NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — The former Cine-4 movie theater in New Haven is being transformed into a new child care center. On Tuesday, Friends Center for Children held a groundbreaking ceremony at the Flint Street site to mark the next phase in the project.
“This expansion represents not just new but much-needed spots for infants and toddlers,” said Allyx Schiavone, the Friends Center for Children executive director. “It also shows us that the Friends Center model is working.”
Former New Haven movie theater to become early child day care center It’s part of the Friends Center’s ongoing effort to provide affordable childcare to families, regardless of financial status.
“The child care system does not work,” Schiavone said. “We know this because families can’t afford to pay, and teachers can’t afford to stay.”
The building will house four infant/toddler classrooms, executive offices, and a community theater, an homage to the original building. This phase of the project is set to open in the fall and will accommodate 32 infants and toddlers. With the opening of Flint Street, Friends Center is providing ten new jobs for teachers.
“Support more places like this,” parent Deborah Greig said. “Support existing child care centers. Support places like the Friends Center that are looking for innovative solutions to support teachers, families, and our kids.”
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong suing internet provider The new school building, which is the next phase, will include a children’s book library, a teacher training space, and space for an additional 48 infants and toddlers, supported by 19 educators. This expansion is made possible in part through $1.1 million in federal Community Project Funding.
“To keep up with the rising costs of living, rent, groceries, child care are eating up more and more of people’s incomes,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, a Democrat representing Connecticut’s 3rd District.
By 2027, Friends Center will have 80 preschool spots and 184 infant/toddler spots across its centers.
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