2 year old day care: EarlyLearn – ACCESS NYC

Child Care, Day Care, Preschool Guide

Child Care and Preschool Directory

This comprehensive directory of child care and preschool options in Connecticut runs every month in Connecticut Parent Magazine.  If you don’t see your facility, and are interested in finding out how to become a part of it, please email [email protected].

Alphabetical Listing by Town

A – B – C – D – E – F – G – H – I – J –

K – L – M – N – O – P 

Q – R – S – T – U – V – W – X – Y – Z

Avon

Farmington Valley Academy Montessori

Sharon Healy, Director
150 Fisher Drive
(860) 677-2403
www.fvamontessori.org

21st century Montessori school for children 15 mo.-8th gr. Spanish, Latin, art, music and theater. Provides a nurturing, strong academic foundation for success. Accredited by NEASC, CT Board of Ed., members of AMS and NAMTA.

Bedford, NY

Landmark Preschool

Dave Suter, Director of Enrollment

203. 894.1800 x112

[email protected]

www.landmarkpreschool.org

Located in Ridgefield, Westport, and Bedford, NY. Ages 2-5. Providing a joyful introduction to hands-on learning. Each child is seen as an individual by teachers who are experts in early childhood education and development.

Bloomfield

Bloomfield Early Learning Center

Karen Yorker, Director

73 Rockwell Ave 

(860) 243-2665

bloomfieldearlylearningcenter.org/

The Bloomfield Early Learning Center (BELC) provides year-round care and education for preschool children ages 3 years through 5 years.  The center strives to provide an educationally sound, safe, and healthy environment for Preschool and School-Age children and support services for their families.

Branford

Child Development Center

Stephanie Linke, Director

1009 Main Street, (203) 488-2007

www.childdevelopmentcenterbranford.com

An outreach of the First Congregational Church of Branford. We provide quality child care services for ages 6 weeks-6 years. Full-time and part-time hours. Open 7 a.m.-5:45 p.m. Professional staff, low child/staff ratios.

​

Bridgeport

St. Mark’s Day Care Center Inc.

Sheila Kearney, Interim Director

Tenisha Holeyfield, Enrollment Coordinator

368 Newfield Avenue 

(203) 335-3828

Getting perpared for Kindergarten begins at Birth! WELCOMING 6 WEEKS – 5 YEARS & 6 YEARS – 12 YEARS. We can be your Care and Education Partner, together we can make a difference in your child’s learning experience!

Cheshire

1st Church Preschool

Brenda Ward-Kelley, Director

111 Church Drive, (203) 699-1169

www.1stchurchpreschool.org

Morning/full day preschool for ages 3-6. Professional staff and low child/teacher ratio. Engaging, child-driven curriculum enhances language, social skills and creativity. Summer program. NAEYC.

St. Bridget School

Christina Cummings, Admissions Director

171 Main Street

(203) 272-5860

www. stbridgetschool.org

We foster academic excellence, community awareness and spiritual growth of students from PreK3-Gr. 8. Choose from 3 or 5 half/full days/week, with before and after care avail. Stimulating learning through play. Nurturing.

Clinton

Carrot Patch – Shoreline

Nicole Miller Stevens & Suzanne Miller, Directors

2 Maple Avenue

(860) 664-0622

www.carrotpatchshoreline.com

Outstanding Early Care and Education! Warm community school with an emphasis on individualized exploration and growth. Infants through PreK enjoy a holistic, nature-focused curriculum. ALL staff hold Bachelor’s or Master’s.

Cromwell

Northwest Children’s Center

Suzanne Rutner, Director

34 Coles Road, P.O. Box 131

(860) 635-3485

www.northwestchildrenscenter.com

Infants: 2 mos.-2 yrs. Toddler 2s. Preschool 3-5 yrs. Private full & 1/2 day a.m. K. Before/after school, alumni only. Summer programs. Est. 1983. Open 6:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. M-F. Degreed teachers. Discovery learning approach. NAEYC accredited.

