Parent Nation Workshop Recording
On September 14, 2022 the Connecticut Children's Collective welcomed Yolie Flores, the National Campaign Manager for Parent Nation, a movement sweeping the country focused on building national support for the role of parenting. It is our moral obligation to ensure that all
The Collective’s Parent Survey Summary Report
The Connecticut Children’s Collective works hand-in-hand with our local collaborative partners to ensure that the parents and families served are receiving the resources they need so every Connecticut child grows up safe, healthy, happy, educated, connected, and employable. Our mission
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!
Every year across America communities gather together to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed September 15 to October 15. Starting in July, Smithsonian educators receive phone calls and emails inquiring about resources that will help showcase these communities
September is Baby Safety Month
September is Baby Safety Month, sponsored annually by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). This year, JPMA is helping educate parents and caregivers on the safe selection and use of juvenile products, while encouraging those around us to become safety
September is Suicide Prevention Month
Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often
Why Ages 2-7 Matter So Much for Brain Development
When Albert Einstein was a child, few people—if any—anticipated the remarkable contributions he would make to science. His language development was delayed, worrying his parents to the point of consulting a doctor. His sister once confessed that Einstein “had such
CT OEC Launches Pyramid Pages!
The OEC is proud to introduce their first-ever issue of Pyramid Pages, News and Tools for Parents and Early Childhood Providers! This monthly newsletter focuses on social emotional learning and development and offers tips and resources for providers and families.
Free Glasses & Eye Exams through Vision to Learn!
Vision to Learn a non-profit, provides a concrete solution, real hope – and a simple, yet powerful tool to kids in need. The tool? A pair of eyeglasses. Consider this: About one in five kids will naturally need glasses to see the
The Connecticut Network for Children & Youth is Official!
Check out this video that shows how the Connecticut After School Network has out grown its name because it is doing more around the state to help children, families, childcare providers, teachers, and staff reach their full potential, now, more
Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Month
Mental health conditions do not discriminate based on race, color, gender or identity. Anyone can experience the challenges of mental illness regardless of their background. However, background and identity can make access to mental health treatment much more difficult. Bebe Moore
Did You Hear the BIG News about The Network?
We are so excited to start July with some AMAZING news. Did you catch our Facebook Live on July 1st??? Well, it’s official. We’re growing and our NEW name is the Connecticut Network for Children and Youth (CTNCY). Connecticut After School Network, Sel4ct and Connecticut Children’s Collective are
The History & Critical Importance of Juneteenth
On “Freedom’s Eve,” or the eve of January 1, 1863, the first Watch Night services took place. On that night, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation
Spotlight on Social-Emotional Learning: Learn How to Make a Scripted Story
Making Scripted Stories for Home and School Scripted stories can be a valuable visual tool in the classroom and at home! Scripted stories can help a child understand what to expect during new situations or everyday routines and provide examples of
June is Pride Month
"Colorful, uplifting parades with floats and celebrities, joyous festivals, workshops, picnics, and parties are among the principal components of LGBTQ (Gay) Pride Month, which is celebrated in June in the United States. Pride Month commemorates years of struggle for civil
Full Workshop Recording of the National Alliance on Mental Illness
On May 25, 2022 Paul Brainerd, the Director of Community Outreach, and Grace Grinnell, Director of Youth Services were our guests to teach us of all the supports that NAMI has to offer to families and individuals in Connecticut. If
MWM-CT: Nurturing the Little Scientists in All Young Children, Webinar Recording
In case you missed MWM-CT Webinar, Nurturing the Little Scientist in all Young Children on May 18, 2022, you can catch the whole recording and download the slide deck here! During the webinar we heard from various leaders in science education
Spotlight on Social-Emotional Learning: A Calm Down Area
The Collective is so pleased to be collaborating with Lisa Swain, ED.S. a consultant to the Office of Early Childhood regarding the Pyramid Model. This week will focus on providing a calm down area for children who need a break or
Parent Leadership at Its Best!
The highlighted brochure and short video was put together by a committee of parent volunteers and professionals from Great by 8 in West Hartford, one of our local collaborative partners, as part of their PLTI Program. PLTI stands for Parent
Million Women Mentors-CT: A Virtual Discussion!
Million Women Mentors-CT Invites you to a join a virtual discussion: Learn why science education is so important for all young children and what initiatives are happening in CT to improve science education Nurturing the Little Scientist in all Young Children STEM for
Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) ~ Watch the full Workshop here!
On April 20, 2022 the Collective welcomed CPAC's Co-Executive Director, Jane Hampton-Smith, to lead an interactive workshop on the services that CPAC can provide to the families, and what services families may need in the aftermath of COVID-19. Connecticut Parent Advocacy
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, NAMI joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Each year they fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for
April is Autism Awareness Month
The Choose Love Movement was started by Scarlett Lewis, the mother of Jesse, one of the young victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy in 2012. Soon after, Scarlett decided that she would begin Choose Love Movement with the goal of
Black Maternal Health Week
This year marks the fifth year anniversary of the Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) campaign. Founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, BMHW is a week of awareness, activism, and community building intended to: Deepen the national conversation about
OEC’s Parent Cabinet Inaugural Press Event
On April 7, 2022 during the Week of the Young Child, the Office of Early Childhood officially launched their statewide Parent Cabinet. All fifteen Cabinet members were present at the celebration in downtown Hartford. It was truly a joyous occasion
Week of the Young Child 2022
The Week of the Young Child® is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world's largest early childhood education association, with nearly 60,000 members and a network of 52 Affiliates. The purpose
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
Child abuse cuts across all socio-economic groups, races and religions. Most people who abuse or neglect their children are ordinary people whose stressors overwhelm their coping skills. What makes ordinary people lash out at defenseless children? Substance abuse, lack of
April 2nd! Don’t Miss Childhood Conversations/Together We Will Conference!
Join us on April 2, 2022 for our Virtual and FREE One-Day Conference!! It is our hope that our conference will allow you to explore deeper content, make cross-sector connections, and gain perspectives on how to maximize connections within your community.
YWCA 21 Day Stand Against Racism Challenge Launches April 4th
Previously known as the 21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge, the Stand Against Racism Challenge: A Virtual Community of Growth is the same program developed by YWCA and adapted nationwide. The SAR Challenge goes live Monday, April 4th, and
Morning Without Childcare
On March 15th, childcare professionals, teachers, advocates, parents, and children gathered in seven locations across the state to advocate for $700 million dollars to help save the struggling childcare system in Connecticut. In Bridgeport, Danbury, New Britain, New Haven, New
Hidden Dangers of Button Batteries
Recently, one of our local early childhood collaborative partners, Enfield KITE (Key Initiatives to Early Education) sponsored a live talk on the Hidden Dangers of Button Batteries. They wanted to share this powerful and moving event with the rest of