Want to learn a little more about preschools in the area and compare their learning styles, hours and availability at once?

Then head to the Branford Early Childhood Collaborative (BECC) Annual Preschool Fair on Saturday, Feb. 23, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church on the Branford Green (1109 Main Street).

The James Blackstone Memorial Library and Willoughby Wallace Library will be providing activities and giveaways to keep children busy, so feel free to bring the entire family! In addition, Dr. Brian Lynch from Branford Optometric Associates will be on-site, providing vision screening for children at no cost. Dr. Lynch will check acuity, detect any issues and make referrals if necessary.

BECC's Annual Preschool Fair is a one-stop shopping destination for family members and caregivers to learn more about the early care provider programs available in town. The fair gathers participating preschool programs and daycare programs available throughout Branford, serving children from infants to age five.  It's the place to meet staff, ask questions, learn about program philosophy and accreditation. You can also check out a school's academics, curriculum, length of day, cost, teacher training, and more; so your child gets the most out of his or her first classroom experience. Participating programs will also offer information on cost structure and financial assistance options.

For families and caregivers researching programs, BECC also recommends gathering the following insights:

- Consider the preschool teachers' qualifications.　What qualifications do the teachers have? Do they participate in ongoing trainings? How do they interact with the children? How do they handle guidance and discipline?

- Ask about the curriculum. Philosophies and curricula vary widely from one preschool to another. Look for a preschool curriculum that offers rich content, hands-on learning, and developmentally-appropriate play. Does the curriculum address fostering social and emotional development as well as academics? Children should be actively engaged in learning.

To learn more about non-profit BECC's programs and services or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit https://www.branfordbecc.org/ or find Branford Early Childhood Collaborative on Facebook.

Branford Early Care Providers: To participate in BECC's Preschool Fair as a program provider please eserve your spot via email at branford.becc@gmail.com or call (203) 415-5613.