Easton

“Little Phoenix” Pre-School & Daycare Division of

Easton Country Day School

Wendy Shambra, Managing Director

660 Morehouse Road

(203) 268-5073

www.EastonCountryDay.org

Preschool AM classes for 2, 3 & 4 year olds and day care in a fun-filled and nurturing environment for ages 3 months and up. 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Member: CAIS.

Fairfield/Southport

Hunt Ridge Montessori School

Kathleen Zwahlen, Director

834 Brookside Drive

(203) 254-1159

www.huntridgemontessori.com

We have proudly served the Fairfield County community for 35+ years. Our program enables children, ages 3-6, to explore, discover and learn in our prepared Montessori environment so that they become inspired learners for life!

Presbyterian Nursery School (PresbyKids)

Janelle DiLorenzo, Director

2475 Easton Turnpike

(203) 372-0855

www. presbykids.org

Presby Kids has been nurturing young children for over 50 years through a play-based curriculum designed to encourage a love of learning. We offer innovative programming for 3’s, 4’s, and Pre-K children.

​

Pumpkin Preschool of Fairfield

Mrs. Donnajean Pond, Executive Director

449 Grasmere Avenue

(203) 255-7505

www.pumpkinpreschool.com

Dynamic Early Learning Centers & Pre-K Readiness. Degreed teachers provide purposeful learning with a creative curriculum. Enrichment programs include music, dance and foreign language. Ages 6 wks-8 yrs. 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

​

Teddy Bear Corner

Dawn M. Tagliavia, Director

273 Villa Avenue, 414 Greenfield Street,

435 Old Stratfield Road

(203) 330-0302

www.teddybearcorner.com

Developmentally appropriate hands-on program. Ages 6 wks.-5 yrs. Snacks and diapers included. Beautiful/secure playgrounds. Caring & qualified teachers certified in first aid/safety/CPR. Open year-round, Mon.-Fri., 7-5:30.

Trinity Parish Nursery School

Meg Reilly, Director

651 Pequot Avenue, Southport

(203) 259-8456

www.TPNS.org

We strive to educate, inspire and instill in each child a passion for learning. We nurture and build each child’s unique physical, intellectual and emotional development. Science lab, yoga, music and more. Nurse on staff.

Glastonbury

Shirley Reaback Early Childhood Center

Dee Chappell, Director

1079 Hebron Avenue

860) 652-0396

www.mandelljcc.org

Designed to give children opportunities to master the social, emotional and physical tasks of each developmental stage in a healthy, safe and caring environment. Teachers have the interests of your child and family at heart.

Greenwich

Whitby School

Whitby School Admissions

969 Lake Avenue

(203) 302-3900 

www.whitbyschool.org

Innovative Montessori (early years) and Int’l Baccalaureate school for children 18 months-grade 8. Whitby inspires passion for learning and empowers each child to take responsibility as an open-minded citizen in a global community.

Guilford

Cradles to Crayons

Andrea Deshefy, Director

447 Boston Street

(203) 453-0261

www.cradles-2-crayons.com

A private learning center for children ages 3 mos.-6 yrs. focuses on the whole child through learning experiences, the environment, curriculum, staff supervision and interaction. We believe that learning should be fun! NAEYC.

Hamden

Hamden Hall Country Day School

Janet B. Izzo, Director of Admissions

1108 Whitney Avenue

 (203) 752-2610

www.hamdenhall.org

Offering a nurturing, developmentally appropriate early childhood program for preschool, prekindergarten and kindergarten. A diverse student body, dynamic curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities inspire a love of learning.

Hartford

Breakthrough Magnet School South

Holly Gustafson, Principal

290 Brookfield Street

 (860) 695-5700

www. breakthroughmagnetschool.org

Offering a nurturing, developmentally appropriate early childhood program for preschool, prekindergarten and kindergarten. A diverse student body, dynamic curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities inspire a love of learning.

Madison

The Country School

341 Opening Hill Road

(203) 421-3113

www.thecountryschool.org

Coed, preschool to grade 8. At The Country School, our  dynamic program begins at age 3 with integrated science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM), global language, art and more. An Education That Lasts a Lifetime!

​

Little Blessings Christian Childcare Center

341 Opening Hill Road

(203) 421-3113

http://littleblessingsmadison.com

Little Blessings Christian Childcare Center welcomes children between 6 weeks and 5 years of age.  Our teachers engage children in age-appropriate activities with a Christian focus. Full time and Part time classes available.

