Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Early Childhood Education in Southbury
As the proud leader of The Preschool Center, we have dedicated over five decades to shaping the foundational years of countless children. Our team of experienced educators combines compassionate care with a play-based curriculum aligned with Connecticut Early Learning Standards, ensuring every child feels safe, supported, and inspired. We prioritize strong family partnerships, low teacher-to-student ratios, and secure environments to nurture social, emotional, and academic growth.With a focus on hands-on learning through music, art, nature, and practical life skills, we prepare children for kindergarten while fostering a lifelong love of learning. Our community values open communication, parent involvement, and continuous feedback to create an enriching educational experience tailored to each child's unique needs.
Services
Early Childhood Education
Play-Based Curriculum
Parent Partnerships
Nature-Based Learning
Artistic Expression
Highlights and features
- We've nurtured children's growth for over 50 years with proven expertise in early childhood development.
- Our 1:6 teacher-to-student ratio ensures personalized attention for every child.
- Parents actively participate through classroom volunteering, field trips, and Brightwheel communication.
- Secure, self-contained classrooms and playgrounds ensure child safety and peace of mind.
- Brightwheel app provides real-time updates, registration, and tuition management convenience.
Associations and certifications
- State of Connecticut
What people say
Phenomenal teachers
Love what they do
Excited to go to school
Excelling in reading
Confidence in kindergarten readiness
Services
Play-Based Curriculum
Our play-based curriculum nurtures natural curiosity through music, movement, art, and hands-on exploration. Children develop critical thinking and social skills while meeting Connecticut Early Learning Standards through personalized, engaging activities.
Parent Partnerships
We foster collaborative relationships through classroom volunteering, family events, and Brightwheel communication. Parents receive regular updates and participate in annual feedback sessions to enhance our program and support child development.
Nature-Based Learning
Daily outdoor exploration includes gardening, nature walks, and environmental observation. These activities develop sensory awareness, ecological understanding, and physical coordination in a secure outdoor playground environment.
Artistic Expression
Children engage in drawing, painting, sculpting, and crafting with diverse materials. Our process-focused approach encourages self-expression, fine motor development, and creative problem-solving through varied artistic experiences.
Practical Life Skills
We teach independence through activities like pouring, sorting, and self-care routines. These practical experiences build concentration, coordination, and responsibility while preparing children for daily life challenges.
People
Kelly Fressola
Director
With decades of early childhood leadership experience, Kelly guides our program with a focus on nurturing environments and educational excellence. She maintains open communication with families and oversees curriculum development.
Bryce Cipriano
Head Teacher
Bryce creates engaging classroom experiences for 4-year-olds, combining creativity with structured learning. He builds strong relationships with students while fostering independence and social development.
Susan Burdick-Rushin
Head Teacher
Susan specializes in nurturing 3-year-olds' growth with patient, individualized instruction. She creates warm classroom environments where young children feel safe exploring new concepts and friendships.
Nicole Halzack
Art Enrichment
Nicole leads artistic programs that develop creativity and self-expression. Her art instruction integrates with our curriculum, providing diverse sensory experiences that enhance children's developmental growth.
Questions
What age requirements exist for enrollment?
Children must be 3 years old by December 31 and potty-trained before starting school.
How does classroom communication work?
Teachers share daily updates and photos through Brightwheel, with regular director emails and direct parent-teacher communication available.
What curriculum standards are followed?
Our program aligns with Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards while maintaining state licensing requirements.
Is parent involvement encouraged?
Yes! Parents volunteer in classrooms, lead activities, join field trips, and participate in annual feedback sessions.
What safety measures exist?
We maintain a secure, self-contained facility with a fenced playground and trained staff for child safety.
How is kindergarten preparation addressed?
Our graduates demonstrate strong reading, writing, and social skills that consistently exceed kindergarten readiness expectations.
