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Early Childhood Education

PreK student tilts head and smiles while eating lunch in cafeteria

Extending our expertise to over 30 early education programs, delivering comprehensive consultative and professional learning opportunities that dramatically elevated their services. Our approach includes in-depth training sessions, hands-on workshops, and personalized coaching tailored to meet the unique needs of each program. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, we empower early educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to implement best practices and drive significant advancements in early childhood education. Our work not only enhances the quality of services provided but also ensures a stronger foundation for the developmental and educational success of young children across the region. 

In collaboration with the Office of Early Childhood, our Student Support Services Early Childhood Education team provides support to the region in the form of Accreditation Quality Improvement Support, School Readiness, and Early Learning and Development Standards, Curriculum, and Assessment.

Thanks to our support, young children have gained access to high-quality early education, ensuring they were well-prepared for kindergarten and beyond. 

Early Childhood Consultation and Coaching

LEARN's Early Childhood staff customize learning experiences to meet program needs. The overall goal of this service is to provide on-site training and coaching that continuously improves programs and leads to improved child outcomes. 

School Readiness Grant Coordination

The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood supports the School Readiness Grant Program. This program provides affordable, high-quality early care and education services in high-need communities that help young children prepare for kindergarten. LEARN's staff, experienced in both early childhood education as well as in the requirements and practices of the School Readiness Grant, provide leadership and support to those receiving School Readiness funds. 

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation Facilitation

LEARN's Early Childhood staff provide leadership and support, information and consultation, and professional learning experiences to programs pursuing NAEYC Accreditation. Services include overviews of NAEYC Program Standards and Accreditation Performance Criteria; technical assistance with the process of accreditation; and individualized support for programs engaged in the self-study. 

School Readiness

A state-funded initiative (jointly funded by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood and Social Services and administered by the OEC) that develops a network of School Readiness programs to:

  • Significantly increase the number of spaces in accredited and/or approved programs for young children to provide access to high-quality school readiness programs;
  • Significantly increase the number of full-day, full-year spaces to meet family needs; and
  • Share cost for school readiness and child-care programs among the state and its various agencies, the communities and families

Want to know more? Contact our Early Childhood Education Team

Groton School Readiness

Ledyard School Readiness

New London School Readiness

Norwich School Readiness

AQIS - Accreditation Quality Improvement Support

Accreditation                    

Accreditation Quality Improvement Support (AQIS) offers many opportunities to engage in professional learning centered on the best practices of NAEYC Accreditation and ongoing quality improvement. In addition, we support programs (accepted through an AQIS application process) who are engaged in the earning or maintaining NAEYC Accreditation with individualized Technical Assistance.

Learn More About AQIS

LEarn more about NAEYC Accreditation

Early Childhood Education employees meeting at table

AQIS is funded by the Office of Early Childhood Education in partnership with the Connecticut Association for the Education of Young Children (CTAEYC) and the RESC Alliance.

For additional information please contact:

Adrenna Paolillo (apaolillo@learn.k12.ct.us)

Sarah Moon (smoon@learn.k12.ct.us)

Alison Zanardi (azanardi@learn.k12.ct.us)

Lynn DePina (ldepina@learn.k12.ct.us)

Maria Jose Beteta (mjbeteta@learn.k12.ct.us)