Mohegan Tribe and ‘Little People’s Play Place Too’ Announce New Childcare Facility in Uncasville

The Mohegan Tribe today announced the planned opening of a new childcare facility in Uncasville, CT scheduled to open on September 2, 2025. The center will be operated by Little People’s Play Place Too, a locally owned, family-run provider with established locations in Colchester, Marlborough, and Norwich. In advance of the opening next week, the Tribe and Little People’s Play Place Too hosted a Tribal blessing and private walkthrough for state and local leaders, providing an early look at the classrooms and facility.

The center will feature five classrooms, serving up to 85 children and provide affordable, high-quality care in Southeastern Connecticut, meeting a critical need for more options for working families.

“We’re proud to bring a licensed childcare facility to our Tribal land,” said Mohegan Tribe Chairman James Gessner Jr. “Our partnership with Little People’s Play Place Too will ensure access to high-quality care. It also supports working parents both within our Tribe and throughout the region. In an area where more childcare options are urgently needed, this center will help to fill a critical gap.”

“We’re honored to partner with the Mohegan Tribe to provide this essential resource for families,” said Jill Kelsey, owner of Little People’s Play Place Too. “Accessible, high-quality daycare is vital for every community, and we’re excited to expand our footprint and to serve more families in Southeastern Connecticut.”

State and local leaders praised the announcement as a positive step toward expanding childcare capacity across the region.

“Across Connecticut, increasing access to child care is important for families seeking stability and opportunity, and it is also critical for the future strength of our workforce and economy,” said Beth Bye, Commissioner of the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood. “I am especially proud to see this progress extending into Southeastern Connecticut, where families have faced challenges due to a lack of child care options in the region. We are grateful to the Mohegan Tribe for their partnership in making this possible, and to Little People’s Play Place Too for bringing high-quality care to the community.”

“This new childcare facility is a welcomed and much needed addition to our community and a meaningful investment in the families who live and work in Montville and our neighboring towns,” said Montville Mayor Lenny Bunnell. “We’re proud to work alongside our neighbors at the Mohegan Tribe to help strengthen the foundation for future generations.”

Little People’s Play Place Too will be hosting a public open house on Thursday, Aug. 28  from 4:00pm to 5:30pm for those interested in potentially joining the center. For more information on enrollment, or to contact the center directly, please email [email protected].