Tender Years Preschool is the only preschool in Naugatuck not affiliated with a daycare center. Open since 1990, Tender Years is located at 9 Division St. in the Congregational Church Annex, just across from the Naugatuck Green.
Tender Years accepts children who will be at least three years old by December 31st of the current school year, and are as old as age five. The preschool offers a morning session from 9am to 11:30am, an afternoon session from 12:30 to 3pm and a "Lunch Box" program operating from 9am to 3pm. There is financial aid available through state-funded Care4Kids.
Tender Years is owned and directed by head teachers Karen Hummel and Teresa Paternoster, both graduates from Naugatuck Valley Community College, with associate's degrees in early childhood education. There are four faculty members employed through Tender Years Preschool. All employees are med, CPR and First Aid certified.
The preschool is state licensed through the Department of Public Health. Tender Years is open from September to June, with an optional summer program offered.
Tender Years can be reached via e-mail at tenderyears@att.net.