Meriden

First Congregational Preschool, Inc.

Sue Jenkin, Director

62 Colony Street (entrance on Washington Street)

(203) 634-8886

www.firstcongregationalpreschool.net

NAEYC accredited program for 3 & 4 year olds. Part- and school-day options. Hands-on, age-appropriate, learning through play, integrating a STEAM curriculum. Quality care with educated, nurturing teachers.

Middlefield

Independent Day School

Marijke Kehrhahn, Head of School

115 Laurel Brook Road

(860) 347-7235

www.independentdayschool.org

IDS is a caring environment where excellent teachers guide young minds, ages 3 & 4. Hands-on and thematic learning, developmentally and age-appropriate activities. Extended day 12-3:05 p.m.; after care program 3:05-6 p.m.

Middletown

Bright and Early Children’s Learning Centers

Kaitlynn Amadio, Director

861 Middle Street

(860) 635-0544

www.brightandearly.com

Celebrating 20 years of success! Individualized curriculum for each child. Highest quality infant, toddler and preschool programs with degreed, certified teachers. Happy, healthy learning environment. School readiness program.

​

Neighborhood Preschool

Suzanne Donnelly, Director

Wesleyan University, 115 High Street

(860) 685-3710

www.nps.site.wesleyan.edu

The Neighborhood Preschool (NPS) is a play-based program that focuses on child driven learning located at Wesleyan University. NPS is a nurturing environment for children 4 months to Pre-K! FT/PT options available.

​

Town & Country Early Learning Center

Judi Kenney, Director

195 South Main Street

(860) 347-1400

www.townandcountryelc.com

NAEYC accredited: A nurturing, educational, high quality and secure environment. Degreed teachers utilize technology to gather data and create individualized plans for all children.

Milford

Once Upon A Time Development Center

Gina Rivera, Director

326 West Main Street

(203) 882-0983

www. onceuponatimedc.com

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Infant through school-age. Low staff to child ratios. PT and FT. An enriching environment, developmentally-based curriculum with a learning through play philosophy. Programs for snow days and summer camp.

New Canaan

New Canaan Country School

Pam Safford, Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid

635 Frogtown Road

(203) 801-5608

www.countryschool.net

A coed, independent day school for students in PreK (ages 3 & 4) through grade 9. Located on a 75-acre campus, the school provides bus transportation to families living throughout Fairfield and Westchester counties.

New Haven

Cold Spring School

Arati Pandit, Director

263 Chapel Street

(203) 787-1584

www.coldspringschool.org

A five-day-a-week, full-day program for 3 and 4 year old children. 8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. with optional extended day program until 5:30pm. Cold Spring fosters a lifelong love-of-learning from the very start.

New Milford

Bright & Early Children’s Learning Centers

2204 Danbury Road

(860) 350-2445

www.brightandearly.com

New Milford’s finest child care & preschool. State-of-the-art center with a foundation of 25 years experience and success! Individualized curriculum. Highest quality infant, toddler, preschool programs with degreed, certified teachers.

Newtown/Sandy Hook

Fraser Woods Montessori School

173 S. Main St. (Rte. 25)

(203) 426-3390

www.fraserwoods.com

Cultivating compassion, confidence and joy of learning. Spacious classroom environments. 15 months to 8th grade. Half & full day programs. Extended hours. Parent/ Child class for children ages 12 months to 3 years.

The Learning Experience

274 S Main Street

(203) 304-9130 www.thelearningexperience.com/center/newtown-ct

The Learning Experience – Newtown serves children 6 weeks to 6 years, including a certified Kindergarten program. The owner is a Harvard graduate, volunteer firefighter, educator, and fellow parent.

​

Niantic

Bright & Early Children’s Learning Centers

Kara Ealahan, Director

245 Flanders Road (formerly Kiddie Kampus)

(860) 691-0344

www.brightandearly.com

Niantic’s finest child care & preschool. New state-of-the-art center with a foundation of 20 years experience and success! Individualized curriculum. Highest quality infant, toddler, preschool programs with degreed, certified teachers.

