New Haven parent guide17 providers

Preschools in New Haven, CT

Compare 17 preschools in New Haven, New Haven County. Use state licensing records, Google reviews where available, and provider details to decide which programs to contact.

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How to compare preschools in New Haven

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 New Haven

17 listings
License on file

License DCCC.12181 is on file. Focus areas include infant and toddler care. Located in New Haven.

Infant and toddler care

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License on file

License DCCC.12194 is on file. Located in New Haven.

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License on file

License DCCC.12242 is on file. Located in New Haven.

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License on file

License DCCC.12735 is on file. Focus areas include infant and toddler care. Located in New Haven.

Infant and toddler care

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License on file

License DCCC.13374 is on file. Located in New Haven.

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License on file

License DCCC.13435 is on file. Located in New Haven.

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License on file

License DCCC.13876 is on file. Focus areas include infant and toddler care. Located in New Haven.

Infant and toddler care

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License on file

License DCCC.15339 is on file. Focus areas include infant and toddler care. Located in New Haven.

Infant and toddler care

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License on file

License DCCC.15536 is on file. Focus areas include infant and toddler care. Located in New Haven.

Infant and toddler care

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License on file

License DCCC.16274 is on file. Focus areas include infant and toddler care. Located in New Haven.

Infant and toddler care

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License on file

License DCCC.70617 is on file. Located in New Haven.

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License on file

License DCCC.70709 is on file. Focus areas include infant and toddler care. Located in New Haven.

Infant and toddler care

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License on file

License DCCC.70759 is on file. Focus areas include infant and toddler care. Located in New Haven.

Infant and toddler care

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License on file

License DCCC.70765 is on file. Focus areas include infant and toddler care. Located in New Haven.

Infant and toddler care

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License on file

License DCCC.70781 is on file. Focus areas include infant and toddler care. Located in New Haven.

Infant and toddler care

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License on file

License DCCC.70886 is on file. Located in New Haven.

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Exemption on file

Exemption DCEX.80629 is on file with the state. Located in New Haven.

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Childcare Licensing in New Haven

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

Child care programs in New Haven County are licensed by the CT Office of Early Childhood (OEC) as a Child Care Center, Group Child Care Home, or Family Child Care Home, and youth camps hold an OEC youth camp license. Some programs, such as ones run by public schools, hold an exemption from licensing instead. Licensing requires background checks (state and federal), health and fire safety approval, and CPR/First Aid certification. 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 New Haven?
Preschool tuition in New Haven depends on the schedule (half day or full day) and the program. Ask each program for its current rates and what tuition covers.
2What age should my child start preschool?
Most preschools in New Haven and New Haven 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 New Haven?
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 New Haven 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 New Haven?
Connecticut's Care4Kids program (ctcare4kids.com) provides subsidized childcare for income-eligible families on a sliding-scale basis. Many New Haven 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 New Haven 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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