Early Childhood Education

Easterseals Children's Academies and Children's Center provide inclusive, high quality early care and education to promote a child's social, emotional, physical and cognitive growth.  Our teachers and staff are dedicated, trained and experienced.  The environment is equipped with accessible materials that allow children to experiment, discover, create, understand and develop in the world around them.

The Children's Academies and Children's Center are accredited by the National Association for The Education of Young Children (NAEYC).  Each Office of Early Childhood state-licensed facility features: Degreed teachers, developmentally appropriate curriculum; staff certified in CPR/First-Aid, and an all-accessible playground with protective surface and tricycle track.

Pre-Kindergarten Early Start CT (formerly school readiness): for children ages 2.8 years to 5 years old, we offer a full day, year-round program, parental support and a Pre-Kindergarten Early Start CT program to prepare children for kindergarten success.

Infant and Toddler childcare:  For children 6-weeks to 2.8 years of age, provided at the Children's Center location at 172 Grandview Ave, Waterbury.  Spaces are limited.

Toddler Childcare: For children 12 months to 2.8 years of age and walking, provided at the Children's Academy location at 128 Avenue of Industry, Waterbury.  Spaces are limited.

Tuition Fees:

Pre-Kindergarten Early Start CT tuition fees are calculated on a sliding-fee scaled based on gross annual earnings and family size.  Infant and toddler tuition fees are based on a fixed rate. Care-4-Kids subsidy is accepted at all locations. 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack are provided daily, at no additional cost. 

For additional information or to schedule a time to visit a facility, please contact the Site Managers listed below:

Children’s Academy West Campus 22 Tompkins St, Waterbury Contact: Amy Palmer, (203) 754-5141, ext. 255, apalmer@eswct.com 

Children ages: 2.8 to 5.8 years

Children’s Academy East Campus 128 Avenue of Industry, Waterbury Contact: Antoinette Cianciolo (203) 591-1814 ext. 3, acianciolo@eswct.com 

Children ages: 12 months to 5.8 years

Children’s Academy Meriden Campus 125 Broad St, Meriden Contact: Glenda Duke, (203) 686-1438 ext. 1, gduke@eswct.com 

Children ages: 2.8 to 5.8 years

Children’s Center 172 Grandview Ave, Waterbury Contact: Gail Gatling-Ellison, (203) 437-8969 ext. 238, ggatling-ellison@eswct.com 

Children ages: 6-weeks to 5.8 years

World Down Syndrome Day and every day is a good time to talk about ensuring people with Down syndrome have access to the services and supports needed to live fully and independently! In our own Children’s Academy East, we have the sweetest little girl, Niami. Her smile is infectious and she is a bright and caring towards everyone she meets. She touched so many hearts with her personality. Niami spent half her morning in a special education program and the rest of the day in preschool. Her mom worked with teachers daily to ensure Niami has everything she needs for a successful school day. There is a lot to learn about Down syndrome, and Niami teaches us daily on her perspective of the world.

Niami’s mom gave us her insight as being a parent of an individual with Down syndrome.

"So I first found out about Niami’s diagnosis after getting genetic testing done to find out the gender of my baby! My screening for Down syndrome came back positive but the doctor said it was up to me to get further testing done also known as an amniocentesis but I choose not to get it done at the time. A couple weeks later I had to get an anatomy scan of my fetus and I found out about her heart defect. With that being found the doctor bluntly told me because of her screening coming back positive there was a 90% chance of her having Down syndrome. So, after finding that out two days later I choose to get the amniocentesis done! As afraid and confused as I was, I was honestly at peace with knowing before I actually gave birth. I had time to mentally and emotionally prepare as much as I can for what was next to come. I really feel that there was a Down syndrome clinic closer to home like there is in Boston. I don’t think there are enough resources for people that have family with Down syndrome. I try to treat Niami as normal as possible so she can learn more and I like when my friends or family treat her the same, I don’t appreciate when they don’t it really bothers me. Don’t get me wrong I still spoil and treat her special because SHE IS! But I wouldn’t change anything about her or my experience so far! Blessed to say my village helps me a ton and I would forever appreciate that! Niami is literally the Bright light of our family. She loves music, she loves to dance, she loves to color and read books! Lately she’s been into playing in her play chef in her play kitchen. She is very affectionate with me especially! She loves to shop just like her mom! I am blessed that so far her health overall is great and she’s thriving! She does receive speech, occupational therapy and PT. I honestly feel like the hardest part is that she’s very stubborn so if she is off of her schedule she is just the crankiest and gives me the hardest time and that is the MOST frustrating for me and when I need me time I’ll usually wait until she goes to bed and that’s my me time lol but overall she really is my EVERYTHING and I wouldn’t trade her for the world For all the other families who are knew to this don’t be afraid your baby is going to give you the best love, affection and laughter you will ever need and I truly mean that!"

Explore all that Easterseals has to offer by browsing our full range of programs and services.