The Gateway Learning Center, a nationally accredited and fully licensed lab school, stands as a beacon of early childhood education. Operated by CT State Community College, our center provides a comprehensive full-day preschool experience for children aged 2.8 to 5 years. We are open daily from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, offering parents and caretakers a choice of enriching instructional models, diverse programs, and valuable family resources.
Located at 20 Church St, New Haven, CT 06510, the Gateway Learning Center is committed to providing an accessible and diverse program for both New Haven residents and families from surrounding towns. We are proud to be a Care4kids recipient and offer state-funded scholarships, as well as a sliding fee scale to ensure affordability. Our NAEYC accreditation underscores our commitment to the highest standards in early childhood education.
Diverse Instructional Models
At the Gateway Learning Center, we recognize that children learn in different ways. That’s why we offer three distinct yet complementary instructional models:
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Reggio Emilia Inspired Approach: This approach celebrates the “hundred languages of children,” fostering expression through conversation, storytelling, music, art, dramatic play, dance, and collaborative projects. We believe in creating an environment where children can communicate and learn in a multitude of ways.
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Montessori Inspired Approach: Emphasizing independence and hands-on learning, the Montessori method encourages children to explore a carefully prepared environment at their own pace. This approach nurtures growth across all key developmental areas, fostering self-reliance and a love of learning.
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Literature Inspired Approach: This model places a strong emphasis on language development. We focus on building expressive and receptive vocabulary, enhancing listening comprehension, and developing essential pre-literacy skills such as alphabet knowledge and phonological awareness – the crucial ability to recognize and manipulate sounds within words.
Enrollment at the Gateway Learning Center is ongoing throughout the year, allowing families flexibility and convenience. We invite you to discover if our center is the right fit for your child. To arrange a tour and learn more, please email us or call 203-285-2132.
Our History: A Foundation of Excellence
The Gateway Learning Center has a rich history dating back to March 1983. Founded through the vision and dedication of Dr. Earnestine Kirkland and Susan Logston, the center was established with a dual purpose: to serve as a training ground for future preschool educators and to provide high-quality childcare services to the community. From its inception, the center has been integral to the Early Childhood Education (ECE) department at Gateway Community College, providing a vital link between educational theory and practical application for ECE program students. Today, students from various disciplines including Early Childhood Education, Human Services, Psychology, and Nursing continue to utilize the Center as an invaluable resource for child development studies.
Mission and Philosophy: Child-Centered Learning
Our mission at the Gateway Learning Center is deeply rooted in the belief that every child is unique and deserves the opportunity to grow and develop at their individual pace. We are committed to providing a nurturing environment where children learn best through active, sensory-rich experiences. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to encourage critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and logical reasoning. It is carefully tailored to align with the strengths, interests, abilities, and needs of each child in our care. We firmly believe in the power of play and discovery as the most effective pathways to learning for young children.
Our philosophy extends to inclusivity. The Gateway Learning Center embraces an inclusive model, welcoming children with diverse needs and abilities. We are dedicated to serving children with both special and typical needs, and we fully adhere to ADA policies to ensure accessibility for all.
Fees and Contact Information
Weekly Fees (subject to change):
- Community: $275
- Full-time Students (Gateway Community College – minimum 3 credits): $175
- New Haven Residents: Sliding fee scale and partial scholarships available
Contact Us:
Jisel Cordero, Director
(203) 285-2132
Email the Director of Gateway Learning Center
Quick Links:
Hours of Operation:
- Monday – Friday
- 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Choose the Gateway Learning Center for a nurturing, enriching, and high-quality early learning experience for your child. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a visit!
