BrightPath Ellington Child Care Center

"Four wonderful years with BrightPath Ellington: Exceptional staff, welcoming environment, and a place my daughters eagerly look forward to every day!" - Angela Missino

BrightPath Ellington Early Learning & Child Care, previously known as Educational Playcare Ellington, is a leading daycare and child care center located at 137 West Road, Ellington, CT. This new-build center combines over 30 years of exceptional child care services with state-of-the-art design to create an optimal environment for early childhood education. Boasting oversized classrooms with abundant natural light and colorful décor, BrightPath Ellington offers a welcoming atmosphere for infants, toddlers, preschool, and pre-k children. The center is surrounded by spacious playgrounds that encourage outdoor play and physical development.

Our curriculum, the BeeCurious Framework, is at the heart of our educational philosophy, focusing on holistic, play-based learning. It aims to nurture children's natural curiosity and love for learning, covering a wide range of activities from Math Discovery and Creative Expression to Physical Literacy. This approach promotes essential social-emotional skills and fosters community connections, preparing children for a lifetime of learning.

Safety is paramount at BrightPath Ellington, with advanced security measures including facial recognition access, surveillance cameras, and comprehensive emergency protocols to ensure the well-being of our children and peace of mind for families.

The educational experience is enriched through programs that emphasize Essential Skills, Global Citizenship, Environmental Stewardship, and STEM, designed to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and cultural awareness. Our dedicated and passionate educators, along with nutritious, professionally prepared meals and snacks, support children’s holistic development.

Choose BrightPath Ellington for a nurturing, stimulating, and secure early learning experience, where we offer flexible child care options to meet the diverse needs of families in Ellington and surrounding communities. Join us in fostering your child's growth and learning journey in an environment where they can thrive.

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  • 137 West Road Ellington, CT 06029
    Get Directions
  • Open 6:30 am – 6 pm
  • Call for Enrollment: 888.711.5437
  • Licensed for 228 children

Center Programs

Infant

Infant

(6 weeks to 12 months)

Our program nurtures recognition of familiar figures, motor skill development, and sensory exploration, among other enriching experiences.

Toddler

Toddler

(12 months to 33 months)

Our program encourages exploration, physical development, and communication to foster independence and emotional growth.

Pre-Schooler

Pre-Schooler

(33 months to 4.75 years)

We nurture preschoolers with theme-based, interactive learning and cultivate creativity, problem-solving, and independence through hands-on experiences.

Before & After
School Care

Before & After
School Care

(5.75 years to 12 years)

Our before & after-school program blends guided activities with self-play, fostering fun, learning, and growth with supportive staff and dedicated spaces.

Available Openings at BrightPath Ellington

Center Offerings

CT Care for Kids
Yoga
Healthy Meals & Snacks
Dance & Movement
Music
Natural Playground
Qualified Educators
Transitional Kindergarten

Our center proudly accepts CT Care for Kids. Our Center Director can provide more information regarding financial assistance and they can assist you with the process as well.

Our Yoga program enriches our preschool curriculum, fostering young minds and bodies for lifelong mental and physical well-being through fun, themed sessions.

All our centers are completely nut-free, and we work with families with children who have other food sensitivities and allergies to ensure their safety and well-being.

Our dance programs blend solid technique with fun and creative choreography, fostering both technical skill and expressive, individualistic style in our little ones.

Our music program offers a researched, systematic approach to nurturing children's social skills and musical development, including singing in tune and rhythmic coordination.

Explore and learn with our natural playgrounds, where adventure meets education in a landscape of fun.

Our Educators are passionate about delivering early years education that empowers and inspires children to create their futures.

Our transitional program preps children for kindergarten with enhanced activities aligned with Connecticut's KEI, focusing on language, literacy, numeracy, and social skills.

Upcoming Events for Families

Cozy Day with Coco at BrightPath Ellington

Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: BrightPath Ellington

Join us for a delightful afternoon of relaxation and fun:

☕ Warm up with a delicious hot cocoa bar
🎮 Enjoy open play in our preschool room
🎥 Get comfy and watch the movie Coco (perfect for Día de los Muertos) – don’t forget to bring your sleeping bags to snuggle up on the floor!

Don’t miss this chance to cozy up and have some fun – RSVP today!

Center Director

Samantha Duquette brings over seven years of dedicated service to BrightPath Ellington, backed by her director's credentials and expertise as a CPR trainer with a medical background. Samantha treasures building relationships with the families at her center, reflecting her deep commitment to the community she serves.

Living locally with her husband and two daughters, Samantha embraces a vibrant homesteading lifestyle. Her home is a bustling menagerie with 4 dogs, 14 chickens, and 12 quail. When

Portrait of the BrightPath Ellington  Director
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If you would prefer a virtual tour, please call us to schedule one.