School Readiness is now accepting registrations for Fall 2010!

The School Readiness and Child Day Care Grant Program passed in June of 1997 as landmark legislation representing Connecticut’s commitment to a quality, affordable preschool program experience for all three and four year olds.  The City of Meriden participates in this program and has created numerous new preschool openings for our community.  Affordable, quality child care slots are available for three and four year old Meriden residents, and fees are based on a sliding fee scale.  This program provides children with a School Readiness experience, which assures they will enter kindergarten ready to learn.  Through funding, their parents and caregivers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and resources necessary to maximize early school success.  Additionally, the program's commitment to quality is reflected in their willingness to obtain and maintain accreditation.  Currently all sites have attained accreditation.  Full day and part day programs are available.

Each family’s weekly fee varies.  The family fee is based on income and family size and ranges between 2% and 10% of your family’s gross annual income.  Families receiving state cash assistance (TFA) who are not employed are not required to pay a family fee.  To be eligible, your child must be a Meriden resident between the ages of 3 and 4.

Child care locations in Meriden include:

Catholic Charities	203.235.0392
CDI Head Start	203-238-9166
Center Preschool	203.238.2579
Easter Seals All Kids Child Care	203.686.1438
First Congregational Pre-School	203.634.8886
St. Andrew's Nursery School	203.237.7451
St. Stanislaus School Readiness	203.238-0845
Salvation Army - The Right Place	203.379-0601
Women and Families Center	203.235.9297
YMCA Kids Campus	203.235.6388

To enroll your child in the School Readiness Program, call the child care providers above or for further assistance call the School Readiness office at 203.630.4236. 

Click here for a flyer on finding childcare in Meriden

Learn more about School Readiness by following these links:

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the accrediting body for child care facilities world wide.

Connecticut Assoication for the Education of Young Children (CTAEYC) is the local affiliation of NAEYC. CTAEYC is a membership program that anyone interested in early childhood can join. They also offer job trainings throughout Connecticut. 

Connecticut Charts-A-Course (CCAC) is a state-wide professional development, program improvement and registry system for early care and education. CCAC offers a variety of supports to assist both individuals and programs in obtaining quality standards.

Curious about the curriculum used by all School Readiness programs in Meriden? Click here to find out more abou the Teaching Strategies Creative Curriculum.