage in imaginative play, and ride tricycles.
      11:45	Transition from Outdoor Play: Teachers provide various opportunities for literacy activities as well as music, drama, and games to reinforce concepts and prepare children for lunch.
      12:00	Lunch: Children wash their hands thoroughly before lunch. Children practice healthy eating habits, socialize, and discuss the day’s happenings.
      12:30	Rest Time: A period of rest and relaxation for the children.
      2:15	Transition from Rest Time to Snack: Children fold and put away blankets and nap time gear. Early risers may play in the art area and/or with quiet games. Children then wash their hands and get ready for snack.
      2:30	Snack: Children engage in conversation, socialize, process the day’s events and discuss topics of interest.
      2:45	Circle Time: Children and teachers sing songs, nursery rhymes, finger plays, read stories, poems and have discussions.
      3:00	Child’s Choice of Activities: Activities are provided to extend play and learning.
      4:00	Dismissal: Time to go home!

    • Staff

      Brittany Zavaski, Director, has been working at the Child Development Center since September 2002. She is a graduate of Manchester Community College (now CT State Manchester), has a Baccalaureate degree with a specialization in Child Study and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Zavaski is also an adjunct instructor for the Student Teaching Practicum course, teaching and training associate degree students at the end of their Early Childhood Education program. She has a strong commitment to provide quality early educational experiences for young children and CT State Manchester students.

      Lori Rich, Head Teacher, has worked in the Early Childhood field for over 30 years. She graduated from the University of St. Joseph with a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Study and a minor in Spanish. Lori has worked as a teacher assistant, instructional assistant, early childhood educator, and teacher throughout her career in education. Most recently, Lori worked as an Early Childhood Educator at a nationally accredited preschool in Hartford for the last 10 years.

      Mary Webb-Mixter has worked in the Early Childhood Education field for over twenty-five years before joining the staff at Manchester Community College (now CT State Manchester) in 2006. For the past twenty-three years she has been a Head Teacher at a nationally accredited program in Hartford. She was most recently a Supervisor overseeing the operation of four nationally accredited early learning centers. She received her bachelor of science degree in Human Development and Family Relations with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from the University of Connecticut.

      Jennifer Wowak has worked in the Early Childhood Field for over twenty years before joining the staff at Manchester Community College (now CT State Manchester) in 2009. She was most recently a Head Teacher/Assistant Program Manager at a nationally accredited program in Hartford. She also trained as an American Red Cross instructor and taught Infant/Child CPR and Connecticut Child Care classes for the past ten years. She received her BA in Child Psychology from Trinity College in Washington, DC.

    • Our Philosophy and Program Goals

      Philosophy

      Young children learn best through active exploration of their environment and interactions with other children and adults. Learning occurs as children direct their own activities and build upon the knowledge they have already attained. Self-confidence and self-esteem grow as children experience success completing tasks they have defined for themselves. Children have a natural desire to learn and to make sense of the world around them.

      Teachers facilitate this process by preparing a stimulating and challenging environment. The teachers ask open-ended questions, make suggestions, and provide additional resources to add to the complexity of play.

      Our goal is to meet the needs of the whole child. Throughout the day, children have many opportunities to develop physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually. Our curriculum is both age and individually-appropriate.

      Goals

      Our curriculum is designed to encourage children to become creative thinkers and active learners. Children learn best when they feel safe and valued. We provide a stimulating and interesting environment that challenges children. The program is a combination of child-initiated and teacher-directed activities. Children participate in both large and small groups, and are given ample time for individual exploration. A typical day provides for alternating periods of active and quiet play, both indoors and outside. We encourage children to become independent, self-confident, inquisitive learners.

      The Child Development Center uses the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards as a guide for planning curriculum. The State benchmarks require careful and consistent observations of each child. The staff uses these observations to develop curriculum based upon children’s individual interests and abilities. The CDC staff employs a multitude of techniques and approaches to accomplish the curriculum goals.

