Essex Preschool
Daycare center in Essex, CT. 6 Methodist Hl, Essex, CT 06426
About the program
Essex Preschool is a licensed daycare center in Essex, Connecticut, on the state register since 1977. It is licensed for 25 children and serves infant, toddler, preschool and school age ages.
Essex Preschool is an independent microschool offering preschool and pre-kindergarten programs for children aged 2.9 to 5 years.
The program follows a play-based, Montessori and Reggio Emilia approach and states Elevate + Membership accreditation.
Tuition and capacity
Published on the program's website, read September 18, 2026. Weekly and annual rates are converted to a monthly figure. Confirm current rates and fees with the program.
Licensing and safety
Open the state record →Most violations are record-keeping, training or maintenance items, and nearly every program has some. Read what each one was and how fast it was fixed. Connecticut records each regulation cited at an inspection with the date it was closed. The state does not assign a risk level. The text shown is the regulation the program was cited under.
Labeling and storage [19a-79-9a(b)(5)(A-B)]
Regulation: Medication shall be stored in the original child-resistant safety container and appropriately labeled. Medication shall be stored in a locked area or a locked container in a refrigerator in keeping with the label directions away from food and inaccessible to children. Only personnel authorized to administer medication may be provided with the means to access such medication. Controlled drugs shall be stored in accordance with state law.
Consultants [19a-79-4a(i)(1-2)(H), (F)]
Regulation: An education consultant shall be available to the operator and program staff for advice and support regarding the educational content and practice of the program. A person needs to apply for approval to be an education consultant. Program staff shall not serve as education consultants for programs in which they provide direct care or direct program supervision in a non-consultative role; or in a program with the same operator as a program in which they provide direct care or direct program super
Notification of Change [19a-79-3a(c)(1-4)]
Regulation: The operator shall notify the Office of Early Childhood, the parent(s) and staff of any changes in programs or services. Notification of personnel changes shall be made within five (5) business days after the change. If the change is for a head teacher, a plan for interim head teacher coverage shall be submitted to the Office of Early Childhood. A qualified head teacher or a plan approved by the commissioner shall be in place within thirty (30) days of change of a qualified head teacher. Notific
Toileting [19a-79-7a(d)(10)(A-H)]
Regulation: Where toilets and sinks are shared by children and adults, a written policy shall be developed and implemented that requires supervision of children when using the shared toilet room. Programs shall provide changing and sanitary facilities appropriate to meet the individual needs of children who are enrolled at the facility who need assistance with toileting or who are not independent with toileting. Facilities using potty chairs in addition to the required toilets shall ensure that they are of
Pets or other animals [19a-79-7a(e)(14-15)]
Regulation: When pets are kept on the licensed premises, procedures for their care and maintenance and access to the children shall be written and implemented. Any pet or animal present at the facility, indoors or outdoors, shall be in good health, show no evidence of carrying disease and be a friendly companion for the children.
Show all 28 violations on file
Carbon monoxide detector- each level [19a-79-7a(e)(18)]
Regulation: Child care centers and group child care homes that utilize combustible fuel shall be equipped with at least one operable carbon monoxide (CO) detector on each occupied level of the licensed premises.
Comprehensive background checks [19a-79-4a(b)]
Regulation: The operator shall ensure that all program staff have completed a comprehensive background check before they have unsupervised access to children. The operator shall provide to the Office of Early Childhood any information obtained concerning substantiated child abuse or neglect records or criminal convictions upon request. The operator shall obtain from each prospective employee, who is eighteen years of age or older, for a position that requires the provision of care to a child or involves uns
Child Health Records [19a-79-5a(a)(2)(A)-(E)]
Regulation: The operator of a child care center or group child care home is responsible for maintaining on the licensed premises a current record for each child enrolled. A copy of the record shall be available and provided upon request to the Office of Early Childhood, the child's parent(s) and the local health director. It shall include a health record that shall include date of birth, a signed physical examination form including the child's date of birth, a statement about the child's general health and
2.8 yr olds enrolled in preschool-authorization [19a-79-3a(l)]
Regulation: A child care center or group child care home with a preschool endorsement may deem a child who is thirty-two to thirty-six months of age, inclusive, to be three years of age for purposes of enrolling such child in a preschool program provided such child care center or group child care home receives written authorization from such child�s parent and the director to so enroll such child in the preschool program. The written authorization shall be kept on file at the child care center or group chil
Designated head teacher - 60% [19a-79-4a(d)(1)-(e)(2)]
Regulation: A designated head teacher shall be on site for sixty percent (60%) of the time the child care center or group child care home is in operation on a weekly basis. The head teacher shall be approved by the Office.
