Building Healthy Families
We are a Manchester, CT nonprofit dedicated to promoting healthy development of infants and toddlers. New Community Gardens for a fun outdoor family experience.
We offer The BrightStart Play Academy, featuring the Imagination playground and Circle of Security. If interested let us know we have an application process.
05/29/2026
The play Academy is an excellent choice for developing intellectual goals.
In April 2015, Defending the Early Years (DEY) produced and released the report Lively Minds: Distinctions Between Academic Versus Intellectual Goals For Young Children written by Lilian Katz
Review the article by clicking here:
https://dey.org/publication/kindergarten-readiness-academic-instruction-or-intellectual-goals/
05/01/2026
Are We Educating Kids… or Exhausting Them? - Imagination Playground Explore the impact of reduced recess and increased screen time on children’s development—and why play is more important than ever.
04/28/2026
Children aren’t designed to sit still all day.
They need time to move, imagine, laugh, and reset.
Recess gives growing minds a chance to recharge.
It improves focus, supports emotional regulation, builds social skills, and helps children return to the classroom ready to learn.
Sometimes the most productive part of the day happens outside the classroom walls.
Let’s keep making space for movement, play, and the kind of learning that begins with joy. 💙
04/28/2026
This 6 minute video shares the recommendations in Britain for screens. This is an ideal for viewing screens, non under the age of 2.
What screens really do to your child’s brain development | BBC News New government guidance says children in England under the age of five should be limited to one hour of screen time a day, while under-twos should not be wat...
03/31/2026
You can come on Saturday and see it in action.
The Science Behind Meaningful Play - Imagination Playground Explore the power of meaningful play. Learn how children build resilience and confidence while discovering the science and logic behind every structure they create.
02/12/2026
We need your help. If you attended BrightStart, come back as a volunteer and bring your kids, we'd love to see you!.
The BrightStart Play Academy is only offered if we have enough volunteers. We'd love to have more help so we can offer both play for kids and the parent circle every week. Consider becoming a volunteer, to be a play associate you just show up and help, Saturdays from 9:15- 11:45. The play coaches prepare the activities. Text or call if interested (860)375-0121.
02/10/2026
Advocacy for early intervention is a powerful superpower! Speaking up early helps our youngest children build the skills they need to communicate, move, learn, and thrive. Early support during the most critical years of brain development can shape outcomes for a lifetime.
You may be asking yourself does advocating really matter?
It does. It matters because access does not always happen automatically. It requires adults who are willing to speak up, ask questions, and push for support during years when children cannot yet do so for themselves.
So what can you do?
• Trust your instincts, ask those hard questions, speak up, and share your knowledge.
• Learn what early intervention services are available near you.
• Share this information with a friend or family member who may not know where to start.
01/14/2026
Would you be interested in a free play group on Friday mornings? Building Healthy Families can offer one if we have at least 2-3 interested families. You can message us or text (860)375-0121 if you are interested or want more info.
12/12/2025
Come celebrate the Christmas season with us.
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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Telephone
Website
Address
20 Hartford Road
Manchester, CT
06040
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |
| Saturday | 9am - 2pm |
04/23/2026