      Our goal is to meet the needs of the whole child. Our curriculum addresses all areas of development:

      • Social: to help children feel comfortable in school, trust their new environment, interact with other children, play cooperatively, feel they are part of a group, and to develop conflict resolution skills.
      • Emotional: to help children identify and manage their feelings, experience pride and self-confidence, develop independence and self-control, and demonstrate empathy and caring for others.
      • Cognitive: to help children develop the ability to think, reason and question; to formulate and understand concepts; to use a variety of tools and objects to observe and experiment; and to develop both expressive and receptive language skills.
      • Physical: to help children increase their large and small muscle skills and to develop control, balance, strength and coordination.
      • Creative: to develop an appreciation of the arts, (including fine arts, dance and music), and to use a variety of art forms for creative expression.

• • The Center for Early Childhood Education at CT State Naugatuck Valley

  • A high-quality school for young children and teacher training facility since 1977, the Early Childhood Education Laboratory School at CT State Naugatuck Valley is a state-of-the-art early care and education facility guided by the Reggio Emilia Approach.

    The Early Childhood Education Laboratory School is a place where children and teachers co-construct learning in a hands-on, arts-based, and nature-inspired classroom. Considered the third teacher, the environment is intentionally arranged to maximize children's curiosity and creativity in a home-like and developmentally appropriate setting. Collaborative learning also fosters independence, higher-level thinking skills, social competence, language development, and self-regulation, consistently building on skills that prepare children for academic success throughout the school years.

    The curriculum emerges from the interests of the children through purposeful and reflective interactions. Children express themselves through exploration, self-expression, and interaction with their teachers and peers while maintaining an alignment with the State of Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards as the foundation of the curriculum. Holistic assessment is based on the variety of ways that children represent their understanding and questions, also known as The Hundred Languages of Children.

    The use of the Project Approach allows children to explore all domains of learning in the context of in-depth exploration of a topic inspired by the children's interests and group and individual needs.

    In addition to providing high-quality care and early childhood education, another important component of the Early Childhood Education Laboratory School is the student teaching experience.

    Contact

    Laura Petrakopoulos
    Email: NV-LabSchool@ctstate.edu
    Phone: 203-596-8604
    Fax: 203-596-8650
    Location: Kinney Hall, Room K400

    Location

    The Early Childhood Education Laboratory School is located on the CT State Naugatuck Valley Waterbury campus.

    Hours of Operation

    All programs operate for 10 months from August to June.

    College Year Toddler
    Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

    College Year Preschool
    Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

    Early Start CT Preschool Half Day
    Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.-12:00 p.m. noon

    Early Start CT Preschool Full Day
    Monday-Friday:  8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

    • Lab School Application

    • Lab School Informational Flyer

  • Learn More

    • Classrooms

      Sensory Room
      The Sensory Room has 8 children per day who are 18 months-3 years of age.

      Discovery Room
      The Discovery Room is a preschool classroom serving 20 children aged 3-5 daily.  

      Exploration Room
      The Exploration Room is a preschool classroom serving 20 children aged 3-5 daily.

      Marianne Generali Grand Atelier
      The Marianne Generali Grand Atelier is a community art studio dedicated solely to the arts and the projects children engage in throughout the year. 

      Atelier of Light, Shadow and Movement
      The Atelier of Light, Shadow and Movement offers children a multi-sensory experience that enhances their learning through STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) concepts and activities.

    • School Readiness

      The Early Childhood Education Laboratory School has had a Waterbury School Readiness component since 1998. School Readiness is a state-funded initiative from the Connecticut Department of Education and the Department of Social Services that was established by the legislature in 1997 to provide spaces in accredited programs for eligible children.

      Eligible children must be three or four years old and live in Waterbury. Children are eligible for either our full-day/full-year program or our part-day/part-year program. Parents' fees are based on the DSS school readiness sliding fee scale. Contact us for more information.

    • Eligibility and How to Apply

      We accept applications for children of the College staff, faculty, students and the outside community. Enrollments are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, except for CT State Naugatuck Valley students who have priority enrollment, followed by families who have attended previously and/or have College affiliation, all while ensuring that our classrooms are diverse.

      Age Requirements

      Toddler Program
      Children entering the toddler classroom must be 18 months of age by September 1

      Preschool Program
      Children entering a preschool classroom must be 3 years of age by September 1

      School Readiness Program
      3 - 5 yrs.

      Don’t Wait...