Consultants [19a-79-4a(i)(1-2)(H), (F)]
Regulation: An education consultant shall be available to the operator and program staff for advice and support regarding the educational content and practice of the program. A person needs to apply for approval to be an education consultant. Program staff shall not serve as education consultants for programs in which they provide direct care or direct program supervision in a non-consultative role; or in a program with the same operator as a program in which they provide direct care or direct program super
Authorized prescriber/parent permission [19a-79-9a(b)(3)(A-B)]
Regulation: Except for nonprescription topical medications, no medication shall be administered to a child without the written order of an authorized prescriber and the written permission of the child's parent(s) which shall be on file at the facility. Individual written medication administration records for each child shall be written in ink, reviewed prior to administering each dose of medication and kept on file at the facility for at least three years after the child is no longer attending the program.
Labeling and storage [19a-79-9a(b)(5)(A-B)]
Regulation: Medication shall be stored in the original child-resistant safety container and appropriately labeled. Medication shall be stored in a locked area or a locked container in a refrigerator in keeping with the label directions away from food and inaccessible to children. Only personnel authorized to administer medication may be provided with the means to access such medication. Controlled drugs shall be stored in accordance with state law.
Unused/Expired meds-destroyed/returned [19a-79-9a(b)(5)(D)]
Regulation: All unused or expired medication, except for controlled substances, shall be returned to the parent(s) or disposed of if it is not picked up within one week following the termination of the order, in the presence of at least one witness. The facility shall keep a written record of the medications destroyed for three years which shall be signed by both parties.
Individual Care Plan (Signed by Parent/Staff) [19a-79-5a(a)(2)(E)]
Regulation: The operator of a child care center or group child care home is responsible for maintaining on the licensed premises a current record for each child enrolled. A copy of the record shall be available and provided upon request to the Office of Early Childhood, the child's parent(s) and the local health director. It shall include an individual plan of care for any child with special health care needs or disabilities, developed with the child's parent(s) and health care provider and updated, as nece
Water Temperature 60 degrees-115 degrees [19a-79-7a(e)(3)]
Regulation: The water heating equipment shall deliver water at the tap, the temperature of which shall be within a range of sixty (60) degrees Fahrenheit to one hundred fifteen (115) degrees Fahrenheit. It shall have the capacity to deliver the required amounts at all times in conformance with the State of Connecticut Basic Building Code.
Equipment Clean/Good Repair/Safe/Non-toxic [19a-79-7a(g)]
Regulation: All equipment shall be of such design and material as to be readily cleaned and safe for children. Equipment shall not be colored or covered by any poisonous material. Equipment shall be sturdy, safely constructed and free from protruding nails, rust, toxic material and other hazards.
Potentially Hazardous Substances Locked [19a-79-7a(e)(10)]
Regulation: Potentially hazardous substances in the child care centers and group child care homes shall be stored in a separate locked area.
Oral/Topical/Inhalant/Injectable Medications: Authorized Prescriber/Parent Permission/MAR [19a-79-9a(b)(3) and/or 19a-79-9a(b)(4)]
Regulation: Except for nonprescription topical medications, no medication shall be administered to a child without the written order of an authorized prescriber and the written permission of the child's parent(s) which shall be on file at the facility. Individual written medication administration records for each child shall be written in ink, reviewed prior to administering each dose of medication and kept on file at the facility for at least two (2) years after the child is no longer attending the program
Child Health Records/Immunizations/TB [19a-79-5a(a)(2)(A) through (E)and/or19a-79-6a(e)]
Regulation: The operator of a child care center or group child care home is responsible for maintaining on the licensed premises a current record for each child enrolled. A copy of the record shall be available and provided upon request to the Office of Early Childhood, the child's parent(s) and the local health director. It shall include a health record that shall include date of birth, a physical examination form, an immunization record, and information regarding disabilities or special health care needs.
