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Essex KinderCare

This center is open: We're open to serve hardworking families in your community! Check out the new health and safety measures we've put in place to protect families and staff.

Address: 158 Westbrook Rd, Essex, CT 06426
Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years
Open hours:
Center Director: Jo Ann Reader

Welcome to Essex KinderCare

Welcome to Essex KinderCare in Connecticut! We're located within a convenient distance from each of our three villages. Our teachers recognize the importance of offering a full and diverse education, and they bring their passion for art, music, and literature to the classroom. We build a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment for children of all abilities, backgrounds, and experiences. It's our mission from the moment you walk into our center that you feel part of our KinderCare family.

Address: 158 Westbrook Rd, Essex, CT 06426
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Program Availability

Infant Daycare
Available
Toddler Daycare
Available
Preschool
Available

If a program you are interested in shows "upcoming availability", contact the center today to learn more.

Meet Jo Ann Reader, Our Center Director

At KinderCare Since: 2008

Education: Child Development Associate

Favorite Children's Book: The Little Red Caboose

Meet JoAnn Reader! She is the Center Director at Essex KinderCare in Essex, CT. JoAnn attended Wilkes Community College where she earned her Child Development Associate. She has been with KinderCare for sixteen years, and before that she was a teacher and an assistant director. JoAnn's favorite quote is, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller. Outside of work, JoAnn enjoys hanging out by the pool, swimming, taking road trips, and spending time with family.

Our classrooms are places to thrive! 
In our safe and healthy classrooms, your child will be engaged in learning experiences that meet them where they are, both socially and academically. With fun daily activities, passionate teachers, and great friends, a lifetime of confidence starts here. Contact the center director to learn more about our child care options and schedule a tour! 

Essex KinderCare Programs

Infant Programs (6 weeks–1 year)

Leaving your baby in someone else’s care is a big step. Everyone at our centers—most importantly, our naturally gifted infant teachers—will work with you to make sure the transition goes smoothly. When you step into our infant classroom, you’ll see how much we want your infant to feel safe, loved, and ready to explore their world.

Toddler Programs (1–2 Years)

Everything in our toddler classroom is designed for little explorers. That’s because a lot is going on at this age. When your child is wandering all over the place, that means they’re learning and discovering new things every day. We’ll help them explore their interests (and find new ones!) as they play and learn.

Discovery Preschool Programs (2–3 Years)

This age is filled with so much wonder and curiosity. That’s why we offer a ton of books and toys and bring artwork down to kids eye level. Children in discovery preschool also begin to learn how we all work together in a classroom. Simple math and science, pretend play, and group play help them get used to a more structured school setting.

Preschool Programs (3–4 Years)

This age is all about expression, when kids really start to form their own ideas about what they want to play and how they want to create. Every day in our preschool classroom, your child will explore science experiments, create artwork, and play pretend—all the skills needed for their big next step: kindergarten!

Prekindergarten Programs (4–5 Years)

When you walk into one of our pre-K classrooms, you’ll see artwork and writing displayed around the room. Labels are everywhere to help kids connect letters with words. You’ll also see pictures on the walls that reflect the families in our community. Your child will also deepen their knowledge in language, math, science, Spanish, and social skills.

Learning Adventures - Enrichment Program

Music Explorers™ (2 – 4 Years)

KinderCare families are already giving a standing ovation to our newest Learning Adventures program: Music Explorers! Kids will learn to sing, move, listen, play instruments, and even create their own tunes. Our original curriculum blends math, science, social studies, literacy, and mindfulness (think yoga!) for a uniquely KinderCare way of learning the foundations of music.

Phonics Adventures® (2 – 4 Years)

Learning how to read is a whole lot of fun at KinderCare! We help kids grow to love books and words (and get ready for kindergarten) in our Phonics Adventures program. From discovering the basics of vowels to practicing poetry, kids learn all about letters and sounds in small-group lessons made just for their age group. (Bonus: Kids who attend our phonics program are more prepared than their peers for school—and we have the data to prove it.)