North Branford

Bright & Early Children’s Learning Centers

Maria Gagliardi, Director

274 Branford Road

(203) 483-9000

www.brightandearly.com

Celebrating 20 years of success! Individualized curriculum for each child. Highest quality infant, toddler and preschool programs with degreed, certified teachers. Bright & sunny classrooms in a healthy learning environment.

Wee Care of North Branford, Inc.

Rob Woytowich, Director

1680 Foxon Road

(203) 481-3909

www.weecarenb.com

Wee Care has provided quality day care and preschool services to North Branford and surrounding towns since 1982. Wee Care accepts children ages 6 weeks to 6 years.

North Haven

Sunny Side Up Early Care Learning Center

Nanci Dower, Director

76 Maple Avenue

(203) 239-7395

www.SunnySideUpEarlyCare.com

Year round preschool with child care hours. Open 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Infants, toddlers, Pre-K, young 5s. Developmental program with trained professional teachers.

Norwalk/Rowayton

Nitzan Nursery School

Amy SantaLucia, Director

109 East Avenue, Norwalk

(203) 838-6019

www.congbethel.org

A small, nurturing, play-based atmosphere with classes 18 mos.-5. We encourage curiosity and creativity by providing a variety of developmentally-appropriate experiences and materials. Open until noon or extended day until 2.

Old Saybrook

Bright & Early Children’s Learning Centers

Kara Smith, Director

139 Mill Rock Road East

(860) 388-3000

www.brightandearly.com

The shoreline’s best early education. New state-of-the-art center with a foundation of 20 years experience and success! Individualized curriculum. Highest quality infant, toddler, preschool programs with degreed, certified teachers.

The Children’s Tree Montessori School

Marci Martindale, Director

96 Essex Road

(860) 388-3536

www.childrenstree.org

Providing children, ages 18 mos.-12, and their parents with an alternative to traditional education. We offer a nurturing, child-centered environment where children develop independence, respect and a lifelong love of learning.

Redding

Westbrook Nature School

7 Long Ridge Road

(203) 664-1554

www.westbrooknatureschool.org

Nature-based education featuring 6 acres of trails, streams, meadows, playscapes and garden. Building physical and emotional resilience, moral awareness and foundations for intellectual growth. Parent-child classes (birth to 3), mixed-age K (3-6).

Ridgefield

Landmark Preschool

Dave Suter, Director of Enrollment

203.894.1800 x112

[email protected]

www.landmarkpreschool.org

Located in Ridgefield, Westport, and Bedford, NY. Ages 2-5. Providing a joyful introduction to hands-on learning. Each child is seen as an individual by teachers who are experts in early childhood education and development.

Shelton/Huntington

Pumpkin Preschool of Shelton

Mrs. Joan Carr/Mrs. Melissa Zaccagnini, Directors

100 Beard Sawmill Road

(203) 926-1800

www.pumpkinpreschool.com

Dynamic Early Learning Centers & Pre-K Readiness. Degreed teachers provide purposeful learning with a creative curriculum. Enrichment programs include music, dance and foreign language. Ages 6 wks-8 yrs. 7 a.m.-6 p. m.

Simsbury

The Cobb School, Montessori

112 Sand Hill Road

(860) 658-1144

www.cobbschool.com

The Cobb School strives to stimulate each child’s natural curiosity and prepare him or her to become an independent, self-reliant and compassionate human being. Educating children 15-months to 12 years. Founded 1974.

​

The Master’s School

Bill Franks, Director

36 Westledge Road 

(860) 651-9361

www.masterschool.org

Our 3 and 4 year old program features qualified teachers and small class sizes to nurture the developmental needs of the whole child as students grow into confident, life-long learners.

Southington

Town & Country Early Learning Center

Katie Jacobs, Director

1137 West Street

(860) 628-7900

www.townandcountryelc.com

A nurturing, educational, high quality and secure environment. Degreed teachers utilize technology to gather data and create individualized plans for all children.

