Named for its goal of creating an atmosphere as comforting and safe as home, Almost Home Childcare offers a variety of early childhood programs, such as preschool (including programs for infants and toddlers), before and after school care, kindergarten enrichment programs and summer camp.
Almost Home was founded in 1991 by Jennifer and Scott Soodek. Jennifer holds Masters degrees in Early Childhood Education and Community Counseling and has worked as a consultant for Work/Family Directions in Boston. She also has elementary school teaching experience.
Almost Home's infant program incorporates music, literature and toys that help children develop their motor skills. The program is highly individualized, with parents filling out extensive infant information forms detailing their child's schedule and routines. These forms serve as the basis for each child's daily care.
Children ages 1 through 3 enroll in the toddler program, which is based on an "integrated core curriculum." Daily themes are used to help the children explore art, music, literature, science, cooking, dance, motor development, language skills and social development. The preschool program uses monthly thematic units to help children develop positive self-esteem, creativity, problem solving skills and critical thinking skills. Themes may include units on subjects like dinosaurs, the rain forest or the solar system, and each unit incorporates lessons in areas including music, art, science, pre-math skills, pre-reading skills, writing and cooking.
Almost Home has two locations. The director of the location at 35 Copps Hill Rd., Fran Kelley, can be reached at 203-438-6118 or 203-438-8551. Bunny Kolf, the director of the location at 100 Danbury Rd., can be reached at 203-894-8208. Information is also available via e-mail at [email protected].
Green Moon offers children from 18 months to eight years old classes and programs in art, music and Spanish. The programs and classes are designed to develop children cognitively, socially and physically. Green Moon also plays host to birthday parties on Saturdays and Sundays and provides all types of art supplies while parents supply food and decorations. To view the schedule of classes, visit the website or call the number provided for more information.
Since 1994, Joni's has provided high-quality child care and preschool for children in the greater Farmington Valley area. The center in Canton ocupies a beautiful pair of yellow buildings, complemented by a large outdoor play area. Jennifer Aiello is the director of this facility and her smiling face and pleasant demeanor make the children comfortable. Joni's believes in treating children with respect and teaching them manners. It has a day filled with pleasant educational activities as well as free play and nap time. Child care is available for children from 6 weeks to 1o years old.
Kaleidoscope Kids is a child care center for little ones from as young as 6 weeks up to 8 years old. The center provides both part-time and full-time options and offers flexible hours. The child care center is attached to and affiliated with the Ridgebury Congregational Church, but is not a religious-based program.
The Helen King Reynolds Private School focuses on the complete development of 3- and 4-year-old children – socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually. Language and numbers are informally introduced. There is a large fenced-in playground with many playsets for the students. The school is nationally accredited and maintains a low teacher-to-student ratio.
