This is a review for parents looking for a bridge between now and full day Kindergarten. The Gift…read moreof Time class at the Children's Center was recommended to us by two different teachers. Our son has a late Fall birthday. He's in the 4s program at Trinity Nursery School (2.5 hours X 3 days), which we love, but we're confident that he'd benefit from an extra year (3 hours X 5 days) at a different school to help him transition to full day kindergarten. So we scheduled a visit to see The Gift of Time class last week - and enrolled our son immediately. The instant we walked into this school, we knew it was "the place." We had already visited three other schools and none of them compared to this one. The playground is spacious and set against the woods. The various play structures are unique, there is a large community garden for the children, and there are nature trails on the property. You're immediately greeted by this awesome outdoor space. Then the school itself has a great vibe. All of the rooms are bustling with happy kids. It's play-based learning, but efficient and highly-organized. Some of the classrooms are loft-like spaces with giant windows overlooking the woods. Honestly, my husband and I were blown away. One of the guided activities happening in the Gift of Time room that we witnessed (and our son participated in) was the building of a 400-year-old English village with found objects in the classroom (giant blocks, bricks, large cardboard, etc). Each of the huts had a pretend fireplace and kitchen, there was a farm, garden and pasture. It was imaginary play on a whole other level and all of the kids were super into it, and so were the teachers. Needless to say, we were sold. We are super excited to send our son there next year. The Children's Center offers a warm and happy school experience for kids as young as 2. I assure you this place is not typical - it is so unique. Please visit for yourself - their website is still a work-in-progress - you have to see The Children's Center in person!

A fantastic preschool! Two of my children have attended The Children's Center for their pre-school…read morecareers and my third will be starting there next year in their new two-year-old program! All of the teachers are experienced, loving and dedicated to teaching the young children how to grow emotionally, socially and intellectually!

Great teachers, involved community, and thoughtful educational programming for parents and…read morecaregivers. We've had a positive experience with the toddler program - all of the teachers and staff has been wonderful and our kid went from big tears at drop off to running in with open arms to greet her teachers and friends. Extremely kind and patient staff is so great at answering all our questions.

Cobb School has been the greatest gift to our family. Our son joined lower elementary as a…read moreMontessori transfer student and has been thriving. We are investing in his formative school years rather than saving for college because the outcomes of authentic Montessori education are well documented, and the proof is in the pudding -- he is happy to go to school each day, his academic progress is evident, and his love of learning has never wavered. The staff are genuinely caring and enthusiastic about maintaining optimal environments that support the development of each and every child. It is really beautiful to witness. An absolute gem in Simsbury, CT!

This school is absolutely amazing. We attended here before moving further south and honestly my…read morechild entered Kindergarten in our new town so well prepared. He reads fluently and is just so well-adjusted socially and emotionally. I completely credit the teachers and staff at FVAM. They took a shy somewhat nervous kid and really did wonders with him. Your child would be in excellent, caring hands at FVAM. Cannot recommend them enough! PS most people don't know, but they do early education (toddlers) and summer camp too. Enjoy!

My children attended FVAM for 4 years and we loved every minute being there. The teachers are all…read morevery dedicated and the curriculum is top notch. They deeply understand children and how they grow and develop, and they are amazingly in tune with each child's individual learning growth. From art, to science, to math- the teachers are just the absolute best. I know other families who moved, switching their children out of FVAM, and into big city fancy schools and they were sorely disappointed, noting that FVAM is really a special and unique place. We have since moved as well, and we are so sad to have left FVAM. If you are looking for caring, engaging teachers that understand your child, and a hands-on environment that includes outdoor experiences like gardening, nature exploration and animal interactions (butterflies, ducks, and other small critters), this is your spot. We love FVAM!

My son, now 10 years old and finishing 4th grade, attended all three years at Avon Nursery School -…read moretheir 3's, 4's, and pre-K programs. The Director, Joan Parks, has become a family friend for life. The staff who work with her have been the teachers there for years. This is a team of educators who truly find preschool care and education to be their calling. This team of teachers gets to know each child very well, and they truly love the kids they teach and care for. The program is a wonderful balance of educational play, hands-on exploration, art appreciation, life appreciation, love of cultures from all over the world. My son still remembers all the steps in the water cycle. He still remembers how they taught him about animals and nature. By the time he was headed for kindergarten, he was beginning to sound out short words. Although there is an academic component, it's not imposed on the kids, and they're truly taught at their own pace and interest level. We are still friends with the families who were part of the ANS community when my son was there, and he is still good friends with some of the children from his time at ANS. Truly, you could not dream up a better environment for your child. I can't say enough about Avon Nursery School and its staff. It's a very special place.

We were new to the area and researched a few places for our future preschooler. CCNS has been part…read moreof the community for a long time (1969). They offer programs for children ages 3-4. It is play based learning with optional parental involvement. My child just graduated and enjoyed his time at Canton Community Nursery School. The teachers were great. The classroom was nice; it's organized with all types of toys. There were fundraisers throughout the year. I enjoyed getting updates on the SeeSaw app on what the kids were doing in class. My child has learned quite a bit. I highly recommend and would definitely put my child there again.

