Why choose Duck Pond Learning Center and Nursery School?
Our excellent reputation in the community speaks for itself. Since 1993 Duck Pond has been recognized as a leader in early care and education in the shoreline community of Branford, CT. We pride ourselves on our very low staff turnover and our commitment to remain current with the best proven practices for quality care and education for young children. Our children are happy, secure, and well prepared to enter kindergarten by the time they are five years old.
What are your hours?
Duck Pond Learning Center is licensed for operation from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. We operate 12 months of the year and close only for nationally observed holidays (i.e. Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, New Years Day, etc.) and one day of staff development (typically in the spring). The school calendar and the parent handbook posts all school closings. We do NOT follow the public school calendar nor do we typically close for inclement weather. However, our opening or closing hour may be adjusted in the event of serious weather conditions.
What age children do you accept?
The center is licensed for children 6 weeks through 6 years old. Duck Pond’s preschool is for 3 and 4 year old children. Duck Pond Learning Center also provides care and education for children either before or after kindergarten.
Is Duck Pond Learning Center and Nursery School licensed or certified?
Duck Pond is fully licensed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. We diligently abide by all mandates for childcare centers and we are subject to annual and periodic, unnanounced inspections by CT DPH, the Shoreline Department of Public Health, and the Branford Fire Marshall. Early childcare and education programs in Connecticut do not individually certify teachers and assistants, although the majority of Duck Pond’s staff have professional degrees and certificates in the early childhood field.
Do you have a curriculum?
Our curriculum is evident in all aspects of a child’s day at Duck Pond and we develop our curriculum using our philosophy of “education through play”.
Duck Pond teachers develop curriculum for all children in all classrooms. We determine the developmental abilities and interests for each every child through frequent staff observations. Teachers maintain these observations and assessment materials in individual logs and files. These reports follow the children through growth and transitions to every classroom throughout their entire early childhood experience at Duck Pond Learning Center and Nursery School. Our developmentally appropriate practices are modeled by recommendations by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Connecticut Benchmarks, and the professional training and education of a very professional team of teachers.
Do you have a sliding scale or accept subsidies for childcare?
Duck Pond Learning Center is a private childcare program and does not offer scholarships or a sliding scale. However, we gladly work with families who are eligible for childcare assistance through the Care4Kids program. Call 411 infoline for additional information. We will make every effort to help you tailor your tuition to your financial situation. We also have discounts for families with more than one child enrolled.
Are your teachers CPR and First Aid certified?
All teachers and administrators of Duck Pond Learning Center are certified in CPR and First Aid. Most are also trained and certified to administer prescription drugs, inhalants, and epiphderine pens. There is always someone on site if these needs should arise.
Does Duck Pond Learning Center have flexibility for scheduling?
Probably the quality that makes Duck Pond Learning Center one of the most unique in the area is the fact that parents may chose the days and hours that fit their family needs. You are not required to enroll for more time or days than you require. We even try and accommodate rotating schedules that are common for nurses and other health professionals. Although this is not always possible, we will make every effort to meet your individual needs.