First Aid Kit(s):Indoor/Outdoor/Field Trip [19a-6a(c) and/or 19a-6a(d)]
Regulation: The facility shall maintain at least one (1) portable, readily available first aid kit wherever children are in care, including field trips, outdoor play areas and one to remain at the facility if all the children do not attend the field trip. Each kit shall be a closed container for storing first aid supplies, accessible to staff at all times but out of the reach of children. The first aid kit shall contain specified items and be restocked after use, and an inventory shall be conducted at least
Oral/Topical/Inhalant/Injectable Medications: Labeling/Storage [19a-79-9a(b)(5)]
Regulation: Medication shall be stored in the original child-resistant safety container and appropriately labeled. Medication shall be stored in a locked area or a locked container in a refrigerator in keeping with the label directions away from food and inaccessible to children. Controlled drugs shall be stored in accordance with state law. Equipment and medications prescribed to treat asthma, administer glucagons, or as an emergent first line of defense medication against an allergic response shall be s
First Aid Trained Staff [19a-79-4a(e)(2) and/or 19a-79-4a(f)]
Regulation: At all times the child care center or group child care home is in operation, there shall be present at least one (1) staff member who has successfully completed within the past three years an Office of Early Childhood approved first aid course. The child care center or group child care home shall keep on file written verification of compliance with this requirement for each staff member who the child care center or group child care home designates to meet the first aid requirement.
Oral/Topical/Inhalant/Injectable Medications: Labeling/Storage [19a-79-9a(b)(5)]
Regulation: Medication shall be stored in the original child-resistant safety container and appropriately labeled. Medication shall be stored in a locked area or a locked container in a refrigerator in keeping with the label directions away from food and inaccessible to children. Controlled drugs shall be stored in accordance with state law. Equipment and medications prescribed to treat asthma, administer glucagons, or as an emergent first line of defense medication against an allergic response shall be s
Child Health Records/Immunizations/TB [19a-79-5a(a)(2)(A) through (E)and/or19a-79-6a(e)]
Regulation: The operator of a child care center or group child care home is responsible for maintaining on the licensed premises a current record for each child enrolled. A copy of the record shall be available and provided upon request to the Office of Early Childhood, the child's parent(s) and the local health director. It shall include a health record that shall include date of birth, a physical examination form, an immunization record, and information regarding disabilities or special health care needs.
Logs/Visits Documented [19a-79-4a(h)(2)(G)]
Regulation: A written plan for consultation services shall be developed, signed annually by the consultant and implemented. Consultative services shall include documenting the activities and observations in a consultation log that is kept on file at the facility for two years.
Impact Absorbing Material under Equipment [19a-79-7a(h)(2)]
Regulation: Where swings, seesaws or climbing apparatus are used, the surface in the space shall be protected with a minimum of eight (8) inches of impact absorbing materials.
Staff Health Records [19a-79-4a(a)(1) and/or 19a-79-4a(a)(2)]
Regulation: A file shall be kept on the licensed premises for each employee of the child care center or group child care home which shall include an acceptable medical statement and a written report of a negative tuberculin test.
What parents say
Today, I had the pleasure of visiting Essex Preschool to share my story. I am a CT author who travels all around the state to different schools & facilities. This preschool was truly one of the best I have ever visited. The director, teachers, staff and kids were a pleasure to be around. From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in a positive & comforting environment! The students were incredibly kind, patient, and…
Emily Franke · 5/5 on Google · a year agoAmazing educational program! The owner is an experienced business owner, educators and Mother who understands the importance of having a environment that provides young learners opportunities to grow in all aspects of development. Socially, emotionally and academically. A great school starts with great leadership.
Michelle Jones · 5/5 on Google · a year agoAwesome program!!!! Teachers are very welcoming and show they really care about the children. I am so happy I found Essex preschool my son loves it. I couldn't ask for a better program
Brian Clark · 5/5 on Google · a year agoThis preschool is run by highly knowledgeable and trained staff. They work with the families to ensure smooth transitions and successful experiences for their students.
Victoria Fox · 5/5 on Google · a year agoGetting there
6 Methodist Hl, Essex, CT 06426
Questions about Essex Preschool
Is Essex Preschool licensed?
Yes. Essex Preschool holds an active Child Care Center licence from Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (licence DCCC.12593), with a licensed capacity of 25 children. The state record was synced in September 2026.
Has Essex Preschool had any inspection violations?
Connecticut records 22 violations for Essex Preschool in the last three years, across 5 inspections on file. The median daycare center in the area has 15. Each one is listed above with the date it was corrected.
What ages does Essex Preschool take?
Essex Preschool is licensed to serve infant, toddler, preschool and school age ages, and is open 9 am to 4:30 pm, Mon to Fri.
How much does Essex Preschool cost?
Essex Preschool publishes full-time tuition from $520 to $2,383 a month on its website, read in September 2026. Ask about registration, supply and late pick-up fees.
