Essential Information
Location: 358 Springside Ave, New Haven, CT
Phone: (203) 389-4333 ext 1213
Email: camp@commongroundct.org Fax #: (203) 389-7458
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Financial aid is available to qualified applicants from any town. An application can be downloaded here. Financial aid applications can be returned by mail, fax, or email. We process them as soon as they are received and will email you with a coupon code that will allow you to register online with the financial aid applied. Payment of the remaining balance will be due at the time of registration.
Who are the staff?
Our programs are staffed by teachers and counselors.
Our teachers are professionals who have significant experience with children and lots of enthusiasm for outdoor play and exploration. Our teachers represent a diverse range of ages and backgrounds, and they all share a love of child-centered adventure and learning.
Counselors are Common Ground High School students who are excited to explore and have adventures with children! Counselors assist teachers with activities, sing songs, play games, help make sure that hands are washed and water bottles are filled, and bring lots of fun to each day. They are learning about child development and are not primarily in charge of leading activities, guiding behavior, or caring for first aid needs (the program teachers are responsible for these roles).
Where are you located?
Our address is 358 Springside Avenue in New Haven.
Can I visit before enrolling in a program?
Yes! We love visitors. You can come to Open Farm Day any Saturday (April – November) from 10 AM – 2 PM. Open Farm Day is free and self-guided. It is a great way to explore and check out the campus.
Or, you can reach the community programs director at 203-389-4333 x 1213 or rholcombe@commongroundct.org.
How soon do I need to register?
Early registration is recommended for children’s programs – each program usually ends up with a waiting list.
What do you do in very hot/cold or very rainy weather?
Children should come prepared for the weather. We will be outside in any weather as long as it is safe (including rain). We take indoor breaks, refill water bottles, and help children with rain/snow gear as needed.
Can you make an age exception for my child to enroll in a particular program?
Possibly – some programs are more flexible than others, depending on the activities we are planning and the overall group size. Please call (203) 389-4333 x 1213 if you would like to ask about making an age exception.
What is your behavior management approach?
Our goal is for children to be successful in programs at Common Ground. We believe that no child arrives at Common Ground looking to have a “bad day” or to get in trouble. We seek to accommodate individual needs, adapt programs as possible, and problem solve with children, their parents, and other teaching professionals in order to help children have an amazing experience at Common Ground!
Children’s physical and emotional safety is a priority in all programs. We understand that children may still be developing impulse control and learning about social relationships, and no child is expected to have “perfect” behavior every day. We strive to carefully examine what we label as “bad behavior.” Running, being loud, being messy, physical play with others, and other similar behaviors are welcomed as long as they do not disrupt the experience of others or endanger the child or others.
Please see our complete Behavior Guidance Methods and Policies document HERE.
What are the policies for Cancellations, Transfers, Refunds, and Overdue Balances?
We can transfer a participant from one program to another at no charge, provided space is available.
Please see individual program pages for cancellation policies, as they vary between programs.
Overdue Balances: Participants with an outstanding balance in any amount may not register for future programs until the current balance is paid in full. A fee may apply to overdue balances that are set-up to bill monthly.
What is your tax ID (for childcare reimbursement filing)?
Our tax-ID is 22-3171185