Goddard School Opens in Farmington

A new early education school opened in Farmington at the end of October. 

Mother-daughter team Nancy and Kristina Ford own The Goddard School for Early Childhood Development. Nancy's daughter, Marissa Pratt serves as the educational director.

"As a family, we were aware of the nurturing, educational, child care environment that The Goddard School, located in Brookfield, provided to our granddaughter and wanted to offer the same opportunity for learning to our 3-year-old grandson and 6-month-old granddaughter who live locally," the Fords said. "Farmington was an available location that had been approved by Goddard Systems Inc. at the time of our inquiry and since we live in the Valley, it was the perfect place for us!"

There are 405 Goddard schools in 37 states nationwide for children 6-weeks-old to six years, according to a statement from the Fords provided to Patch. The Farmington school is licensed by the state of Connecticut Department of Public Health "for 132 children," they said.

"What sets The Goddard School apart from others is the unparalleled Quality Assurance program!" the Fords said. "Whether is be health and safety related or curriculum related, there is a system in place for everything! Our teachers, all of whom have degrees, write their own lesson plans and teach to the interests of their students."

There are six classrooms for children 6 weeks to 3 years old  at the school four for kids ages 3 to 6, the Fords said. 

"Children are learning through play at The Goddard School! Our days are filled with child directed and teacher supported interest centers," the Fords said. " Our approach is based on accepted research that clearly indicates the deepest, most genuine learning occurs for children through play and fun activities lovingly guided by highly trained teachers."

The Goddard School is part of the P21 Framework consortium, which "emphasizes mastery of developmentally appropriate core subject material along with skills that are especially important for success in the 21st century," the Fords said.

Nancy Ford holds a bachelor's degree in special education and also is "a National Preschool Instructor for USA Gymnastics," the Fords said. She and her husband, Chuck, a teacher, own The Gymnastics Training Center in Simsbury.

Kristina Ford, of Simsbury, got her bachelor's degree in human development and family studies, and has experience in "corporate operations and sales management," the Fords said. 

Nine teachers currently staff the school and the Fords plan on hiring more in the future. Parents can sign their kids up for as few as two half days of classes to as many as five full days.

The Goddard school is located at 6 Bridgewater Road in Farmington. 

The school is open Mondays to Fridays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, contact the school at 860-674-4323, email farmingtonCT@goddardschools.com or visit the website at goddardschools.com.