Stamford

Art, Nature & Me Preschool at Stamford Museum & Nature Center

Ellen Reardon and Lisa Combs, Co-directors

73 Scofieldtown Road

(203) 977-6528

www.stamfordmuseum.org/preschool

We inspire creativity, promote self-discovery and nurture an appreciation for lifelong learning. We support a child’s sense of wonder and natural curiosity by providing hands-on experiences in our classrooms and outdoors in nature.

King School

Dr. Sandy Lizaire-Duff, Head of Lower School

1450 Newfield Avenue

(203) 322-3496

www.kingschoolct.org/preschool

King’s young learners, starting at age 3, experience education as a path of discovery, understanding, wonder and joy. These ideas are grounded in our Reggio Emilia inspired, project-based teaching and learning program.

The Long Ridge School

John Ora, Head of School

478 Erskine Road

(203) 322-7693

www.longridgeschool.org

The Long Ridge School provides a joyful learning experience for 2-year-olds through grade 5. Theme-based studies focus on literature, math, art, nature and science, including classes in music, technology, phys. ed. and Spanish.

The Mead School Early Learning Center

1095 Riverbank Road

(203) 595-0708

www.meadschool.org

A play-based, hands-on, socially interactive learning experience for ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Safe, warm, stimulating environment. Experienced, dedicated and nurturing staff. FT and PT openings. CAIS accredited.

Trumbull

B’nai Torah Nursery School

Joan Watnick, Director

5700 Main Street

(203) 268-0227

www.bnaitorahct.org/nurseryschool

Nurturing & educating 1-4 yr. olds with a value-based curriculum. FT/PT options that build confident, eager learners. Small classes provide social interaction & individualized attention by experienced teachers. Art, music, gym & camp.

Wallingford

See Us Grow Childcare and Learning Center

Katie Ferrari, Director

1052 South Colony Road

(203) 269-5437 (KIDS)

www. seeusgrow.org

State-of-the-art child care that is eco-friendly. We offer flexible schedules, drop-in care and high quality care for your child. Preschool in all three locations. Locations in Wallingford, Branford and Cheshire.

West Hartford

Bright & Early Children’s Learning Centers

Jeanna Giasanti, Director

2626 Albany Avenue

(860) 236-2626

www.brightandearly.com

West Hartford’s finest child care & preschool. New state-of-the-art center with a foundation of 20 years experience and success! Individualized curriculum. Highest quality infant, toddler, preschool programs with degreed, certified teachers.

​

Montessori School of Greater Hartford Toddler, Primary, Elementary and Adolescent Programs

Mary McHale, Head of School

141 North Main Street

(860) 236-4565

www.msgh.org

Highly trained, seasoned teachers nurture the development of each child in a culturally diverse, authentic AMI Montessori community. Serving ages 15 months-15 years. Recognized by AMI/Accredited by CAIS. Est. 1964.

Renbrook School

Scott Hutchinson, Head of School

2865 Albany Avenue

(860) 236-1661

www.renbrook.org

Stimulating and carefully thought-out exploration centers support early literacy and mathematics development. Small class sizes, outstanding teachers, beautiful campus, STEAM, PE, music, art and library classes. Extended hours available.

Weston

Norfield Children’s Center

Penny Anderson, Director 

64 Norfield Road

(203) 227-7047

www.norfieldchildrenscenter.org

Nurturing and education for the whole child. Preschool classes for 2s, 3s, 4s and 5s with lunch bunch, extended day and before school options. After school program for K-5th grade.

Westport

Landmark Preschool

Dave Suter, Director of Enrollment

203.894.1800 x112

[email protected]

www.landmarkpreschool.org

Located in Ridgefield, Westport, and Bedford, NY. Ages 2-5. Providing a joyful introduction to hands-on learning. Each child is seen as an individual by teachers who are experts in early childhood education and development.

Old Hill Children’s Day School

Cheryl Taylor, Director

190 Wilton Road

(203) 221-8238

www.oldhilldayschool.com

Bright, nurturing environment in which children develop friendships, social skills and independence while enjoying rich, hands-on learning experiences including literacy, math, cooking, science, music, foreign language and more.

