We, the undersigned, are parents, caregivers, and community members advocating for the expansion of Creative Playschool Inc starting the 2026-2027 academic year. Due to a growing demand for this cooperative preschool, we urge the East Lyme Board of Education to add an additional class and introduce a summer session to accommodate more families who would like their children to participate in this unique educational experience. We request that this expansion occur at the playschool’s current location at Lillie B. Haynes (29 Society Road in Niantic, CT). 

Creative Playschool Inc was founded in 1966. Unlike many other preschools in the area, it is a cooperative preschool, where parents can opt to participate in the classroom on a regularly scheduled/rotating basis. The preschool is funded entirely by tuition and fundraising endeavors.

Each year, the waitlist for Creative Playschool continues to grow, making it increasingly difficult for new families to enroll their children. For example, in the 2023-2024 academic year, there were 23 families on the waitlist. In 2024-2025, that number increased to approximately 40 families. For the 2025-2026 academic year, two of the three classes were over 95% filled before enrollment even opened to the general public. This shortage of available placements limits access to this enriching early education experience that fosters creativity, social development, and foundational learning. 

Expanding Creative Playschool by adding another class and a summer session at the current location on 29 Society Road would provide more children with access to an exceptional early learning program and reduce the stress and uncertainty associated with long waitlists and limited availability. While we encourage parents to explore other excellent preschools in the area such as Novas/Super Novas Playschool and Integrated Preschool, Creative Playschool is unique due to its cooperative nature. It should be expanded so that more families can participate in this type of educational experience if they so choose.  

We respectfully request that the Board of Education take action to increase capacity at Lillie B Haynes for Creative Playschool to help ensure that more families who wish to enroll have the opportunity to do so. 

Please join us in signing this petition to show your support for expanding Creative Playschool at Lillie B. Haynes starting in the 2026-2027 academic year. 

Sincerely, 

The Creative Playschool Executive Board