What’s in a name? We believe ours says a lot.

Friends Center for Children was established when members of the New Haven Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) recognized the crucial need for additional high- quality early childhood education in the New Haven area. Today our non-sectarian center continues to uphold the Quaker values of community, equality, peace, simplicity, truth and stewardship.

Friends Center for Children is more than a daycare or school. It is a cooperative community that bridges racial, ethnic and economic divides; a community where parents, teachers, administrators and board members all work together to support each child’s growth and education. As a cooperative program, parents are actively involved in the Center – both in the classroom and behind the scenes.

Friends Center for Children is child-centered. Our progressive approach focuses on a child’s learning and growth in all areas, including social, emotional, cognitive and physical. The materials, activities and curriculum of the Center help children to actively explore their environment, play cooperatively, problem solve and develop a sense of responsibility for self and others.