Your child’s growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens because of what’s built together between home and school. At Julia Day Nursery, families aren’t just kept in the loop. You’re a partner in your child’s learning, and we build real opportunities for your voice to shape what we do.
Five ways you’re part of it
We believe families are an important part of our Julia Day community, and their ideas, experiences, and feedback help make our program stronger. We welcome family input and encourage open communication between families and our teachers and leadership team. Throughout the year, we hold parent meetings and opportunities for families to share ideas, ask questions, and help shape our programs and activities. We value working together with families to ensure that every child feels supported, understood, and successful.
1
Starting the year together
Every school year begins with a one-on-one meeting between you and your child’s teacher. This is your chance to share what you know about your child, ask questions, and start the year on the same page.
2
Staying connected every day
We use Brightwheel to keep you connected to your child’s day: photos, updates, and easy communication with your child’s teacher, right from your phone.
3
Learning together
We offer parent trainings at the center throughout the year, so you have access to the same kind of guidance and information our teachers use, whether or not your child is enrolled with us.
4
Feedback that shapes what we do
We ask for your input through surveys and feedback forms, and we listen. Your feedback helps guide our programming, our events, and how we support your family.
5
A voice in our community
Families are invited to take part in our parent advisory group, helping shape decisions and priorities at Julia Day Nursery from the inside.
Get involved, in whatever time you have
There are many ways for families to be involved in our Julia Day community! Families can be a Secret Reader, share a special hobby or talent with the children, volunteer as a classroom grandparent, or join their child for lunch. Families are also invited to our Parent Advisory Meetings, where they can share ideas, give feedback, and help us continue to grow.
Whether you have a few minutes or a little more time to give, every family contribution helps make Julia Day a stronger, more connected community.
Celebrating together, all year long
We believe community is built through shared moments. Throughout the year, families come together for:
October
Trick or Trunk
Costumes, decorated trunks and a parking lot full of neighbors.
November
Pie with a Special Person
Bring someone you love. We bring the pie.
December
Gingerbread House Decorating
Icing, candy and very sticky architecture.
Fall
Curriculum Night
See what your child’s day looks like, and why.
All year
Guest Readers
Families and neighbors read to the children. Bring a favorite book.
April
Family Walk for the Week of the Young Child
A walk through Ansonia, all of us together.
Summer
Summer Bash
The year’s big send-off, outdoors.
Volunteer with us
Plus regular volunteer opportunities to be part of daily life at the center. Ask your child’s teacher how.
Every April
The Week of the Young Child
Each year, Julia Day celebrates the Week of the Young Child with a week full of fun, connection, and special experiences that celebrate the importance of early childhood. Each day brings a different celebration or activity, designed to recognize children’s creativity, learning, friendships, and the important role they play in our community.
Families are invited to join in throughout the week, and our celebration ends on Friday with a special Family Walk, where children, families, and staff come together to celebrate our Julia Day community. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our children and the joy of learning and growing together!
Resources for families
Trusted places to learn more about your child’s development, and about the standards and approaches we use every day.
The Pyramid Model
The approach we use for social and emotional learning, from the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations.
Early Childhood Collaborative
The Early Start CT hub for Ansonia, Derby, Seymour and Shelton, helping Valley families find programs and support for children up to age five.
NAEYC for Families
Articles and advice for parents from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the organization that accredits us.
CT Early Learning Standards
Connecticut’s Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS): what children are learning at each age, and the standards our curriculum follows.
This is your community, too
Whether your child is enrolled here or not, our doors are open. Come to a training. Ask a question. Join an event. We’re here to be a resource for every family in the Valley.