Head Start

New Opportunities Early Childhood Development Centers nurture and promote school readiness for infants and children, age 6 weeks to 5 years, from low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional and social services.

In an era when the majority of U.S. parents are employed, Early Childhood was established to address the need for high-quality, affordable day care and preschool programs for children whose parents are working, in between jobs or are going to school and have modest means. Parents need to know that while they are occupied, their infants, toddlers and preschoolers are in a caring, structured and safe environment.

New Opportunities helps children enrolled in their Early Childhood Division achieve the social, emotional, verbal, physical and cognitive goals that will pave the way toward being successful in school and in society at large. Three Early Childhood Development Centers in Waterbury annually provide early learning and developmental guidance to about 500 Waterbury children.

Parents have an important role in their child's progress as well, both as primary educators of their children and as participants in administering the programs locally. Depending on their age, the young ones benefit from pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multicultural environment. Parents also get support from social services, including assistance with childcare.

Each of Early Childhood's three sites is accredited by the Washington-based National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The Division is also State-licensed and funded by several State and Federal programs. The range of ages served by the centers is covered by blending its various programs, including Infant and Toddler Care; State Child Day Care; School Readiness; and Head Start and Early Head Start.

Children are placed in one of three basic age groups:

• 6 weeks to 18 months
• 18 months to 3 years
• 3 years to 5 years

Sessions run full day/ full year, with Centers open Monday through Friday, from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The full-time staff includes professionals credentialed in the fields of education, social services, health, nutrition and mental health.