Northwest Children's Center, Inc., a privately owned and operated educational facility, offers both daycare and preschool programs on a full and part time schedule. Developmentally appropriate educational programs are available for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners. Early and late hours are available for all programs. Enrollment is open to children from two months through six years of age. Northwest alumni are eligible for our before and after school care and our summer programs.

The Northwest School was built in 1911 and served Cromwell children as an educational facility until 1959 when a new elementary school was built. The center was dedicated to the Porter family, who originally donated the land to the Town of Cromwell to be used expressly for the education of children. It was totally renovated for use as a children's center in 1983. Northwest Children's Center, Inc. is State licensed and nationally accredited by NAEYC's National Academy of Early Childhood Programs.

Suzanne Rutner, teacher-director of the center, is a certified teacher in preschool through eighth grade education. She holds a Masters of Science degree in special education, the CT Director's Credential at the Master's level, and taught elementary school at the primary level for six years. As a head teacher representing the Middletown Public School System, she gave a number of workshops for both teachers and parents in the areas of reading, special education, career guidance and teacher-made materials in many towns across the state. Suzanne enjoys teaching music daily at Northwest. Rhythms with multicultural instruments, creative movement and singing are shared with all age groups of children. Other staff members are chosen personally by Suzanne on the basis of formal early childhood education, professional experience, and their ability to lovingly and firmly guide children.

Suzanne C. Rutner
President Teacher-Director