Application Process
Applying to Leila Day is simple:
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Complete the online application.
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Schedule a family visit or school tour.
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Submit application materials, including financial aid materials (if applicable).
Age Requirements:
Preschool: Children must be 3 years old by December 31 of the application year.
MORE QUESTIONS?
If you have questions about the application process, please contact us at 203-624-1374.
Family Visit
A family visit is typically required as part of our preschool and kindergarten application process. We invite applicant families to visit Leila Day, learn about what makes our program unique, meet some of the staff, and ask any questions about the program and application process.
Here's a few FAQs:
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Visits are 30 minutes long
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We ask families to bring the enrolling child
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Families can schedule their visit when completing the online application or at a later time after submitting the application.
If you are unable to be in New Haven for your visit, a zoom meeting can be arranged.
Tuition and Sliding Scale
Tuition for our Full Day and After School programs is based on a sliding scale according to family income.
Tuition payment schedule is as follows:
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The first of 9 tuition payments is due July 1 for programs beginning in the fall, and payments are collected monthly July - March.
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Families enrolling after July 1 will make any catch-up payments at the time of enrollment or with an agreed upon payment schedule.
Additional support options may include:
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Tuition adjustments through Connecticut’s Early Start Grant.
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Acceptance of Care4Kids assistance. Read more here.
Our goal is to ensure high-quality early childhood education remains accessible to families in our community.
Admissions Offers and Waitlist
Enrollment offers and contracts are sent to new families beginning in late January and continue on a rolling basis until programs are full.
Because we often receive more applications than available spaces:
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Families may be invited to join our waitlist
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If spaces open later in the year, we will contact families from the active waitlist
Leila Day’s admissions process reflects our mission to support working families from diverse backgrounds throughout Greater New Haven. There is no application fee, and applying does not obligate families to enroll.
Enrollment
Once your contract is signed and your enrollment deposit is received, your child’s place at Leila Day is secured.
As the school year approaches, families will receive:
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Welcome information
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Enrollment forms
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Important school details
Welcome Visit
After School Program Enrollment
Families may apply to the After School Program at any time.
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Enrollment for new families typically begins in April for the following school year.
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Programs often reach capacity, and a waitlist may be created if spaces are full.
Before the school year begins, your child’s teachers will schedule a welcome visit in August. This visit may take place at Leila Day or in your home. It is a wonderful opportunity for your child and family to become acquainted with the teachers and begin building a partnership to support your child’s growth and learning. The visit also allows teachers to get to know each child and gives families the chance to share information and ask questions before the first day of school.
Admissions Timeline
OCT
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Online applications are open for Preschool and Kindergarten.
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Families are welcome to submit inquiries and begin the application process.
NOV - JAN
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Complete your online application.
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As part of the application, we ask that you schedule a family visit /personal tour.
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Attend our OPEN HOUSE (First Saturday in November, 8:30–10:30 AM).
JAN 15
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Application deadline for the first round of admissions.
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All applications, family visits, and financial aid documentation must be completed by this date.
LATE JAN - EARLY FEB
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Enrollment offers are sent to families.
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Families have 10 days to return the signed contract and enrollment deposit to secure their child’s space.
FEB - AUG
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Admissions continue on a rolling basis.
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Families not initially offered a space will be notified and asked if they wish to remain on the waitlist.