      We encourage you to apply to the Early Childhood Education Laboratory School at CT State Naugatuck Valley as soon as your doctor announces your due date or you begin the adoption process. Because space is limited, there is often a waiting list for admission. 

      The waiting list varies depending on age, time of year and eligibility for the School Readiness Grant program. Secure your spot on the waiting list as soon as possible!

      How To Apply

      Applications may be obtained from our main office in Room K400, by mail request, by phone (203-596-8604) or by printing the application forms below.

      *Please note: School Readiness programs give priority to Waterbury residents.

      Return applications to:
      The Early Childhood Education Laboratory School at CT State Naugatuck Valley
      Room K400
      Charles B. Kinney Hall
      CT State Naugatuck Valley
      750 Chase Parkway
      Waterbury, CT 06708

      Apply to the Lab School

    • Information for Current Families

      Families as Partners

      Parent and family involvement is integral to the Reggio Emilia Approach. The Early Childhood Education Laboratory School highly values parent and family involvement in your child(ren) school life. If you would like to share anything with your child’s classroom, i.e., a cultural or family tradition or recipe, please contact one of the head teachers of your child’s classroom to set up a time.

      There are many avenues that families can participate in at the Lab School, including: 

      • visiting the classroom to share talents and skills or to share family culture
      • participating in field trips
      • contributing to holidays, celebrations, or special events
      • dropping in to visit or read to the children
      • participating in ongoing projects

    • Community and Professional Development

      Tours

      Early Childhood Education professionals and other community members can schedule tours of the Early Childhood Education Laboratory School for themselves and the staff.

      Learn about the Reggio Emilia Approach philosophy, the Project Approach, Intentional Environments, and more!

      Professional Development 

      Professional Development is offered to Early Childhood Education Professionals to further their quest for lifelong learning, increase their professional expertise, and meet state requirements for professional development. 

      Check back for current Professional Development Opportunities!   

      Past Professional Developments Hosted 

      • Children's Exploration in the Early Childhood Classroom Using the Project Approach 
      • Early Childhood Conference: The Ideal Early Learning Experience: What Does It Look Like? Featuring keynote speaker and writer of Creative Curriculum, Diane Trister Dodge 
      • Experiences, Materials, and Documentation: Authentic and Creative Practice 
      • Waterbury School Readiness Professional Development Day: The Lab School teachers presented on the Reggio Emilia Approach for inspiring environments

• • The Child Development Lab School at Norwalk

  • The Child Development Laboratory School at CT State Norwalk is committed to providing high quality education for children (ages 6 months to 5 years) and working in partnership with families in the program. We are committed to providing excellence in high quality training and support for our early childhood education students at CT State Norwalk.

    The Child Development Laboratory School is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and licensed by the State Department of Public Health.
    We support and nurture the growth of each individual child in all areas of development: social, emotional, physical, cognitive and creative. These areas are very important to the development of the whole child.

    We want each child’s experience to be a positive one, filled with activities that are both challenging and rewarding. We will provide and maintain a classroom setting that is emotionally secure, supportive and planned for independence. Our program is aimed at teaching the child how to think rather than what to think and is more concerned with forming the mind rather than with filling the mind.

    Contact

    Camille Charles
    Director of the Child Development Lab School at Norwalk
    Email: Camille.charles@ctstate.edu
    Phone: 203-857-3348
    Location: E 117

    Tuition

    See enrollment options section below

    Schedule

    The CDLS is open September through June, following the college calendar.
    Hours of operation are as follows:

    Monday – Friday
    8:00 am – 5:00 pm

    Daily arrival begins at 8 a.m. and continues until 9:15 a.m. Arrival after 8:30 a.m. is not permitted without prior arrangement with your child’s teacher. Parents are asked to call the CDLS by 8 a.m. to inform the staff that their child will be late or absent. The Parent number is 203-857-6804

  • • Enrollment Options

      Tuition Fee Schedule - PRESCHOOL & EARLY START

      $20 waitlist application fee

      The following fee schedule is based on the 2025-2026 school year

      REGISTRATION OPTIONS

      5 Days: Monday - Friday
      8:00am - 5:00pm

      MONTHLY	COMMUNITY	CT STATE - STAFF/FACULTY	CT STATE STUDENT
      	$1, 446	$1, 156	$823

      3 Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
      Monday & Wednesday & Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

