Shelton parent guide8 providers

Preschools in Shelton, CT

Compare 8 preschools in Shelton, Fairfield County. Use licensing context, Google reviews where available, and provider details to decide which programs to contact.

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How to compare preschools in Shelton

Daily schedule

Ask about drop-off, pickup, naps, meals, outdoor time, and how the day is structured.

Age fit

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Records and visits

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Local listings

Compare preschools in Shelton

8 listings
SUSANNA WESLEY NURSERY SCHOOL
5.06 reviews
Licensed ✓

This Shelton preschool has 6 Google reviews averaging 5.0 stars. State records list license DCCC.13317. Listed focus areas include infant and toddler care. A public website is listed at susannawesleyschoolshelton.com.

Infant and toddler care

(203) 925-1076
Licensed ✓

This Shelton preschool has 5 Google reviews averaging 5.0 stars. State records list license DCCC.70737. A public website is listed at piecesofthepuzzleelc.com.

(203) 275-7940
BUSY BEE DAYCARE AND PRESCHOOL
5.01 reviews
Licensed ✓

This Shelton preschool has 1 Google review averaging 5.0 stars. State records list license DCCC.70700. Listed focus areas include infant and toddler care. A public website is listed at facebook.com.

Infant and toddler care

(203) 513-2293

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PIECES OF THE PUZZLE EARLY LEARNING CENTER
4.947 reviews
Licensed ✓

This Shelton preschool has 47 Google reviews averaging 4.9 stars. State records list license DCCC.70521. Listed focus areas include infant and toddler care. A public website is listed at piecesofthepuzzleelc.com.

Infant and toddler care

(475) 269-2405
Licensed ✓

This Shelton preschool has 17 Google reviews averaging 4.8 stars. State records list license DCCC.70510. Listed focus areas include infant and toddler care. A public website is listed at facebook.com.

Infant and toddler care

(475) 269-5073
APPLE TREE DAY CARE & PRESCHOOL CENTER
3.542 reviews
Licensed ✓

This Shelton preschool has 42 Google reviews averaging 3.5 stars. State records list license DCCC.15613. Listed focus areas include infant and toddler care. A public website is listed at appletreedaycare.com.

Infant and toddler care

(203) 929-8181
Licensed ✓

State records list license DCCC.70247. The listing includes a public address in Shelton.

(203) 734-8609
Licensed ✓

State records list license DCCC.15725. Listed focus areas include infant and toddler care. A public website is listed at cityofshelton.org.

Infant and toddler care

(203) 926-1800

Childcare Licensing in Shelton

CT Office of Early Childhood (OEC) — Licensing Division
(860) 500-4412|Official Website
Licensing typically required. Most preschool providers in Shelton must be licensed by the state. Verify that any provider you consider holds a current, valid license before enrolling your child.

All childcare providers in Fairfield County must be licensed by the CT Office of Early Childhood (OEC). Licensing types include Child Care Center, Group Child Care Home, and Family Child Care Home. Requirements include OEC licensing application, background checks (state and federal), health inspection, fire marshal approval, CPR/First Aid certification, and compliance with CT Early Learning and Development Standards. Verify any provider's license at elicense.ct.gov. Nanny agencies and private tutors are not required to hold state licenses in Connecticut.

Frequently Asked Questions

1How much does preschool cost in Shelton?
Preschool in Shelton costs $800-$1800 per month. Half-day programs cost roughly half of full-day. Montessori programs run higher. Some programs offer financial aid or sliding-scale tuition based on family income. Half-day programs (typically 8am-12pm) cost roughly half of full-day tuition.
2What age should my child start preschool?
Most preschools in Shelton and Fairfield County accept children ages 3-5. Some offer pre-K programs starting at age 2.5 if the child is potty-trained. The ideal age depends on your child's social readiness and developmental milestones — many parents find age 3 is a good starting point. Kindergarten readiness is the primary goal of preschool programs in this area.
3What is the difference between preschool and daycare in Shelton?
Preschools focus on structured early education with curriculum, learning goals, and kindergarten readiness. Daycare centers provide full-day care with some educational activities but prioritize supervision and routine. Many Shelton programs blend both approaches. Preschools typically run shorter hours (8am-12pm or 8am-3pm) while daycare offers full-day coverage until 5:30-6pm.
4Are there financial assistance programs for preschool in Shelton?
Connecticut's Care4Kids program (care4kids.ct.gov) provides subsidized childcare for income-eligible families on a sliding-scale basis. Many Shelton preschools accept Care4Kids payments. Applications are processed through Connecticut's Office of Early Childhood — eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or school status. Call 1-888-214-5437 for Care4Kids assistance.
5What accreditation should I look for in Shelton preschools?
NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accreditation is the gold standard — it requires programs to meet rigorous standards for curriculum, teacher qualifications, and family engagement, and fewer than 10% of programs nationally earn it. In CT, all preschools must be licensed by CT OEC (portal.ct.gov/oec). Beyond licensing, look for NAEYC accreditation, state quality rating designations, and staff with early childhood education degrees. Ask about teacher credentials during your visit.

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