Guilford Center for Children, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for young children who need out-of-home care during the day.

Since 1971, Guilford Center for Children has supported local families with high-quality early education, before and after school care, and summer programs for children ages 3 to 12.

As a nonprofit organization, we provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children learn, grow, and thrive every day.

Together, our programs serve over 400 children annually, creating stability for families and fostering healthy development in every domain: Social, emotional, cognitive, and physical.

Together, we’re growing brighter futures, one child at a time.

This year, Guilford Center for Children proudly celebrates 55 years of providing exceptional early education and child care to the families of Guilford. Each day, we are reminded of the incredible privilege it is to care for your children (often for nearly a decade) during some of the most important and formative years of their lives. It is truly a gift, and one we hold with deep gratitude and responsibility.

What began in 1971 as a small early education program has grown into a vibrant organization that has already served more than 550 children this program year alone. Over the past five decades, we have evolved alongside our community by expanding programs, earning accreditations, extending hours, and continually adapting to meet the needs of working families. Our goal has always been simple: to provide consistent, high-quality care in a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

As we celebrate this milestone throughout 2026, we invite you to join us in honoring the lasting impact GCC has had on generations of Guilford children and families. Together, we can ensure that this legacy continues for years to come!

Our Programs

Before & After School Care

Providing safe, engaging, and reliable care before and after the school day for children in three of Guilford’s four elementary schools. 

Early Education Program

An NAEYC-accredited program that nurtures school readiness through play, exploration, and discovery.

Summer Camp

A fun, inclusive, and activity-rich program that combines outdoor play, creative learning, and community experiences, helping children stay active, social, and engaged all summer long.

What Our Parents Say

Guilford Center for Children place picture
4.6
Based on 11 reviews
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Damjan DeNoble profile picture
Damjan DeNoble
12:51 02 Jul 24
This is a special place. My children have collectively been in many types of learning environments, but I have never experienced a school with committed, loving, and nurturing teachers and staff from top to bottom. My daughter has not once had a bad day I. Three years going to this magical place. If you can bring your child here, then do it.
Samantha Cook profile picture
Samantha Cook
13:43 20 Apr 23
One of the BEST Early Education Centers in CT!! They provide the children with an amazing environment to learn and grow. I can confidently say that my daughter's academic, emotional, and social capacities noticeably continue to improve since she has been a part of this amazing program.
Laura Clapp Davidson profile picture
Laura Clapp Davidson
14:17 23 Oct 18
Both of our daughters have attended GCC and we could not be happier with our experience. Each child is nurtured through an atmosphere of kindness and respect. And the chef-prepared meals?! Amazing.
Lindsay Smith profile picture
Lindsay Smith
02:30 19 Oct 18
There aren’t enough words to describe how wonderful GCC is. The facility is bright and inviting and there are highly educated,loving teachers. Healthy, delicious meals and snacks are provided and the curriculum is filled with developmentally appropriate practice and fun! There are daily specials like Spanish, music, soccer and Zumba and the children and staff are very involved in the community. GCC is a school where all are loved and cared for!
Matthew Healy profile picture
Matthew Healy
01:54 19 Oct 18
Stephanie M profile picture
Stephanie M
23:21 16 Oct 18
Bernadette Bober profile picture
Bernadette Bober
23:19 16 Oct 18
Sarah Leite profile picture
Sarah Leite
23:17 16 Oct 18
Jennifer You profile picture
Jennifer You
16:19 05 Nov 17
My son attends Guilford Center for Children (GCC) and we couldn't be happier. They provide healthy, organic breakfast, lunch and snacks daily, as well as a curriculum that is paramount in the area. The teachers and program director, Lisa, are phenomenal and really do care about how each child is learning, growing, and developing. We LOVE GCC!

MISSION

Guilford Center for Children, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for young children who need out-of-home care during the day.

VISIT US

Guilford Center for Children
47 Stone House Lane
Guilford, CT 06437

(203) 453-8050 (Early Education)

(203) 453-0045 (Before & After School Care)