Pumpkin Preschool of Westport

Tina Waehler, Director

15 Burr Road

(203) 226-1277

www.pumpkinpreschool.com

Dynamic Early Learning Centers & Pre-K Readiness. Degreed teachers provide purposeful learning with a creative curriculum. Enrichment programs include music, dance and foreign language. Ages 6 wks-8 yrs. 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

St. Paul Christian School

Donna Guerrera, Director

41 Easton Road

(203) 227-7920 

www. stpaulchristianschool.org

For over 40 years, children have been embraced by love and empowered to learn. Promoting spiritual, social, emotional, cognitive and physical development of children from 9 months to state-licensed Five’s/K Program. NAEYC accred.

Temple Israel Early Childhood Center

Nancy Isaacs, Director

14 Coleytown Road

(203) 227-1656

[email protected]

Gan Katan welcomes children 12-20 months. 2s first school experiences support curiosity, growing independence. 3s gain confidence and competence. PreK 4s hone readiness skills. Shabbat, music, afternoon enrichment.

Wilton

The Apple Blossom School and Family Center

440 Danbury Road

(203) 493-4003 

www.appleblossomschool.org

Based on Waldorf early childhood philosophy of learning through play, activity and imagination using nature, the arts and oral traditions of storytelling and puppetry. Parent/ Child, Under-3 Nursery, K, extended care and summer camp.

​

The Montessori School

Lisa Potter, Head of School

34 Whipple Road

(203) 834-0440

www.themontessorischool.com

An accredited Montessori school (14 mos.-8th grade) fostering respect, independence and social responsibility. A large campus with small classes and highly trained teachers, offering an experiential, individualized and academically rigorous approach within a creative, diverse and nurturing culture.

​

A

B

C

E

F

G

M

W

R

N

H

S

O

T

Children 2 1/2 – 5 years

NOW AVAILABLE TO NON-RESIDENTS 

Online registration can be found here: https://garfield.recliquecore.com/programs/15/day-care-and-private-preschool/

Bright Beginnings Preschool: Ages 2 and ½ to 5 years old

Today, children in the United States face some serious issues. They struggle to develop positive values, civic responsibility, and educational skills. In a pervasive climate of unhealthy lifestyles, they are at risk of being overweight and having other related health challenges. Furthermore, families are under increasing stress and often need help balancing work, family, and civic responsibilities. YMCA child development programs are purposeful and asset-based, demonstrating high quality and commitment to holistic child development. The YMCA movement’s goal is to engage 25 million children and adults so that 

• every child and youth deepen positive values, their commitment to service, and their motivation to learn
• every family builds stronger bonds, achieve greater work/life balance, and becomes more engaged with their communities
• every individual strengthens his or her spiritual, mental, and physical well-being.

 GOALS OF BRIGHT BEGINNINGS YMCA CHILD CARE PROGRAM 

• Help children develop to their fullest potential 
• Support and strengthen the family unit
• Deliver child care in a safe and positive environment 
• Teach, model, celebrate, practice, praise, and reinforce the five values of character  development: caring, honesty, respect, inclusion, and responsibility; and confront inconsistencies 
• Foster health and well-being for children and families
• To help children gain a positive self-image
• To enhance the children’s social, intellectual, physical and emotional development
• To help children become autonomous
• To help children feel comfortable with the other children teachers and caregivers in a safe and stimulating environment 

The Garfield YMCA year-round state licensed full-facility childcare center, Bright Beginnings operates from 7:00 a. m. to 6:00 p.m. We offer a safe, quality enriched, developmentally appropriate environment supervised by a well-trained staff of caregivers. Your child has an opportunity to grow socially, emotionally and academically through play. We use Creative Curriculum in our classrooms which offers many opportunities for learning and coincides with state guidelines for child development. All of our children participate in arts and crafts, music, computers, cooking, physical education, academics and more. Our full-time 4-year-old children also have optional swimming lessons. Preschool program is structured for the options of school daytime, before school and after-school care. Fees are based on the length of your child’s care during the day, Our tuition is based on a monthly fee. Contact 973-772-7450 for more information. 