STEM Innovators (3-8 Years)

You’ve probably heard a lot about how important STEM education is for your child, but what does that really mean? Our STEM Innovators program takes kids’ natural ability to make sense of the world and applies it to robotics, chemistry, coding, geology, and more. While your child experiments, they’ll discover how to use technology to do amazing things!

Family Stories

Don't take our word for it. Hear what our families have to say about our amazing center! If you have a story about your experience at KinderCare, please share your story with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What accreditations does KinderCare have?

Do you offer part-time schedules at Essex KinderCare?

How does naptime work at Essex KinderCare?

Do you support alternative diets?

Are meals included in tuition? Can I choose to send my child with lunch?

Does my child need to be potty-trained?

About KinderCare

Meet Our Classroom Heroes

From ABCs and 123s to social-emotional skills and problem-solving, our amazing teachers build kindergarten readiness and Confidence for Life™.

See how they bring learning to life at every age and stage!

Infants playing
Toddlers with teachers
Discovery Preschool kids
Preschool kids
Prekindergarten kids
Infants playing
Toddlers with teachers
Discovery Preschool kids
Preschool kids
Prekindergarten kids

Babies Are Reaching New Milestones

Babies are giggling, wiggling, and exploring the world one tiny step at a time! In our infant classrooms, little ones are discovering language, experimenting with problem solving, and practicing social and emotional skills.

Toddlers Learn Through Creating, Playing, and Exploring

Toddlers are on the move! At this age, that’s totally normal as they learn and discover the world around them. In our toddler classrooms, they’re building confidence through creating art, learning their ABCs, imaginative play, and so much more.

Discovery Preschoolers Practice Independence

Discovery Preschoolers are channeling their creativity, learning how to express themselves, practicing motor skills, and experimenting with language and literacy in new, exciting ways.

Preschoolers Are Building So Many New Skills

Preschoolers are exploring science experiments, creating artwork, and playing pretend with friends. We’re also boosting literacy and social skills through letter-building and group art projects!

Prekindergarteners Are Doing Art, STEM, Letters, and More

Prekindergartners in our classrooms are organizing their ideas, problem-solving, and showing their creative side through hands-on, engaging activities—all the skills needed for their next big step: kindergarten!
Infants playing
Toddlers with teachers
Discovery Preschool kids
Preschool kids
Prekindergarten kids

Peace Of Mind From Drop-Off To Pick-Up

Child care isn’t just about caring for children—it’s about families and communities too! We’re committed to valuing the experiences and traditions you bring with you and honoring them within our community. Whenever you step through our front door, you’ll know that you’re in a place where your family is safe, happy, and celebrated for who they are.

Read on to see the KinderCare difference.

KinderCare App
boy playing
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mom and infant
KinderCare App
boy playing
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mom and infant

Stay In Touch With The KinderCare App

Ever wonder what your little learner does all day? Download the KinderCare App. With a few taps, you can send messages to your center director, check on your child’s progress, and even get photos of all the fun they’re having.

Here’s a sneak peek of how it works!

Find Your Partner In Parenting

Our teachers join forces with families to help kids become lifelong learners while building confidence to live happy and healthy lives.

Take a moment to watch a KinderCare teacher and mom chat about how we’re the ultimate partners in parenting.

Hear From Families Like Yours

When it comes to deciding on a child care center, we know there’s nothing quite like hearing from the KinderCare community.


“As a parent, I entrust my greatest blessing to the staff at KinderCare every day, and I am grateful for the loving care and guidance he receives." 
- Becky T.

Get Judgment-Free Tips And Innovative Ideas

If you haven’t yet, check out our KinderCare blog. It’s where you can find answers to your questions about parenting, education, and health and safety, and even get inspired to bring more learning home.

See how you stay in the loop.

KinderCare App
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messaging icon
mom and infant
Nearby Centers in Essex, CT
1. Moodus KinderCare
11.79 miles away: 99 Leesville Rd Moodus, CT 06469
Ages: 6 weeks to 12 years
Open:
2. Guilford KinderCare
14.82 miles away: 1445 Boston Post Rd Guilford, CT 06437
Ages: 6 weeks to 12 years
Open:
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