      MONTHLY	COMMUNITY	CT STATE STAFF/FACULTY	CT STATE STUDENT
      	$965	$741	$498

      2 Days: Tuesday - Thursday
      Tuesday & Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm

      MONTHLY	COMMUNITY	CT STATE STAFF/FACULTY	CT STATE STUDENT
      	$705	$590	$398

      5 Days: Early Start Grant

      • Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm
      • Tuition monthly fees to be determined at later date with Director and Early Start 

      Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
      8:00am-5:00pm	8:00am-5:00pm	8:00am-5:00pm	8:00am-5:00pm	8:00am-5:00pm

      For questions or additional information please contact: CDLS Parent Phone Line 203.857.6804 or email our Director, Camille Charles camille.charles@ctstate.edu

      ---

      Tuition Fee Schedule - INFANT/TODDLER PROGRAM

      $20 waitlist application fee

      The following fee schedule is based on the 2025-2026 school year

      REGISTRATION OPTIONS

      5 Days: Monday - Friday
      8:00am - 5:00pm

       

      MONTHLY	COMMUNITY	CT STATE STAFF/FACULTY	CT STATE STUDENT
      	$1, 542	$1, 234	$878

      3 Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
      Monday & Wednesday & Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

      MONTHLY	COMMUNITY	CT STATE STAFF/FACULTY	CT STATE STUDENT
      	$947	$795	$559

      2 Days: Tuesday - Thursday
      Tuesday & Thursday 8:00am - 5:00pm

      MONTHLY	COMMUNITY	CT STATE STAFF/FACULTY	CT STATE STUDENT
      	$744	$617	$439

       

      Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
      8:00am-5:00pm	8:00am-5:00pm	8:00am-5:00pm	8:00am-5:00pm	8:00am-5:00pm

      For questions or additional information please contact: CDLS Parent Phone Line 203.857.6804 or email our Director, Camille Charles camille.charles@ctstate.edu

    • Program Objectives

      • To provide a teaching model for the Early Childhood Students of CT State Norwalk.
      • To provide a challenging environment with developmentally appropriate materials and supportive teachers who understand and facilitate the learning process.
      • To guide children’s construction of knowledge through play and active exploration of the physical and social environment.
      • To maintain a quality childcare program that reflects the interest of the whole child including social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.
      • To establish and carry out a child-centered curriculum based upon observing, understanding and applying each child’s individual skills and interests.
      • To plan a broad range of related experiences individually and age appropriate, based upon what children are discussing and doing.
      • To respect and acknowledge that each child is unique with an individual pattern, pace of growth, personality, learning style and family background, which is reflected both in the curriculum and adult interactions with the child.
      • To encourage parent involvement and to provide children and parents with appropriate support as needed.

    • History

      Due to the tireless efforts of the college administration and the first Early Childhood Coordinator, Professor Darlene Ragozzine, the Child Development Laboratory School (CDLS) at CT State Norwalk was first opened in the fall of 1988 on Wilson Avenue, the former home of Norwalk Community College.  In addition to the initial set-up funds appropriated by the 1987 Connecticut State Legislature, outside funding was provided by the Student Advisory Board and the Friends of Norwalk Community College.  The funding and opening of the Center was truly a collaborative effort uniting the college administration, students, faculty, staff and the business community.

      The present CDLS opened in the fall of 1991, doubling the size of its operating site and incorporating an observation room for parents, CT State Norwalk staff and students to view and record children’s progress.  In 1994, Kathy Croaning became the coordinator of the ECE Program and continued to strengthen the program and its mission until her death in 1999.  The center was named in her honor in the spring of 2000.

    • Educational Framework

      The CDLS offers quality early care and education for children ages six months to five years of age.  The professional staff involves the director and experienced teachers who establish a classroom environment and curriculum to foster each individual child’s emotional, physical, intellectual and social development.  The physical arrangement, daily schedule and routines are designed to suit individual and group needs. The CDLS also offers an opportunity for Early Childhood Education students to observe and practice theories and methods taught through the academic program at CT State Norwalk.  The CDLS staff and the ECE Program staff are unified in the presentation and implementation of developmentally appropriate practices for young children.

