RESOURCES LINKS Let's admit it: we don't always know everything all the time about raising children. Questions and mysteries abound on a regular basis, even for "veteran" parents! Below, you can find resources not only for our facility, but also to help answer any parenting question in general. Keep in mind, the term "parenting" is used for anyone who is taking care of a child, whether that be a guardian, grandparent, relative or friend.
As an African proverb states, "It takes a village to raise a child", so we invite you to peruse resources endorsed by our caring village. Duck Pond Learning Center prepares children six weeks to six years for their next developmental steps, whether transitioning to a toddler classroom or going to kindergarten.
As an African proverb states, "It takes a village to raise a child", so we invite you to peruse resources endorsed by our caring village. Duck Pond Learning Center prepares children six weeks to six years for their next developmental steps, whether transitioning to a toddler classroom or going to kindergarten.
Services
The primary goal of Duck Pond Learning Center is to provide an environment that is designed to meet the developmental needs of children by learning through play. Our curriculum addresses the cognitive, creative, language, social and emotional growth, and physical needs of your children.
Most important about us is our purpose, which is to provide an atmosphere where children can develop a positive self-esteem through a balance of teacher-directed and self-directed activities.Duck Pond Learning Center provides opportunities for structured group activities as well as for solitary play and quiet time.
Most important about us is our purpose, which is to provide an atmosphere where children can develop a positive self-esteem through a balance of teacher-directed and self-directed activities.Duck Pond Learning Center provides opportunities for structured group activities as well as for solitary play and quiet time.
Amy Donegan is often the first person you will talk with and meet when youcontact Duck Pond Learning Center. Amy has a dual bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education with a minor in child psychology from Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania.
She was a preschool teacher and also worked as a childcare specialist and then a quality assurance analyst for a human resources company before joining the family child care business in 2007.She and her husband, Jim, are the parents of two young sons, Tucker and Colin who both attended Duck Pond Learning Center.
She was a preschool teacher and also worked as a childcare specialist and then a quality assurance analyst for a human resources company before joining the family child care business in 2007.She and her husband, Jim, are the parents of two young sons, Tucker and Colin who both attended Duck Pond Learning Center.
Kelsey A.: Perfect hours for families where both parents work! We especially love how flexible they are with last minute changes which helps relieve a ton of stress! I just want you to know that being in the school system now and experiencing other programs for child care that I am more confident than ever of how fortunate we were to be able to have [our daughter] be part of your "family".
Why choose Duck Pond Learning Center and Nursery School? Our excellent reputation in the community speaks for itself. Since 1993 Duck Pond has been recognized as a leader in early care and education in the shoreline community of Branford, CT. We pride ourselves on our very low staff turnover and our commitment to remain current with the best proven practices for quality care and education for young children.
Reviews (8)
Peter Angelini
Oct 25, 2021
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When I think of a child care facility, two types of places cross through my mind. A place or building that you drop your child off so you can go to work and then there is a place that feels like an extension of your home and your child is being cared for by what feels like friends and family. For my family, Duck Pond Learning Center has been such a wonderful place that has been an extension of our home. From Amy whom runs the center to all of the amazing teachers that have shown so much love and care for my son. Words truly cannot describe the thoughtfulness, peace of mind, and family-like connections
Paul Morrone
Jul 15, 2020
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Positive: Professionalism, Responsiveness, Value
We have nothing but great things to say about Duck Pond and the teaching staff who work there. It has a family feel that many other places don't and we felt that all the teachers genuinely loved our son. Many thanks to everyone who made the transition to daycare an easy one and for the great care our son got during his time there.
We have nothing but great things to say about Duck Pond and the teaching staff who work there. It has a family feel that many other places don't and we felt that all the teachers genuinely loved our son. Many thanks to everyone who made the transition to daycare an easy one and for the great care our son got during his time there.
Mary Johnson
Jul 04, 2020
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Duck Pond was our first daycare experience (our son was exactly 1 year when he started) - and we absolutely loved it...cannot say enough great things!
We were nervous about putting our kid in daycare during a pandemic, but the owner's genuine warmth made us feel like we were going to be ok. I could tell how much our son's teacher(s) actually cared for him and he came to us at the end of each day with a big smile on his face.
We also saw our son progress quickly at home, and I truly think it was because he was learning essential skills (socializing/dancing/sharing) at daycare. We've since moved
We were nervous about putting our kid in daycare during a pandemic, but the owner's genuine warmth made us feel like we were going to be ok. I could tell how much our son's teacher(s) actually cared for him and he came to us at the end of each day with a big smile on his face.
We also saw our son progress quickly at home, and I truly think it was because he was learning essential skills (socializing/dancing/sharing) at daycare. We've since moved
Colleen Dawn Ramsdell
Jul 04, 2019
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Everyone here at the Branford location is absolutely amazing! Director Amy is a true blessing and all the teachers are so kind and sweet! My son loves going here. He will be turning 2 soon and has been going since he was about 6 months old. The teachers have helped to teach him so many new things at each stage and I'm always so grateful. He comes home having learned something new every time!
Kasia Lussier
Dec 07, 2018
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Our son started at the Duck Pond Learning Center as a six month old baby while on a wait list for another daycare. We are so happy we ended up at Duck Pond. The teacher to child ratio is small enough to allow enough individual attention for the kids, and the teachers are incredibly nurturing and very experienced at approaching each child in the best way to fit their unique personality and learning style. We have grown very fond of Duck Pond and enjoy watching our now two year old toddler develop and thrive in the care of the dedicated and friendly team of teachers. The center is divided into five
Andre Underwood
Jul 20, 2018
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My wife and I are so excited to share a review about Duckpond learning center. There is so much to say, but what stands out to us is that Amy and staff ALWAYS go above and beyond in creating a nurturing, fun, safe, and loving environment. This atmosphere allows the little ones to feel at home, have a sense of belonging and just be themselves. A peace of mind, communication, healthy child development and a nurturing approach were our priority and to date I have no concerns in any of these areas. As a matter of fact, we actually received ongoing guidance, assistance, support, with potty training
Audrey Minto
May 26, 2017
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Kristina Arlier
Sep 04, 2015
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