Connecticut Institute For Communities Early Learning Programs (ELP) is a leading provider of childcare and early-education for children in Danbury and Norwalk. CIFC's Head Start, Early Head Start, and School Readiness programs educate over 500 students a year at little or no cost to eligible families. The highly qualified educators of CIFC's Early Learning Programs support children's growth, learning, health, and family well-being in a supportive, nurturing environment that engages parents as partners in their children's education.
To learn more about each of the programs, including how to apply, please click on the program title to take you to a more in-depth description.
Early Head Start provides an environment that is warm, nurturing, inclusive, and safe, with an enriching educational setting designed to allow infants and toddlers under 3 years old to learn and grow at their own pace, while parents are at work. Early Head Start is available at no cost for eligible families with children under 3 years old.
Head Start provides a high-quality foundational pre-kindergarten education that prepares students for long-term success with focuses on school-readiness skills, social-emotional development, and growth. Head Start is available at no cost for eligible families with children over the age of 3 years who have not reached Kindergarten.
School Readiness students receive the same high-quality education as the Head Start students and the program is offered at our Northern Fairfield County programs in Danbury. School Readiness is available on a sliding fee scale to families that do not qualify for the Head Start program.