Birth Through Age Five
Strong beginnings start here.
The early years are filled with growth, discovery, play, and big emotions. Tri-Town helps families find programs, preschool assistance, trusted information, and community support.
How can we help your family?
Choose a starting point to find the information or support you need.
Preschool Tuition Assistance
Learn about partial tuition support for eligible families in Chester, Deep River, and Essex.
Learn about assistance →Programs for Young Children
Find upcoming story times, family activities, workshops, and other Tri-Town programs.
View programs and events →Family Resources
Explore trusted information about development, learning, routines, play, and family well-being.
Explore resources →Preschool Tuition Assistance Fund
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, play, and grow in a nurturing preschool environment. The fund helps make preschool more accessible for local families experiencing financial barriers.
- Partial tuition assistance may be available.
- Families must live in Chester, Deep River, or Essex.
- Eligibility is based on the information provided through the application process.
Helping little ones grow and thrive
Children develop through everyday relationships and experiences. Small, consistent actions can support learning, health, and emotional well-being.
Talk & Read
Respond to sounds, gestures, and questions. Share books, songs, stories, and conversation every day.
Play & Explore
Give children time for hands-on play, imagination, movement, and safe exploration indoors and outside.
Connect & Comfort
Warm, responsive relationships help children feel secure and learn how to manage strong emotions.
Build Routines
Predictable meals, bedtime, transitions, and family routines help young children know what to expect.
Healthy habits in everyday life
Families do not need perfect routines. Focus on small habits that work for your child and household.
- Offer a variety of foods and make meals a chance to connect.
- Protect time for active play and outdoor exploration.
- Create a calming, consistent bedtime routine.
- Use media together when possible and notice what screen time may be crowding out.
- Name feelings and model healthy ways to calm down and solve problems.
Developmental milestones
Milestones are skills children develop in how they play, learn, speak, act, and move. Tracking them can help you celebrate progress and recognize when it may be helpful to ask questions.
Track and celebrate milestones
Use the CDC’s updated milestone checklists for children from 2 months through age 5.
View CDC MilestonesHave a concern?
You know your child best. If your child is missing milestones, has lost a skill, or you have another concern, talk with your child’s healthcare provider and ask about developmental screening.
Learn What to DoTrusted family resources
Practical, research-informed information for parents and caregivers of young children.
Center on the Developing Child
Learn how early experiences, relationships, and environments shape development.
Explore Harvard resources →CDC Learn the Signs. Act Early.
Developmental checklists, family activities, and guidance for raising concerns.
View CDC resources →Healthy Children Media Guidance
Age-based guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics for healthy media habits.
Explore the 5 C’s →Connecticut Children's
Food and nutrition information for families with young children.
View nutrition guidance →Connecticut Office of Early Childhood
Parenting and child-development information for the earliest years.
Explore family resources →Tri-Town Programs
See upcoming opportunities for young children, caregivers, and families.
View the calendar →Questions or need help finding a resource?
Contact Tri-Town Youth Services. We are happy to help your family identify a next step.