Bilingual Home Daycare · English & Spanish

Where little minds learn, explore & shine

A safe, loving home in New Haven where children grow through play, music, art and discovery — guided by the Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies, in both English and Spanish.

📅 Schedule a Tour ☎ (203) 710-1313

✿ CT Licensed Home Daycare ✿ Infants · Toddlers · Preschoolers ✿ Flexible schedules

Children playing together at an outdoor playground during daycare hours

A home away from home

Small groups, warm teachers and days full of discovery.

CDA Certified CPR First Aid Medication Administration CT License #DCFH.57612

A teacher hugging her toddlers at Little Minds Shine Home Daycare

About Us

Care that feels like family

Little Minds Shine is a home-based childcare program directed by Lorena Medina. Because we are a home — not a big center — every child is known by name, hugged often and guided at their own pace. Our mission is simple: a secure, nurturing environment where children reach their milestones and build a strong foundation for learning.

A culturally diverse, bilingual environment — programs offered in Spanish and English
Certified team: CDA, CPR, First Aid and Medication Administration
Nutritious home-cooked meals and snacks included
Backyard, nap room, art area and reading corner — spaces made for little ones

Our Educational Program

Inspired by Montessori & Reggio Emilia

Two of the world's most respected approaches to early childhood, blended into everyday moments of play, work and wonder.

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Independence

Children choose, try and do things for themselves — at their own pace.

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Creativity

Art, music and imagination are part of every single day.

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Hands-on learning

Real materials, real experiences: little hands learn by touching and doing.

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Individual growth

Every child is unique — we follow their interests and celebrate their milestones.

Toddlers making music with their teacher during circle time

Music & Movement

Songs, rhythm and dance in English and Spanish — joy that also builds language and memory.

Children painting and crafting around a table with their teachers

Art & Crafts

Paint, paper and color everywhere: process art that grows fine motor skills and self-expression.

Practical Life

Little chefs at work: pouring, grating and helping builds coordination, focus and pride.

Toddlers playing with colorful soft blocks on a rug

Sensory & Creative Play

Blocks, textures and pretend play — the work of childhood, taken seriously.

A preschooler tracing lines in an early learning workbook

Early Skills

Tracing, letters, numbers and story time: gentle steps toward reading, writing and school readiness.

Children running and playing in the daycare backyard with their teacher

Outdoor Play

A safe backyard for running, climbing and sunshine — strong bodies and happy hearts.

Our Services

Schedules that fit real family life

Working families don't all keep the same hours — so neither do we. Tell us what you need and we'll build a plan around your family.

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Full-Time Care

Monday to Friday, 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM: full days of learning, play, meals and rest.

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Part-Time Care

Fewer days or shorter days — the same loving program, sized to your week.

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Extended Hours

Evening care from 5:30 PM to 1:00 AM, Monday to Friday — built for nontraditional work hours.

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Evening Care

Care into the evening for parents with afternoon and night shifts.

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Overnight Care

Safe, restful overnight care — your child sleeps in a home, not a facility.

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Weekend Care

Saturday and Sunday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM — for families whose weekends are workdays too.

✿ Infants ✿ Toddlers ✿ Preschoolers ✿ Nutritious meals & snacks included ✿ Subsidy accepted

Photo Gallery

Little moments, big shine

Real days at Little Minds Shine: stories, paint, music, birthdays and a lot of hugs.

Story time: a teacher reading to toddlers seated on a rug

A smiling girl in a chef hat grating a carrot

Children in a circle raising their hands during a group activity

Toddlers finger painting on a giant sheet of paper on the floor

Children and teachers celebrating a birthday outdoors with a cake

Pretend play: a child playing dentist with a classmate

Babies and toddlers listening during reading time

Children doing arts and crafts at a round table

Children dancing and moving with their teacher

A group of little chefs in aprons and chef hats

Children gathered around a table for a storybook activity

Painting activity with squeeze bottles and bright paper

Children resting and playing on the grass in the backyard

Children playing in a sandbox at the park

Enrollment

Joining our family is easy

Openings change as children grow and graduate — the best way to secure your child's spot is to come see us in person.

Schedule a tour

Call us or send the form below. We'll find a time that works for your family.

Visit & meet us

Tour the home, meet the teachers and see a day at Little Minds Shine with your own eyes.

Enroll & shine

Complete the enrollment forms, choose your schedule — and watch your little mind shine.

Let's talk about your child

Visit us

Location

83 Huntington Rd
New Haven, CT 06512
Serving families in New Haven, Branford & East Haven

Phone & WhatsApp

(203) 710-1313

Hours

Mon – Fri · 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Extended evenings 5:30 PM – 1:00 AM
Sat – Sun · 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Overnight care by arrangement

Instagram

@littlemindsshinehomedaycare

☎ Call (203) 710-1313 💬 WhatsApp us

Come see where little minds shine

Tours are free and friendly — no pressure, just come meet the family.

☎ (203) 710-1313