If you are a resident of Garfield, to register for Our YMCA Garfield Preschool Program, the child must be 3 or 4 by October 1 and all registration is done through Garfield Early Childhood Learning Center. Please call 973-253-6600 to schedule a registration appointment with the District of Garfield and request that your child is placed at the YMCA for Free Public Preschool. We work with the District of Garfield as a provider meeting all criteria of a public preschool. If you are not a resident of Garfield please contact our childcare department directly at 973-772-7450. In addition to tuition, children who take swim lessons or are in extended care must pay a yearly registration/membership fee.

Download Registration Package Here

NEW EXPANDED PRESCHOOL SERVICES:

Afternoon Preschool

When children enter kindergarten, they must meet many goals. Transition into a full day, larger classrooms, and increased activity is a lot of change for our little ones. With the Y’s afternoon preschool session, children will have the opportunity to start a program that will effectively help ease their transition. This is especially true for 5-year-olds who will be attending extended day programs until 6:00 p. m. Our program places large emphasis how unique each child is. Our approach meets children where their talents lie and look at what skills need further development. Children are gently challenged while building confidence in successes. Children will have the opportunity to participate in circle time, arts and crafts, music and movement while developing early literacy and math skills. Grouping, sorting, and recognizing are skills that will be built up at age-appropriate levels.

• Ages 2 1/2 years to 5 years of age
• 8-week Program Starts 1/5
• Must be a member.  Price ranges from 2 days at $185.00/month to 5 days $455.00/month
• Children will be introduced to C.A.T.C.H., Healthy U and the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, inclusion, and responsibility!

Afterschool Preschool Enrichment Programs

Program Minimum Required to Run Program

The Garfield Y offers al-la-carte programming afterschool for ages 3-6 years old because we understand children have their unique talents and families have different needs. Your child will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities that build imagination, coordination, social skills and confidence. Pick just one day or as many days as your child would like. The Garfield Y is proud to use the Horizon Foundation’s Healthy U, C.A.T.C.H. curriculum in our programs. If you sign your child up for our preschool wrap-around program, these programs are included.

• Monday-Music and Movement
• Tuesday-Introduction to sports
• Wednesday-After School-Art
• Thursday-Build it on your own
• Friday-Fun with Foods Ages 3 to 6 years of age,
• Friday-Fun with Foods Ages 3 to 6 years of age,
• Ages 3 to 6 years of age,8-week Program Starts 1/5
• 8-week Program Starts 1/5
• $85 Members  (Must be a member)/ daily program

Healthy U is a collaborative partnership between the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance and the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey with the goal of combating childhood obesity through nutrition education, physical education, and family involvement.

The Healthy U program uses the CATCH (coordinated approach to child health) curriculum to promote physical activity and healthy eating among youth 3 -13 years old.  CATCH teaches kids that eating healthy and being physically active every day can be fun.

The after-school program has been a part of Healthy U since 2008  The goal is to promote healthy habits that can last a lifetime by demonstrating, and learning about the importance of, physical activity and good nutrition.

Healthy U launched in the 2012/13 school year in our preschool-age programs.  Our preschoolers will experience games and physical activities that provide an environment for success in skill development and exercise.   Nutrition lessons are taught through fun circle time and exploration activities.  This program also provides parents with valuable tips and suggestions for use at home.

In New Jersey, 1 in 3 school age children is either overweight or obese.  These children risk developing serious health problems in adulthood.   Through the Healthy U program, we can make a positive impact on youth and families.  The goal is to prevent and reduce obesity in children through physical activity and nutrition behaviors, and strong parental involvement.

good daytime moisturizers with SPF

Contents

• What is SPF
• How to choose a really good cream
• Daily SPF Cream
• Best Facial SPF
• Popular questions on the topic

What is SPF

Face cream with SPF protection is a cosmetic product that we must use on a daily basis, so its choice should be approached with all seriousness. Today, the range of sunscreens is quite wide and meets a variety of requirements. nine0003

Choose your face cream with SPF according to your phototype. © iStock

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is an index that determines the level of protection against the sun, namely ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. The number next to the abbreviation tells how much UV will hit the skin when using the product:

• at SPF 10, the skin will receive 1/10 of the total radiation, that is, the filter will block about 90% of UVB rays; nine0003

• SPF 15 will cut off 93% of the rays;

• the highest possible protection level 50+ neutralizes 98-99% of UVB radiation.

