[Lavi03]

We are moving to Connecticut with our 3 year old and 9 month old. We are trying to decide between the Glastonbury or Farmington valley area. Could you please recommend a good nursery/ preschools not affiliated to a daycare in these areas. Also some good kids gym and swim class recommendations for my 3 year old and parent-child things that I could do with my 9 month old.Thanks.

[JayCT]

I am surprised no one has replied to this. Unfortunately there are not many preschools that are not tied to a daycare these days. A friend sent their child to Great Beginnings Nursery School on Querido Drive (860-659-0923) several years ago and loved it but I am not sure if it is still there. Give them a call and see. There is also Cathy's Nursery School (860-633-5726) on East Carriage Drive. I had heard good things about it but that was years ago now. Here is a link to their website:

https://cathysnurseryschool.com/

I do know people that liked the preschool at Aloha on Hebron Avenue and at Bright Horizons at Village Place. Aloha is locally owned by a family in town and its owner was my kids teacher at another daycare years ago. She was great.

For a children's gym, you can try My Gym on Oakwood Drive. I also think that the Glastonbury Family YMCA has programs but you need to check their website for them.

As for swimming lessons, Glastonbury Parks & Rec offers lessons at the high school during the cold weather months and at the town pools during the summer. They do have an infant to 2 program but you would have to check when it is offered. They will also assist you in finding an instructor if you want private lessons. Healthtrax also offers lessons in town.

A great program for swimming is offered at the School of Swimming in Rocky Hill. It begins in May and you have to register early because space is limited and they fill up very fast (like in less than a day). If I remember correctly registration begins in February but I would call them to find out the exact day it starts so you can call that day. If you don't, you will likely not be able to get in. I hope this helps. Jay

[NewJeffCT]

it's been 10 years since my daughter was 3, so I don't know what has changed since that time. We went to Educational Playcare in Avon (on the border of Simsbury) for a year and KinderCare near the UConn Health Center for a year. Both were good experiences. Educational Playcare had a great location, as there was a place for dance lessons right there so a teacher could walk them across the parking lot for dance studio. At the time, both were open until 6:30PM, which was important for us because both my wife and I work full-time and most daycares are pretty strict about not being tardy for pickup. I have no idea how these places have changed over the past 10 years, as I know a lot can change with staff turnover.

Agree with Jay on the School of Swimming in Rocky Hill. It worked out well for us because my parents live less than 10 minutes from there.

The town pool in Avon offers swimming lessons in the summer as well, and I'm guessing Winding Trails in Farmington does as well. Not sure if there is a town pool in Farmington or Simsbury. West Hartford has a few places that offer lessons as well.

[Lavi03]

Thank you so much for your responses.