Donna Banatoski, Chair of the Board of Directors

It was so much better than we ever expected.  Our twins were comforted by being together for whole group instruction, while also learning to be independent of one another when they were separated into smaller groups.  In the small groups they learned social and academic skills under the nurturing guidance of teachers whom we have come to regard almost like family.

The program is structured so that the children learn what is expected of them in a school setting while also allowing for plenty of creativity and play.  The curriculum is developmentally appropriate while also challenging students to prepare them for kindergarten.  We were very appreciative of the assessment records that the teachers kept as they were very organized and easy to understand.  We were able to see progress over the two years that our boys were there.

On top of all this, Century is so much more.  The Music Together, special programs, and field trips made my boys’ preschool experience so special.  I will never forget the Mother’s Day Brunch or the many times I was welcomed into the classroom to help and participate in their learning experience.

The twins have just begun kindergarten this year.  They have adjusted nicely to school thanks to the wonderful start that they received at Century.  Although I was sad for them to say goodbye to the staff, I am grateful that I have one more child just beginning the program, so two more years of happy, fun times with the staff we have come to love.

Jodi Zils Gagné

Beth Mulcunry

Jenn Dimatteo

Donna Banatoski, Board of Directors Chair

Here are some good questions to ask when reviewing preschools….

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1. Is the school warm and welcoming?

When you enter the school you should be welcomed by the Director and introduced to the staff. You should be given a tour and then be allowed to observe the class in session. If your child is with you, the staff should speak to him/her and your child should be allowed to walk around the classroom and interact with the other children.

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2. Do you feel comfortable when visiting the school?

When visiting a school, you should feel comfortable with the staff. Observe the teachers with the other children and watch the interaction that happens. Observe your own child while he/she is in the school, see if they are comfortable in the environment.

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3. Is the school clean?

The facility should be clean and tidy. The equipment should be in good condition and not broken. Check that the eating areas and the bathrooms are clean.

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4. Is the school “child friendly”?

When you are observing the teachers and children, there should be a warm, nurturing feeling in the classroom. The teachers should be putting the children’s needs first, guiding them to explore the different centers that are in the classroom. You should see the teacher talking to the children at their level, interacting with the children and having fun at the same time.

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5. Is the staff experienced and do they have the correct credentials?

As a parent you want your child’s school to have an excellent staff of educated, nurturing and caring people. If there is a fast rate of employee turn over, something is not right in the school. The school should have a good history in the community and among other parents.

Each teacher should have some educational background and is currently attending seminars to keep updated on the requirements needed to succeed in kindergarten.

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6. Is the staff approachable?

When you tour the preschool, you should feel welcomed by the staff. You should feel free to ask questions of the Director or any of the teachers. The staff should be willing to spend a few minutes with you even if they are with the children, and allow you to observe the students during class time.

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7. Is there good interaction between the children and the teachers?

When you enter the classroom you should observe a warm and friendly environment that the children will grow and learn in. The children should be talking to their fellow classmates and with the teachers. The children should be smiling and enjoy being with their teacher.

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8. Is there the correct teacher/child ratio?

The state of Connecticut, Department of Health licenses each nursery school and day care facility. Their ratio is 10 children to 1 teacher. Here at Century Nursery School the ratio is 7 children to 1 teacher. We believe that the children learn and develop better in a smaller classroom setting. A part of each day, the children are separated into small groups in different rooms, thus allowing only 6 or 7 children to interact and learn with one teacher.

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9. Do you know other parents that have sent their children to this school?

The best recommendation for a preschool is from other parents whose child or children have attended that school. Ask other parents for some names of schools before you begin your search.