Early Start CT
What is Early Start CT?
- Early Start CT is a state-funded initiative administered by the Office of Early Childhood
- Open to Norwalk residents ONLY
- Serves children ages 3 and 4
- Children are required to attend daily - 5 days a week, 6 hours per day.
- Programs follow the NPS calendar
- Family fees are based on income and family size using the OEC Fee Schedule
- At least 60 percent of the children enrolled must be at or below 75 percent of the State Median Income.
- Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
- Using Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CTELDS), preschool children receive high-quality learning experiences that foster and optimize growth and development
- Promotes parental involvement in their child’s development and education
Preliminary Application
The Early Start CT Preschool classrooms are at capacity for the 2025-2026 school year. To add your child to the waiting list, click here.
Children need to be 3 years old on or before September 1, 2025.
Applications are received on a first come first serve basis.
Children are not automatically enrolled. You will be contacted by phone if your child receives a spot.
Locations and Times
- ELLI at Norwalk Early Childhood Center
- Odyssey at Norwalk Early Childhood Center
- NPS Pre-K at Cranbury Elementary School
- NPS Pre-K at South Norwalk Neighborhood School
ELLI at Norwalk Early Childhood Center
Odyssey at Norwalk Early Childhood Center
NPS Pre-K at Cranbury Elementary School
NPS Pre-K at South Norwalk Neighborhood School
Early Start CT Programs
Norwalk Early Childhood Collaborative
The Mayor and the Superintendent of schools jointly appoint and convene the Norwalk Early Childhood Council with the responsibility of making recommendations on issues related to the School Readiness Grant and Early Childhood issues throughout the city the of Norwalk. All preschool programs who receive School Readiness funded are monitored by the Norwalk Early Childhood Council.