I went to CCNS back in the '80s, and now my older son is there and my younger will be attending…read morenext year. The community-oriented feel, incredible dedication of the staff, and openness to parent involvement make CCNS a really special place. My son has developed amazing friendships through the school and so have I! It's a great mix of play-based learning and preparing children for future success in school.

We've been sending our daughter since 9mo (now 29mo) and highly recommend this center for a number…read moreof reasons: 1) Communicative administration: Director Ms. Sarah and Mr. Andrew are super organized and responsive with all questions/needs a parent may have. They also help out in classes often, know all kids very well, and hold town-halls frequently to stay even more connected with the parents. I also like their portal where I can easily email and manage payments etc. 2) Top quality facility: Center is bright, CLEAN, and overall an inviting environment for kids to play and learn in. They just installed brand new wooden floors (2017) which is an added bonus. Outdoor play area is also very well-organized and clean. 3) Curriculum based learning: In toddler class, they have a 'theme' each month/week and kids learn from story time, art, and fun activities. For example, if the theme is 'camping' for the week, kids will learn about 'camping' by setting up tents indoors, making smores/pretend campfire, singing and dancing to songs, making art with fall leaves, and of course reading stories. They also keep rotating toys and books to stimulate kids and stay up to date with current learnings. 4) Warm caring teachers: Since the infant class to now toddler class, we've had many amazing teachers who would open up their arms to my daughter when we come in the morning, diligently snap nice photos throughout the day and send thru tadpole app, along with very descriptive real-time status update (i.e. 'went potty', 'had XYZ snack', 'applied sunscreen', etc.), and share daily anecdotes when we pick her up.

We use this center for back-up care (I stay at home, but occasionally need someone during the day…read moreif I have an appointment). We've used them probably five or six times and have been very pleased. Highly organized-- the teachers are always expecting my son, and greet him with enthusiasm. They have nice anecdotes to share when I pick him up, and they always seem enthusiastic and energetic. The director is always around and seems to have plenty of time to talk with parents. The children clearly know their routines and have calm, well-structured days. (I've only observed preschool, not the younger ages). The facility itself is immaculately clean, cute little child-sized toilets, pretty fish-tank, etc.

Amazing school with caring staff and they do a great job preparing Kids for kindergarten!read more

From the owner: Award winning preschool specializing in creative learning environments for children age 6 weeks -…read moreprekindergarten.

Building Blocks has been nothing short of amazing for both of my children! I first called 10 years…read moreago on a whim, as I drove by and was able to turn around and view the center right away. I met Sheila and Carrie, and as a new mom I was both exhausted and nervous for the new chapter ahead. I noticed children saying hello to both of them, and coming in for hugs (nothing like what I saw at other daycares in the area). I felt so comfortable talking to them about my daughter's care and how all of this would work. I left knowing 100% this was the place for my daughter, Marley. She started in the littles room and transitioned very well, we have had tons of amazing teachers (some had moved on/retired) throughout her time there and she was spoiled! The staff always sent photos of her playing, laughing and getting hugs from teachers. It was good to know she was taken care of. I haven't ever had an issues with bullying, biting or hitting and if something did arise, it was addressed immediately and I was notified. When Marley was in grade school she did bus drop off to building blocks and their summer camp program- both of which were amazing! Flash forward a few years and my son, Cairo was born. It was a no brainer when we needed him in daycare, I called Sheila and Carrie. At each level Cairos is taught manners, abcs, counting, potty training.. all of the things, I am so thankful for all of the years we have had at this location. When Sheila left, my family was so sad but even happier that Carrie was stepping into the director roll. She has and will always be such a joy. I have never seen her other than with a happy smile on her face, greeting the parents and kids. The staff at this facility, especially Carrie, Sheila and Brenda, Mrs Desiree, Ms Amber and many more have become more than just the people who helped raise my children, but true friends. I write this with tears in my eyes knowing my son will be moving onto kindergarten this fall, and I don't know what life will be like without seeing them every morning. Thank you Building Blocks, for all of the laughs, convos and for providing a safe place for my two kids. We will miss you all! If you are on the fence about this place- TAKE YOUR CHILDREN HERE!!! You will not be disappointed

This daycare is awesome. all staff are super friendly very helpful my twins are going to be two…read moreyears old they started here at age 6 months. my twins are learning so much. rooms are always clean, nice huge play area. staff are always on top of things I feel good having my twins here, knowing their in good hands, I have nothing to say bad about this place HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

We visited recently just to walk the trails and have a picnic. It is quite a marvelous property…read morewith an interesting history. Unfortunately it is only marginally kept up. No surprise as it would require a LOT of manual labor to put the whole farm into very good shape.

Such a peaceful place to step back; stroll, look, quietly listen, and relax. Well maintained by…read morestaff, 4H volunteers, Scouts troops.