Meet Our Community

The strongest communities are built one relationship at a time.

From the moment families walk through our doors, they become part of a community where children are deeply known, educators are genuinely joyful, and relationships are at the heart of every experience. Families often leave a tour saying the same thing: "I wish I could spend my days here, too." That feeling isn't created by a building or a program. It's created by the people who make CCDC the welcoming, joyful community it has been for generations.

A WELCOME FROM OUR DIRECTOR--

Alex Kogstad

There is something truly special about CCDC, and I believe it begins with the relationships that have defined this community for generations. You see it in the way teachers know each child so deeply, in the friendships that develop between families, and in the sense of belonging that extends well beyond the classroom.

Having grown up in Westport, CCDC has always been much more than a workplace to me. It is the community that shaped me as an educator, challenged me to grow, and ultimately became the place I was honored to return to and lead. I first joined CCDC while studying early childhood education at UConn and later continued as a teacher. After moving to Denver to pursue my master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction and gaining additional professional experience, I was grateful for the opportunity to return. Today, my role as Co-President of the Connecticut Association for the Education of Young Children (CTAEYC) also allows me to bring new perspectives and ideas from across the field back to our community.

I believe childhood is something to be experienced fully, not hurried through in preparation for whatever comes next. Children deserve the freedom to be curious, to get messy, to ask questions, to make mistakes, to navigate friendships, and to discover the world at their own pace. Some of the most meaningful learning happens when we resist the urge to rush in and instead give children the time, space, and confidence to figure things out for themselves.

My hope is that childhood at CCDC feels as authentic as possible. That we slow down enough to appreciate the small moments, embrace the unexpected, and recognize that learning doesn't always follow a lesson plan. I want our classrooms to be places where children feel safe to be themselves, where their ideas are taken seriously, and where joy and discovery are part of everyday life.

I believe meaningful education is built on relationships. As Director, my commitment is to meet children, families, and educators where they are, understand what matters to them, and support them in growing toward where they hope to go. I want CCDC to feel like more than a school—an extended family where children are loved and celebrated for who they are, parents feel comfortable sharing both their joys and concerns, and educators know that their work and well-being truly matter.

I personally welcome families on tours because I believe the best way to understand CCDC is to experience it. As we continue to grow and evolve, my commitment is to preserve what has made this community so special while always finding ways to strengthen the experiences we offer children and families.

Whether you're considering CCDC for the first time or have been part of our community for years, I hope you know how seriously I take the privilege of sharing in your child's early years.

Teaching Teams

Every classroom at CCDC is guided by a collaborative team of educators who believe childhood deserves to be joyful, authentic, and deeply respected.

While each teacher brings unique strengths, experiences, and interests, they all share a commitment to building meaningful relationships with children and families. Together, they create classrooms where every child feels emotionally and physically safe, deeply known, and encouraged to explore the world with confidence and curiosity.

Families consistently tell us they notice the joy our educators bring to their work. That joy, combined with years of experience, collaboration, and a genuine love for early childhood, creates the warm and welcoming environment that defines CCDC.

Infants

Young Toddlers

Older Toddlers

Preschool Three's

Preschool Four's

Enrichment Experiences

Learning at CCDC is enriched by professionals and experiences that broaden children's opportunities for exploration throughout the year.

Occupational Therapist

Music with Lynn

Art

Speech Language Pathologist

Consulting Psychologist

Gym

Tae Kwon Do

Earthplace

GardenFolk

One of the greatest gifts of CCDC is the opportunity to build relationships that last.

Our educators often reflect on the children they have watched grow from infancy through preschool, the alumni who return years later to visit, the colleagues who have worked side by side for decades, and the countless memories that have shaped this community over generations.



CCDC is strengthened not only by the children who walk through our doors each morning, but also by the families, educators, alumni, Board members, and community partners who continue to shape our story.

We'd Love to Meet You

The best way to experience CCDC is to spend time here.

Walk through our classrooms. Meet our educators. Watch children engaged in joyful play. Explore our outdoor spaces. Ask questions. Get to know our community.

We look forward to welcoming you.