Our mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to develop socially, creatively, emotionally, physically and cognitively through the various programs we offer. We operate on the premise that children's natural curiosity enables them to take ownership of their daily activities and subsequently become increasingly vested in their learning.
Our program develops a child's ability to problem-solve, negotiate, predict and think independently. Children are supported to make choices, learn to socialize and become independent and confident individuals. We welcome families of all races, religious backgrounds and cultures; and we work to build reciprocal relationships with each family that encourage a strong connection between home and school.
Our program develops a child's ability to problem-solve, negotiate, predict and think independently. Children are supported to make choices, learn to socialize and become independent and confident individuals. We welcome families of all races, religious backgrounds and cultures; and we work to build reciprocal relationships with each family that encourage a strong connection between home and school.
Services
Located on over one acre of the 12-acre Kiwanis Park, New Canaan Community Preschool is structured to encourage curiosity, inspire creativity and build a strong sense of community. Our classrooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the beauty of two playgrounds, nature path and garden. The building was expanded and renovated in 2010 by Maryann Thompson Architects, an award-winning firm based in Cambridge, MA.
Our philosophy encompasses the ideas and teaching methods derived from the Project Approach while drawing inspiration from the Reggio Emilia Approach. Projects can emerge from questions that children raise and develop based on their interests. As educators, rather than offering the children immediate answers to their questions, the teachers provide them with experiences so that the children can discover the answers on their own.
Additional classroom activities throughout the year include classroom yoga, weekly Spanish lessons, and monthly music and dance instruction with Kwame, an African drummer. Lunch Bunch offers an opportunity to extend your child's day Monday through Thursday from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. There is also an option to pick up your child at 1:30 p.m.
This class is a great option for families who are thinking of having their child complete another year of preschool before entering Kindergarten as they will be able to transition into the Pre-K Class the following year. With two long days built into the schedule either on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday from 9:00am - 3:00pm.
New Canaan Community Preschool gives preference to current school families, alumni families, and New Canaan residents but welcome families from the surrounding towns. Families who embrace the program and curriculum and want to work as partners with the school in their child's development. Accepting children of varying abilities and backgrounds who we feel will benefit from our program.
Reviews (7)
Colleen Prostor
Nov 17, 2019
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We had an amazing experience at NCCP! I moved my son from another preschool and was very happy with the move! The teachers are very nurturing, yet highly effective in getting the kids ready for Kindergarten. The school has a nice balance for indoor and outdoor play and the kids are learning from play, which was wonderful! I highly recommend New Canaan Community Preschool!!!
Natasha Nejdl
Nov 12, 2019
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My children and I absolutely love NCCP - every day, they go to school excited to learn, explore, and play! The teachers are exceptional, most having worked at the school for over 15 years, and encourage self direction and curiosity through the Project Approach. Moreover, my oldest, soon to be a kindergarten graduate, and had a seamless transition because her teachers helped prepare her to be a confident, engaged learner. Outdoor play is encouraged in most conditions, and my children love to dress for the weather, exploring and playing in the beautiful playground and park that surrounds NCCP. Because
Cristen Cottrell
Oct 12, 2019
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Both of my children attended New Canaan Community Preschool and it was a wonderful experience. The teachers are warm and compassionate. They encourage their students to learn and explore through play. Even as a graduate, I still find my daughter flipping through books they made together in class.
The school hosts many fun events for families (fun fairs, fall festival, etc) and social events for parents, that provided a great opportunity to meet many families that shared the same educational values we have for our children.
NCCP embraces a “give back” mentality and the children learn at a
The school hosts many fun events for families (fun fairs, fall festival, etc) and social events for parents, that provided a great opportunity to meet many families that shared the same educational values we have for our children.
NCCP embraces a “give back” mentality and the children learn at a
Kate McGee
Aug 25, 2019
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We LOVE NCCP! My daughter has been there for one year now and is thriving. The teachers, administration and fellow families are incredibly warm and welcoming, and the curriculum is one of the best in New Canaan in terms of Kindergarten preparedness. Our two older children attended a Montessori in NYC and we were hopeful we'd find an equal or better preschool when we moved to the suburbs - NCCP has over-delivered on this hope, and we feel so lucky to be a part of the NCCP community!
Kristie Breed
Aug 01, 2019
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My boy/girl twins attended preschool several years ago and were in the threes, fours and pre-K classes. They had an incredible experience. The teachers were both professional and nurturing throughout their time there. The campus is a thoughtful and engaging place with many activities to choose from. I served on the Board and many committees while there. I highly recommend it as a place or learning and growing for any child.
Stefanie Lucille Lister
Jul 13, 2019
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This school has been a real blessing for my family. Moving to the North East from the South West was a difficult adjustment for us, so the school's emphasis on building a community amongst the families played a great role in making New Canaan feel like home.
They put on great events like picnics, family fun fairs, and parent nights, but my favorite time is pickup because on nice days everyone sticks around after school to catch up while the kids sneak in more playground time. The teachers are fantastic and really take the time to get to know your child. The curriculum is ran pretty organically
They put on great events like picnics, family fun fairs, and parent nights, but my favorite time is pickup because on nice days everyone sticks around after school to catch up while the kids sneak in more playground time. The teachers are fantastic and really take the time to get to know your child. The curriculum is ran pretty organically
Meredith Smith
Jun 19, 2019
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NCCP is everything you want your children’s Preschool to be. Both of my children attended this wonderfully nurturing school and I recommend it without reservation. The teachers are warm and caring, the administration is involved with each child and their individual growth, and the facility is clean and encourages learning from all angles. My son entered the school as a very busy, practically non- verbal, 3-year old, and two years later he was talking, writing, and interacting with his classmates effortlessly and we owe a lot of this to the wonderful staff of professionals of NCCP. I highly recommend