The sun protection factor SPF only applies to UVB rays that cause burns, not UVA, the culprits of early aging and pathological changes in skin cells.

“The response to UV radiation depends on the ability to produce melanin in response to injury. If you always burn (phototype 1), SPF 50+ is recommended. If the skin burns, but a tan appears after a few days (phototype 2), SPF 50+ is applied in the first days, and then you can switch to SPF 30. If the skin does not burn (phototype 3), it is acceptable to apply SPF 30. But if it is important to keep the skin young for as long as possible, to prevent a decrease in turgor, wrinkles and neoplasms (papillomas, keratomas, etc.), it is better to always use SPF 50+. nine0003

Recently, a separate label has been introduced to inform consumers about the degree of protection against UVA radiation: in accordance with the recommendation of the European Commission, the UVA symbol in a circle is applied to the packaging of sunscreens. This means that the formula provides a minimum level of UVA protection (minimum 1/3 of UVB protection), which increases with the SPF value.

Try our test to find out which Garnier sunscreen is right for you.

© Getty Images

Take the test

Need for SPF protection for the face

Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen every day, regardless of season or cloudiness. After all, ultraviolet can not only cause a burn, but also accelerate the aging of the skin.

It is believed (and rightly so) that some of the blame for the formation of wrinkles, age spots and dryness lies with solar radiation. More specifically, on the rays of type A, which penetrate both through clouds and through window panes, do not cause a thermal effect (that is, we do not feel them) and surreptitiously damage skin cells. nine0003

This is the reason why it is important to use a product with broad spectrum filters and an SPF that matches the solar activity index. As a rule, SPF 30-50 is needed in summer.

We advise you to read:

• Importance of UVA protection and selection of SPF factor according to skin type
• Decoding: what is SPF and PPD in sunscreens

Back to index

How to choose a really good cream

A sunscreen will truly protect your skin when selected based on several criteria, including filter type and your own phototype.

Types of filters

There are two types of filters that differ from each other in the principle of operation.

1. 1

   Physical, or mineral (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) reflect the sun’s rays on the principle of a mirror.

   Found in high SPF sun protection lines and fluid shields that are applied over moisturizer to create a protective film on the skin. In everyday creams, they are used infrequently: the mineral particles are too large, overload the formula, make the texture heavier and give the face a characteristic whitish tint. nine0003

2. 2

   Chemical (there are more than 20 compounds, including parsol 1789, avobenzone, oxybenzone) do not repel, but absorb and neutralize UV ​​rays.

   Unlike physical ones, they are destroyed within two hours of continuous insolation. Therefore, in direct sunlight, reapplying sunscreen every two hours is strictly necessary.

   Face cream with SPF is useful both on vacation and on working days. ©iStock

Determine your phototype

This criterion shows the degree of skin sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. Sensitivity is determined by the amount of protective pigment – melanin, which is produced in the sun in the lower layers of the epidermis. The classification of phototypes was made by Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick in 1975, dividing humanity into 6 groups according to the totality of external signs.

1. 1

   I Celtic type. nine0100 Signs: milky white or pink skin, which is called porcelain for an even tone. Red hair, light eyes, a scattering of freckles on the face and body. Burn instantly, do not sunbathe at all.

2. 2

   II European (Scandinavian, Nordic) . Representatives of this phototype resemble the previous one in appearance, they have light eyes, hair and skin. They quickly burn, sunbathe badly, but when tanned, the skin acquires not a red, but a golden hue.

   nine0006

3. 3

   III Central European (mixed). Ivory leather. Hair is dark blond, chestnut. Eyes – brown or light. There are no freckles or they become visible only in the season of active sun. They sunbathe well, although they can burn.

4. 4

   IV Mediterranean or South European type. Typical inhabitants of Spain, Italy, Greece. They are easily recognizable by their dark olive skin. Eyes and hair are dark. They tan quickly, without burns. nine0003

5. 5

   V Asian (Eastern). These people are distinguished by swarthy skin, dark hair and eyes. They sunbathe perfectly, it is almost impossible for them to burn.

6. 6

   VI African type. Very dark skin, hair and eyes. They don’t burn.