West Hartford Public Schools Logo

Early Childhood Education

West Hartford is a wonderful community to raise young children!

We are fortunate to have many excellent choices in early care and education. We have several early childhood programs that are accredited by the National Association for the Education for Young Children. There are currently 144 school day/school year pre-kindergarten seats in the West Hartford Public Schools and additional part time seats at the Early Learning Centers. West Hartford participates in a state funded School Readiness grant also allowing us to support four additional private PreKindergarten programs that provide a limited number of full day/full year learning opportunities.

Useful links for parents of young children:

Kindergarten Enrollment Packet

The West Hartford Public Libraries offer many programs for young children ages birth through elementary school.

If you have concerns about how your child sees, talks, hears, moves, eats, or plans, and your child is age 3-5 visit the WHPS Early Learning Center. If you child is under the age of three, visit the Birth to Three website to learn more about their support options. The Child Development toll-free infoline is 800-505-7000 and TDD accessible at 866-888-4188.

The Family Resource Center at Charter Oak offers a variety of programs for West Hartford families. Early learning playgroups for children ages birth-four (accompanied by a parent or caregiver), parent leadership programs, English language classes for the whole family, after school programs, and training and support for home childcare providers are among the many programs offered at the FRC. Families can contact FRC staff at 860-929-5575 or go to their Facebook page at Family Resource Center at Charter Oak for program details. 

Irene Garneau

Department Supervisor of Early Childhood Education