About Us

Early Years Center (EYC)

Ages:  3-5 years old

Multi-age classrooms; half-day and full-day sessions are available; tuition-free

Description: The EYC classes provide Pre-K to all of Branford’s children between the ages of 3 and 5 that have been identified with exceptionalities, as well as a limited number of non-identified peers. Full-day slots are available on a limited basis; priority is given to families below a particular income level. Transportation is provided within the town of Branford for half-day and full-day sessions. 

Families can also have their child screened by the EYC team if there are concerns about development. To schedule an appointment, contact Indian Neck School at 315-3540.

Pre-K 4 Program

Ages:  children need to turn four on or before September 1

Schedule: 5 days per week: 8:55 - 3:25                                  

Description: This is a developmentally-appropriate Kindergarten readiness program. Students engage in daily enrichment experiences, such as sign language, music, art, etc. Additionally, they are exposed to math and language arts curricula that aligns with the district Kindergarten classes. Tuition is determined based on income. Classroom teachers are certified in both special education, as well as early childhood, ensuring that student needs are met in all areas. Transportation is provided. 

Family Resource Center (FRC)

Ages: 2 years 8 months – Kindergarten age

Classroom size: up to 20 students, with one Head Teacher and three Assistant Teachers

Description:  The FRC is a full-year, full-day preschool program that is funded by the State’s Early Start grant. The program is open from 7:30-5:30 during the school year and 7:30-4:30 during the summer months. Tuition is based on the OEC sliding scale. Students have a daily rest time. Parents are required to drop-off and pick-up their children each day. 

Developmental screenings fall under the category of Child Find. This refers to the public school’s obligation to identify, locate, and evaluate children with disabilities. It's part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004, which requires all states to have a Child Find system. Parents, teachers, or other school personnel can refer a child for evaluation. The evaluation includes gathering information about the child’s health, hearing, vision, and more. A child may be eligible for special education and related services if they have a disability that requires special education. Child Find is an important avenue to pursue if your child seems to fit any of the following:

• They’ve been diagnosed with a health or medical condition that interferes with their development, their ability to interact with others, and/or their ability to learn;
• Their speech is not understood by family or friends, and they have a hard time communicating verbally;
• They appear to have social-emotional, behavioral, or other difficulties that do not seem the same as those of other children of the same age. 

To comply with Child Find obligations, several times throughout the year, a developmental screening is offered to all of Branford’s preschool-age children. In addition to scheduled opportunities, families can have their child screened at any point throughout the school year. A child may be referred for a screening to address a concern in the areas of communication, social-emotional, motor skills, self-help, and overall cognition. The screening is used to determine whether or not additional assessment may be warranted. To schedule an appointment for a developmental screening, please contact Ruth Sanchez: rsanchez@branfordschools.org or call 203-315-3540. If your child is not yet 3 years old and you would like to get information about special education services for them, please refer to CT’s Birth to 3 website.