    • Curriculum

      Our curriculum is based on the researchers and theorists in the field of early childhood education. Piaget; learning opportunities are based on past learning/experiences and should be concrete and hands on. Vygotsky; teacher is the model/facilitator in the process of a child learning a new skill and learning happens through social interactions (PLAY). Erikson; learning opportunities should support the development of self-image. Developmentally Appropriate Practices it is at the core of our teaching. Our philosophy encompasses ideas and teaching methods derived from the published curriculums such as Project Approach (topics of study are child-directed), Creative Curriculum (room environment and authentic assessing) and Bank Street (social awareness). The curriculum is aligned with CT Early Learning Development Standards (E.L.D.S.) and the Connecticut Documentation and Observation for Teaching System (CT DOTS).

    • Intentional Teaching

      At the CDLS we pride ourselves on being “intentional teachers”. Intentional teachers observe the children to assess their educational needs and set appropriate individual and group goals for the children. Learning goals for your child include all aspects of growth and are grouped into four domains: Personal and Social, Physical, Cognitive and Creative Development. As teachers, we select several performance standards to work on each week. This process of planning and observing and continuously repeating the cycle ensures that not only are your child’s developmental needs being met, but they are continuously challenged to their fullest potential. The CT E.L.D.S. were developed to help families, communities, and schools work together to support children’s early learning and growth. The E.L.D.S. guide teachers on what children should know and be able to do. Emphasis is placed on teachers and children engaging in active exploration, oral language, higher-order thinking and integration of basic skills. These elements promote the development of language competence, learning through active engagement, encouraging children to use complex thinking and teaching children through rich conversational exchanges that take place during play.

• • Early Childhood Center Lab School at Tunxis

  • The Early Childhood Center Lab School at Tunxis provides a quality program for preschool children and is a model lab school for the Early Childhood Associate degree program. It is staffed with qualified and experienced early childhood professionals and serves children ages three to five years old (non-kindergarten enrolled). The Center is among a select group in the nation accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and licensed by the State of Connecticut. The Center is open to children of students, staff and members of the community. Staff members believe that young children learn best through hands-on experiences and meaningful interactions planned by utilizing children’s interests. The goal of the staff is to encourage the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children in a safe and nurturing environment.

    Preschool children can attend classes at our Center while Tunxis student parents are attending on-campus, online or hybrid classes or studying for their classes.

    Our program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and licensed by the CT Office of Early Childhood (OEC).

    Contact

    Debbie Collins, M.Ed.
    Director
    Phone: 860-773-1350

    Tuition

    Students: $3.25/hour

    Schedule

    Monday–Thursday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
    Friday: 8 a.m.–1 p.m.

  • • Enrollment Options

      There are enrollment options from which to choose. Total hours of enrollment must be a minimum of fourteen hours per week.

      Schedule

      Option A: 5 Days	Option B: 3 Days	Option C: 2 Days
      Monday–Thursday 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Friday* 8 a.m.–noon	Monday and Wednesday 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Friday 8 a.m.–noon	Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

      Costs (Monthly)

      Community	$1,307	$776	$572
      CT State Norwalk Employee	$1,046	$621	$458
      Student	$784	$466	$343

      *Under our School Readiness grant children must attend Monday–Friday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. To qualify for placement in School Readiness the family must be a resident of Norwalk.

      Application Fee of $20 is required with application

      The above fee schedule is based on the School Year
      Classes begin September and run through the second week in June

      • 40% discount is provided for CT State Norwalk students (To qualify you must be enrolled for a minimum of 6 credits per term)
      • 20% discount is provided for CT State Norwalk Faculty / Staff

    • Program Objectives

      • To provide a teaching model for the Early Childhood Students of CT State Norwalk.
      • To provide a challenging environment with developmentally appropriate materials and supportive teachers who understand and facilitate the learning process.
      • To guide children’s construction of knowledge through play and active exploration of the physical and social environment.
      • To maintain a quality childcare program that reflects the interest of the whole child including social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.
      • To establish and carry out a child-centered curriculum based upon observing, understanding and applying each child’s individual skills and interests.
      • To plan a broad range of related experiences individually and age appropriate, based upon what children are discussing and doing.
      • To respect and acknowledge that each child is unique with an individual pattern, pace of growth, personality, learning style and family background, which is reflected both in the curriculum and adult interactions with the child.
      • To encourage parent involvement and to provide children and parents with appropriate support as needed.

