Hamden Daycare - Carrot Patch infants toddlers preschool pre-k children

Welcome to the Carrot Patch! Nicole and I are delighted to bring families in the Hamden-Cheshire-North Haven area a first-rate early learning center where children will thrive in a safe, fun, nurturing and creative environment year-round. My daughter and I bring our passion for education and our love of children to every detail and every decision we make. We have been working hard with some of Connecticut's top talent in the early learning field and we know you'll love the result!

The Pre-K class has turned their entire school into an ocean for their underwater study unit. Crabs, jellyfish and other sea creatures lurk amongst the waves hanging down from above. Children have made life-size replicas of themselves as deep-sea divers and they can be found swimming around the various rooms. They have learned quite a bit about the ocean habitat using books, real sea-related objects, and experimentation with salt water. They have learned sea songs, decorated sea shells, and practiced the kinds of movements they imagine creatures from sharks to starfish might use.

This oldest group is also busy enjoying their extremely popular "Stories In Motion" project. The process comes from the work of Vivian Gussin Paley, a prominent early childhood educator and theorist. Whenever our Pre-K kids have an idea for a story, they are encouraged to dictate the story to a teacher who will write down their words in a special story portfolio. One afternoon each week, the children's stories are first read aloud, then as a group we identify the characters and determine which students will play the roles. Turn-taking, team-building, self-confidence, and expression, as well as literacy skills, are inherent in the process. The students have really embraced this activity; they are equally excited to act out their friends' stories as they are to have their own ideas heard. Stories In Motion allows the students to become authors just like the published authors we celebrate in our classrooms!

Toddlers have been busy watching for signs of spring. Warmer weather means more time outdoors, so nature walks and planting seeds are already underway. The window bird feeder attracts a number of different birds, including a vivid red cardinal, for the children to observe up close. Lots of books about spring have appeared in the classroom library for the children's perusal, and arts projects have centered around spring themes.

Click on the "Activities" Carrot for specific information on openings. Call us at 248-5433 or email carrotpatchkids@yahoo.com to arrange a personal tour. And to learn more about the daily activities of our various classes, be sure to ask for the web addresses of our teacher-made blogs.

Of course, we will continue the 2:5 ratio in our cozy Infant Room because we believe this level of care is necessary to give our smallest "students" the loving attention they deserve. Our program is small, homey, and features a thoughtful focus on early child development. We accept no more than five infants, with two mature and well-qualified teachers to provide their care and encourage their development. Openings are extremely limited, but we occasionally have the opportunity to welcome new babies, so we will arrange tours for families not in need of immediate infant care.

We think our individualized approach, professional college-educated teachers, and focus on "play with a purpose" creates the ideal happy learning environment for your child! We enjoy showing off our fully-renovated Center and our architect-designed playgound where we have plenty of inviting space for biking, gardening, and all-out kid-style fun. Our nurturing, experienced and committed professional staff are on-hand to answer questions and discuss our fun-filled child-centered creative curriculum. Watch for opportunities to visit and bring your family to see for yourself why our desire to be the best early learning center in the area has led to something really special!

P.S. Tuition rates for 2008-2009, and current openings can be found by clicking on the "Activities" Carrot. And don't forget to learn more about our impressive teaching staff by clicking on the "Staff" Carrot.

Preschool Program:

The preschool program at the Carrot Patch Early Learning Center balances structured activities that allow children to learn new skills with free play that fosters creativity and individual expression. Our Staff Developer has over 35 years of experience in early childhood education and works closely with our professional teaching staff. The curriculum is theme-based and includes daily experiences such as dramatic play, blocks, early math and science, puzzles and books, incorporating literacy learning throughout. Building skills such as negotiation, cooperation and communication are encouraged and modeled by our sensitive, caring teachers. A developmentally-appropriate curriculum is planned and posted regularly in each classroom. Children who complete the program are well-prepared for the expectations of the kindergarten classroom.

Infant-Toddler Program:

Developing secure and trusting relationships is a primary task for infants. Teachers foster this trust through frequent physical contact, sensitive responses to infants' signals (cries and smiles), and mutual delight in interactions. Infants are provided visual and tactile stimulation and opportunities for gross motor activity. Daily activities for toddlers include experiences such as simple art projects, dramatic play, and free play that encourages manipulation, imitation and exploration. Social skills such as empathy, caring and sharing are also emphasized with toddlers through interactions with warm, responsible and encouraging caregivers.

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