The Carrot Patch Program
We are proud to say that every one of our classroom teachers--Infants through Preschool--holds a college degree, and some are credentialed public school teachers with early elementary-level experience. Our Staff Developer has over 40 years experience in all aspects of early childhood education and works closely with our professional teaching staff.
We offer an individualized, emergent curriculum featuring a nature-based inquiry approach. We incorporate the place-based Bank Street educational model, focusing on the child's familiar environment as a base for their growing awareness and understanding of the larger world. We build on children's innate connection to nature as a way to integrate critical thinking, literacy, science, music and movement, arts, mathematics, social studies and social-emotional development in a balanced, holistic way.
We invite you to click on the links for 'Preschool', 'Toddlers' and 'Infants' to find more detailed information of these programs.
We are proud to say that every one of our classroom teachers--Infants through Preschool--holds a college degree, and some are credentialed public school teachers with early elementary-level experience. Our Staff Developer has over 40 years experience in all aspects of early childhood education and works closely with our professional teaching staff.
We offer an individualized, emergent curriculum featuring a nature-based inquiry approach. We incorporate the place-based Bank Street educational model, focusing on the child's familiar environment as a base for their growing awareness and understanding of the larger world. We build on children's innate connection to nature as a way to integrate critical thinking, literacy, science, music and movement, arts, mathematics, social studies and social-emotional development in a balanced, holistic way.
We invite you to click on the links for 'Preschool', 'Toddlers' and 'Infants' to find more detailed information of these programs.
Healthy Foods (on hold due to Covid-19)
The Carrot Patch subscribes to a healthy foods policy for our children. We believe a well-nourished child is well-prepared to enjoy their day, so to that end we provide ample, nutritious morning and afternoon snacks, comprised of whole grains, hummus, low-fat cheese and yogurt, along with a variety of fresh produce. To supplement the children's garden harvest, we belong to an organic delivery service that provides a wide variety of farm fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. Update: Due to Covid protocols, all food items must currently be brought from home.
Regular Communication
Home-school communication is also key at the Carrot Patch. Since each classroom is led by full-time teachers, there is always ample opportunity to check in with one of your child's teachers at drop-off or pick-up times. All families have access to teachers and directors via Remind, an app that randomizes contact information and permits parents to text directly with staff. Younger children have a "daily sheet" prepared each day with a log of all the important information parents need to track their child's day. Preschool teachers send parents email updates covering highlights and any significant news of the day. Each classroom teaching team pens a monthly news update that discusses all the learning and fun that has taken place, and includes plenty of photos of the children in action. Carrot Patch families, past and present, enjoy a private Facebook group providing real-time updates of the children's activities, as well as a forum for information and discussion on a variety of topics. The family Facebook group is a private, non-searchable communication tools that is available to the Carrot Patch community by invitation only.
The Carrot Patch subscribes to a healthy foods policy for our children. We believe a well-nourished child is well-prepared to enjoy their day, so to that end we provide ample, nutritious morning and afternoon snacks, comprised of whole grains, hummus, low-fat cheese and yogurt, along with a variety of fresh produce. To supplement the children's garden harvest, we belong to an organic delivery service that provides a wide variety of farm fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. Update: Due to Covid protocols, all food items must currently be brought from home.
Regular Communication
Home-school communication is also key at the Carrot Patch. Since each classroom is led by full-time teachers, there is always ample opportunity to check in with one of your child's teachers at drop-off or pick-up times. All families have access to teachers and directors via Remind, an app that randomizes contact information and permits parents to text directly with staff. Younger children have a "daily sheet" prepared each day with a log of all the important information parents need to track their child's day. Preschool teachers send parents email updates covering highlights and any significant news of the day. Each classroom teaching team pens a monthly news update that discusses all the learning and fun that has taken place, and includes plenty of photos of the children in action. Carrot Patch families, past and present, enjoy a private Facebook group providing real-time updates of the children's activities, as well as a forum for information and discussion on a variety of topics. The family Facebook group is a private, non-searchable communication tools that is available to the Carrot Patch community by invitation only.
Our 2 Locations:
- Our flagship Hamden location opened in 2005 for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers year-round.
- Carrot Patch-Shoreline, conveniently located at Rt. 1 in Clinton near the Madison town line, opened its doors in 2016 for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers year-round.
- Our flagship Hamden location opened in 2005 for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers year-round.
- Carrot Patch-Shoreline, conveniently located at Rt. 1 in Clinton near the Madison town line, opened its doors in 2016 for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers year-round.
