Friends Center for Children is expanding!

Spurred by New Haven’s overwhelming need for more access to high-quality early childhood education, and knowing the difference that this type of care can make in the life of a child, Friends Center remains committed to reaching new neighborhoods. In fact, our current and planned expansions span the map of New Haven.

On the east side, we’ve grown our main center to full capacity. In fall 2019, launched a satellite program that brings high-quality early childhood education to 34 children and their families in New Haven’s West Rock neighborhood, near Beaver Hills.  Friends Center Blake Street offers two infant/toddler classrooms, one preschool classroom, nine teachers, and Friends Center’s proven emotional wellbeing program and child-centered curriculum.

In the northwest, plans progress for a new center on Dixwell Avenue, one that will nearly double Friends Center’s overall reach and capacity. We also remain committed to another expansion opportunity with the Dixwell Avenue Congregational Church.

For all of our existing and upcoming expansions, we know that successful growth depends on strong and strategic connections. Fueled by generous donors and great partners — such as Elm City Montessori, Dixwell Avenue Congregational Church and ConnCorp — we look forward to bringing high-quality early childhood care and education experiences to children in the West Rock and  Dixwell areas of New Haven.