Key Information for
promise to families.
At TC4, we know childhood is a treasured time. We believe it is our responsibility to provide environments and experiences that capture the joys of childhood, nurture each child’s individual growth and development, and pave the way for success in school and life.
Nurturing each child's individual potential.
Learning Through Play & Exploration
This is the foundation for where all learning starts. We support children to build relationships with peers and adults through warm, caring interactions.
We empower children to use their body, language, and writing to share their needs and thoughts with the world.
We encourage healthy eating, physical activity, and the development of self-care skills.
We help children make sense of the world, build attention, and work hard to solve problems.
Infants
TC4’s infant program focuses on meeting each child’s individual needs in a caring and trusting learning environment. We emphasize exploration and connections in the classroom, offering experiences that assist infants with developing motor, language, and feeding skills, as well as establishing trusting and caring relationships.
6 Weeks to 1 1/2 Years
Pre-School
TC4’s preschool program is a play based program where children learn through hands on meaningful experiences. Children continue to build upon their skills to encourage success in Kindergarten, including handwriting and letter recognition. We encourage peer learning and supporting one another so children are effective problem solvers.
3-5 years
Current Tuition Rates
Infant Care
6-Weeks to 1 1/2 Years-
Full-Time Pricing for 4 or 5 day
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Part-Time 3-days (MWF) @ $222/week
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Part-Time 2-days (T-TH) @ $177/week
Toddler Care
1 1/2 to 3 Years-
Full-Time Pricing for 4 or 5 day
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Part-Time 3-days (MWF) @ $222/week
-
Part-Time 2-days (T-TH) @ $177/week
Pre-School
3 1/2 to 6 Years-
Full-Time Pricing for 4 or 5 day
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Part-Time 3-days (MWF) @ $194/week
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Part-Time 2-days (T-TH) @ $140/week
Tuition Assistance
Our program accepts Care4Kids funding. In addition, we have spaces in our program that are funded through the State of CT Office of Early Childhood Early Start program. If your child qualifies for one of these funded spaced, your weekly fee is calculated based on your family size and income, using the Office of Early Childhood’s Fee Schedule. There are certain requirements to qualify for these spaces. Please contact us for more information.
Investing in yor child's future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are your hours of operation?
TC4 opens at 7:30 am and closes at 5:30pm Monday – Friday.
Are you licensed and accredited?
We are licensed by the Office of Early Childhood and are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Are your teachers certified in CPR and First Aid?
All of our full time staff are trained to administer First Aid, CPR, Medication and Epi-Pen.
Do you administer medications?
Yes, with the appropriate authorization forms filled out by your child’s health care professional.
What curriculum and assessments does your center use?
We use Creative Curriculum® and the state of Connecticut’s Early Learning and Development Standards as the basis for planning learning experiences, implementing teaching strategies, and observing and documenting child progress.
We use a variety of assessment tools including the CT Documentation and Observation for Teaching System (DOTS)Ages and Stages Questionnaires® (ASQ), and ASQ®:Social-Emotional (ASQ SE) to assess child progress.
What are the qualifications of your Teachers and Teacher Assistants?
Our Teachers have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field. Our Teacher Assistants have a minimum of a current Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential OR an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
All of our teachers attend annual professional development training and/or formal coursework to advance their skills based on their individual professional development plans.
How many teachers are in the classroom? Who will I see at the beginning and end of the day?
All of our classrooms have one full time lead teacher and two full time teacher assistants who rotate shifts throughout our hours of operation. You may occasionally see a substitute teacher assistant, student teachers, volunteers, or Trinity College students.
Do the children go outside?
Outdoor play is an integral part of our program. Our classrooms go outside when the temperature is above 25 degrees Fahrenheit. In warmer weather, we may go outside in light rain. We believe there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.
What is your policy for children who are sick?
TC4 is unable to provide care for children who are ill. Our teaching staff conducts daily health assessments to observe any changes in behavior, signs of illness or injury, increased body temperature and complaints of not feeling well. If a child has a temperature of 100.4°F or higher, they will be asked to remain at home. In the event your child becomes ill while at TC4 and needs to leave the program, staff will notify a family member or emergency contact to pick up the child. In the meantime, the child will be provided with resting space in an isolated area and supervised until picked up. Families should arrange for emergency backup care in the event of illness.
Do I pay a registration fee or security deposit?
We collect a $30 processing fee in advance of enrollment. Once your child is enrolled, this fee will be credited toward your first week’s tuition. We also collect a deposit equal to two weeks tuition, which will be applied to your account when your child leaves the program.
How do I enroll?
Enter your information on the waiting list form on our website here. You can then contact our Administrative Assistant at (860) 297-5208 to determine space availability and schedule a tour.
Do you accept Care4Kids?
TC4 accepts payments from Care 4 Kids for families who are enrolled in the Care 4 Kids program. Families are responsible for completing redetermination paperwork. TC4 will complete a Parent-Provider Agreement for newly enrolled families with Care 4 Kids funding and at redetermination.
What days are you closed?
Labor Day Good Friday
Thanksgiving Memorial Day
Day after Thanksgiving Juneteenth
Christmas Day Independence Day New Year’s Day
In addition, the Center is closed for multiple days at the end of August to allow for building maintenance, program set up, and professional development, as well as two additional days during the year for professional development . These dates will be announced as far in advance as possible each year. The center is closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Do you close for snow days?
Occasionally, inclement weather makes traveling unsafe for families and staff. We will follow delays and closings in accordance with the Hartford Public Schools. Weather related closings and delays will be announced on many of the local news stations. Early dismissals will be announced by the Executive Director via the Procare Parent Engagement app.
Do you accommodate part time or part day schedules?
There are a limited number of full-day part-week options available. The options are Monday/Wednesday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday. TC4 does not provide part day options.
When do children move to the next age group?
At TC4, transitions are timed to allow for children’s positive development. As children progress and space becomes available in the next age group/classroom, we begin to plan for children who may be ready to move up.
Does the center provide meals?
TC4 provides a morning and afternoon snack that includes at least two food groups. We provide milk and water at snack time and mealtime. Families are responsible for sending in lunch.
If I go on vacation or my child is sick do I have to pay for those days?
Your tuition pays for your child’s space in the program. The weekly fee is based on annual cost of care expenses spread out over 52 weeks. Fees remain the same regardless of holidays, professional development days, inclement weather, maintenance, family vacations, child absences, and closures deemed necessary by the Board of Directors and/or Executive Director.
Do you have a school nurse?
We have an APRN who visits the center weekly to do classroom visits, review paperwork and answer staff or family questions.
What does nap time looks like at your center?
At TC4 we believe each child requires time for a brief period of inactivity, solitude, calmness or tranquility which for some children may include a period of sleep or nap. Infants nap as needed throughout the day. Toddler and preschool classrooms have rest time from approximately 1-3 p.m.
How do you keep the children at the center safe?
All of our staff go through background checks and fingerprinting. The program has security cameras at each entrance, in classrooms, and in hallways. In addition, our entry doors are locked and controlled by Trinity College. Staff and families gain entrance through the use of identification cards or key fobs provided at enrollment.
TC4 Difference
We offer a unique early education experience built on 40 years of serving the community, and on what working families have told us they want and need for their children and for themselves. Child care and early education isn’t just what we do – it’s who we are.