Derby Public Library to offer program Friday for preschoolers

Play, Learn, Create! (Ages 2 1⁄2 to 5)
March 22 (10-11 a.m.)
Please register at https://bit.ly/3Qklyqm (siblings welcome.)
Future dates: April 5,19 (registration pending)

DERBY - Derby Public Library is offering a program designed for preschoolers focusing on early literacy/language, developmental and social skills with different engaging activities each session to inspire young minds.
Dramatic play, art center, sensory and concepts fun, block building, and a book nook are among the offerings.

The Library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Slots still available at Abundance of Joy Learning Center in Ansonia

Shared from Director Leslie Youngblood's Facebook page:

"We are still enrolling! Call 475-777-5901 or email us at Abundancejoy199@gmail.com. Care4kids accepted. A full range of programs.

"One stop for all ages of children. We are on the Ansonia bus line! Please share!!!"

Abundance of Joy Learning Center is located at 195 N. Main St., Ansonia, rear building.

Assumption School in Ansonia accepting PreK3, 4 registrations

Derby Public Schools' registration for 2018-19 is now open

DERBY - The Board of Education is now accepting registration for all grades, from Kindergarten through Grade 12.  

There are also openings in the Little Raiders University Preschool program for students age 4.  

Registration must be initiated online and then an appointment to finalize registration can be made by calling Jennifer, 203-446-3920.  

Appointments are made on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.  

Feel free to call with any questions.

Julia Day Nursery in Ansonia to mark 100th anniversary Sunday

ANSONIA - Julia Day Nursery will celebrate its 100th anniversary with an open house from 2-4 p.m. Sunday at the school, 76 Central St.

Students, families of students, directors, teachers, staff, members of the Board of Managers past and present, and the public are invited.

History of the school
In 1913, a group of women interested in the welfare of children and known as The Ansonia and Derby Nursery Association began to work for the establishment of a day nursery "for the benefit of mothers who were compelled to work and had no place to take their children while engaged in their daily vocation."
For three years, they raised money by sponsoring teas, dances, cake sales, and the like, until they raised $1,500.

Mrs. Charles (Julia) Brooker offered the use of a home on Factory Street. 
Mrs. Louise M. Clark was engaged as the "Matron" to head the nursery.

The program, which opened its doors in June of 1915, began with five children and by November, the enrollment increased to 27.
For two years, the nursery flourished and seemed to fulfill a long-felt need in the community.

After the death of Mrs. Brooker, the house was sold in the process of settling her estate and the Day Nursery was without a home. The Ansonia Board of Education offered the use of a few rooms in the old high school for the summer.

The Hon. Charles F. Brooker generously offered to give the property at 76 Central St., if $1,500 could be raised for repairs.
After a committee worked hard to raise this amount, Mr. Brooker paid for all the repairs and authorized the committee to use the $1,500 for operating expenses. (According to one source, the house was given as a grant by Mr. Brooker and Mr. Alton Farrel.)

The new building was opened on Nov. 6, 1917. Contrary to popular belief, "Julia Day" was not the founder of the school.

The Julia DAY Nursery is named in honor of Julia Clark Brooker whose generosity and interest made the Nursery possible.

After the Nursery became overcrowded in the small white house, Mr. Brooker offered to build a brick wing containing a playroom, bathroom and locker rooms.

The addition was completed in 1927. In May of 1929, with a bequest from Mr. Brooker's will, a main building was added to complement the brick wing. This is as it stands today.

On Nov. 7, 1917, the incorporators of the Nursery met to adopt its Constitution and By-Laws and to elect its original Board of Managers.

The school continues to serve as a non-profit, tax exempt corporation which, in addition to tuition, donations, and grants has some funding from Valley United Way.

It is NAEYC accredited- a prestigious recognition achieved by approximately 7 percent of early childhood programs nationwide.
A volunteer Board of Managers operates Julia Day Nursery.

The program consists of Preschool, Prekindergarten and Before and After School Care. All children are provided with free breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
Julia Day Nursery gets some school readiness funding and accepts subsidies such as Care 4 Kids Programs.


This information was provided by the board.

Redwing Pond House Preschool in Ansonia holding registration

ANSONIA - Registration has begun at The Redwing Pond House Preschool for the 2017-2018 school year.

Two weeks of ‘priority’ registration for Ansonia residents will be held Jan. 16-31. General registration for all other incoming students will begin Feb. 1.

The Redwing Pond House is a high quality, licensed preschool offering a nature-based curriculum located at 21 Milan St. on the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center property. 

The children spend a great part of each day outdoors, exploring our natural playground, hiking the many trails, and planting and tending a children’s garden.

The curriculum is influenced by the changes in weather, wildlife, and the wonders of nature.

To register or for more information call 203-734-7974, email jackie@rwphpreschool.org, or visit rwphpreschool.org.

TEAM, Shelton open school readiness classroom

Shelton Board of Aldermen President John F. Anglace, left, and David Morgan, right, CEO of TEAM, Inc., cut a ribbon Tuesday at a school readiness classroom in Shelton. With them are Diane Stroman, TEAM vice president, left and Bill Purcell, President, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce./Contributed photo

I attended last week's official opening of a preschool classroom in the former Lafayette School building on Grove Street in Shelton.

Please click here to read the story in the Valley Independent Sentinel

Ansonia schools post Pre-K information

* Shared from the Ansonia Public Schools' Facebook page