    • History

      Due to the tireless efforts of the college administration and the first Early Childhood Coordinator, Professor Darlene Ragozzine, the Child Development Laboratory School (CDLS) at CT State Norwalk was first opened in the fall of 1988 on Wilson Avenue, the former home of Norwalk Community College.  In addition to the initial set-up funds appropriated by the 1987 Connecticut State Legislature, outside funding was provided by the Student Advisory Board and the Friends of Norwalk Community College.  The funding and opening of the Center was truly a collaborative effort uniting the college administration, students, faculty, staff and the business community.

      The present CDLS opened in the fall of 1991, doubling the size of its operating site and incorporating an observation room for parents, CT State Norwalk staff and students to view and record children’s progress.  In 1994, Kathy Croaning became the coordinator of the ECE Program and continued to strengthen the program and its mission until her death in 1999.  The center was named in her honor in the spring of 2000.

    • Educational Framework

      The CDLS offers quality early care and education for children ages six months to five years of age.  The professional staff involves the director and experienced teachers who establish a classroom environment and curriculum to foster each individual child’s emotional, physical, intellectual and social development.  The physical arrangement, daily schedule and routines are designed to suit individual and group needs. The CDLS also offers an opportunity for Early Childhood Education students to observe and practice theories and methods taught through the academic program at CT State Norwalk.  The CDLS staff and the ECE Program staff are unified in the presentation and implementation of developmentally appropriate practices for young children.

    • Curriculum

      Our curriculum is based on the researchers and theorists in the field of early childhood education. Piaget; learning opportunities are based on past learning/experiences and should be concrete and hands on. Vygotsky; teacher is the model/facilitator in the process of a child learning a new skill and learning happens through social interactions (PLAY). Erikson; learning opportunities should support the development of self-image. Developmentally Appropriate Practices it is at the core of our teaching. Our philosophy encompasses ideas and teaching methods derived from the published curriculums such as Project Approach (topics of study are child-directed), Creative Curriculum (room environment and authentic assessing) and Bank Street (social awareness). The curriculum is aligned with CT Early Learning Development Standards (E.L.D.S.) and the Connecticut Documentation and Observation for Teaching System (CT DOTS).

    • Intentional Teaching

      At the CDLS we pride ourselves on being “intentional teachers”. Intentional teachers observe the children to assess their educational needs and set appropriate individual and group goals for the children. Learning goals for your child include all aspects of growth and are grouped into four domains: Personal and Social, Physical, Cognitive and Creative Development. As teachers, we select several performance standards to work on each week. This process of planning and observing and continuously repeating the cycle ensures that not only are your child’s developmental needs being met, but they are continuously challenged to their fullest potential. The CT E.L.D.S. were developed to help families, communities, and schools work together to support children’s early learning and growth. The E.L.D.S. guide teachers on what children should know and be able to do. Emphasis is placed on teachers and children engaging in active exploration, oral language, higher order thinking and integration of basic skills. These elements promote the development of language competence, learning through active engagement, encouraging children to use complex thinking and teaching children through rich conversational exchanges that take place during play.

      What to know more?

      Check out the following resources:

      • Bredekamp, Sue & Copple, Carol (Eds.). 2009, third edition. Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs. Washington, DC: NAEYC.
      • Bredekamp, Sue & Copple, Carol. 2006. Basics of Developmentally Appropriate Practice; An Introduction for Teacher of Children 3 to 6. Washington, DC: NAEYC
      • Dodge, Diane Trisrter, Colker, Laura J & Heroman, Cate. 2002, fourth edition. Creative Curriculum for Preschool. Washington, DC: Teaching Strategies
      • Young Investigators: The Project Approach in the Early Years (Early Childhood Education Series) 3rd Edition by Judy Harris Helm (Author), Lilian G. Katz (Author)
      • Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Early Learning and Development Standards.

Additional Resources