Skip To Main Content

Our Handbook

Information from Our Handbook
**to access the full handbook, click here**

Our mission is to provide working families with a safe, nurturing environment for their children, and a program that is developed around the interests of the children. We place a focus on children learning the social-emotional skills they need to feel confident. 

*Per Connecticut General Statute Sec. 19a-77 we are required to disclose that our program is not licensed by the State Office of Early Childhood, as programs administered by public schools are exempt from licensure. 

Goals
We strive to:

  • provide a quality child care program that is accessible, affordable, and available during times when school is out, on a year-round basis
  • provide opportunities for children to develop physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually
  • allow children to play a central role in determining the activities and experiences in which they participate
  • provide opportunities that offer success for all students
  • create an atmosphere in which children can learn to share and be supportive members of a group
  • help children make friends and get along well with others
  • work in partnership with families
  • provide our caring, qualified, experienced staff with ongoing learning and development
  • maintain high standards by continuously monitoring and evaluating our program 
  • promote a child’s self-identity by providing attention, acceptance, and affection

Program Experiences
Our program places the child at the center of all activities, paying careful attention to individual needs, interests, and developmental levels. In planning our learning activities, we keep the following in mind:

  • The environment is structured to facilitate active exploration and interactions among children. 
  • Weather permitting, we provide time for daily outdoor activities. 
  • All activities are initiated by the child, and supported by staff members; they serve the role of facilitator. 
  • We include concrete materials and equipment, and the experiences are relevant to our children’s lives. 
  • Plans are developed, but flexible, allowing for creativity. 

Family Involvement and Expectations
We strongly believe that family involvement is critical to the success of our program. We encourage families to visit our sites whenever possible. This will give you a chance to see how your child spends their time, and will assist us in meeting your child’s needs. We also welcome any opportunity to talk with families about their child. It is critical that the lines of communication remain open. If a family member has a special talent or hobby, we encourage them to share it with the children. Additionally, donations of craft materials and used toys or games are always appreciated. 

To ensure a successful child care experience, we ask all families to:

  • accurately complete all required paperwork
  • contact the site if your child will be absent
  • pay your tuition by the first of every month
  • follow all policies and procedures
  • establish an alternate care plan in the event of illness or early dismissal

Wrap-Around Pre-K
Branford Public Schools, in partnership with the Branford FRC and SACC, is offering fee-based wrap-around care for children enrolled in our Pre-K. Highlights of this program include:

  • Fee-based wrap-around services will be provided at Indian Neck, and will follow the BPS school year calendar.
  • Transportation will be provided.
  • Students attend for a full day of school (8:55-3:25), with an AM or PM session of Pre-K with a certified teacher, and wrap-around child care for the rest of the day.
  • Additional fee-based SACC services may be available from 7-8:55 a.m. and 3:25-6:00 p.m.
  • Wrap-around services will be billed monthly at the cost of $550
  • The AM or PM session of Pre-K will follow the Branford Public Schools curriculum for Pre-K. 
  • The wrap-around portion of the day aligns with the BPS curricular philosophy of “follow the child. 
  • Families of children participating in this program are expected to provide lunch and snacks daily.