Walking the Walk
I have always known that our partners that comprise the Connecticut Children's Collective are led by a group of smart, dedicated, energetic, and hard-working people who have devoted their lives to advocating for the families and communities they serve. They
In Honor of John Lewis
Like many of you this week, I was inspired and moved by the memorial service of Congressman John Lewis. His legacy in American history will be eternal, as will his impact in the fight for racial justice and equity. President
An Urgent Call to Action!
We encourage you to read and share this article explaining the urgent need to advocate for of our childcare system in Connecticut and around the county. Please click on the link to read an op-ed written by Merrill Gay of
Childcare in America: A Local & National Perspective
The state of our national childcare system has been shaken to its core. COVID-19 has demonstrated with certain clarity that the current way of “doing business” is not sustainable. There is a disconnect with legislators and most folks around the
Enfield KITE raises $30,000
Read how Enfield KITE launched a One Community Campaign using $3900 from a Hartford Foundation for Public Giving grant and grew it to $30,000. All the proceeds went to fight food insecurity in their community. Jennifer Ryan would like to share
Reimagining and Rewiring Systems to Support Justice and Equity
We join with our colleagues in organizations across the country working to support children and youth by endorsing the statement put out this week by the America’s Promise Alliance, quoted in its entirety below. The staff and board of the
A Light in the Storm
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. What research has shown time and again is that early childhood experiences determine the trajectory of a child’s life. How many words are spoken and how often books are read to a child can
Connecticut Can’t Open Without Child Care
An excerpt from the CT Mirror's May 14, 2020 edition: "The essential work of coordinating services for children and families such as early childhood education programs, summer camps, health care, nutrition are already underway in the 42 towns and cities that
The Heart of Our Communities
In a press conference Governor Lamont on April 29, 2020 urged local governments and community partners to establish long-term recovery committees. He said, “Responding to a disaster is a shared responsibility that calls for the involvement of everyone – state
Be Sure to Thank a Teacher
This week May 4-8, is Teacher Appreciation Week culminating on Friday when Childcare Worker Appreciation Day is celebrated. We must give a HUGE shout-out to all of the devoted men and women around the country and great state of Connecticut
Social Emotional Health Should be Our Priority
So you are settled into your new "normal." But your new normal is not normal at all. If you are fortunate to be able to work from home, you may be stressed that you aren't doing enough. You may also
Childcare Workers are Essential to Essential Workers
Many thanks have been expressed to the essential and emergency personnel that are working hard to keep us safe and healthy during the COVID-19 Pandemic. And many thanks should be given. I have noticed though, that childcare workers have not
It’s Okay to Do Nothing
It seems as though we are all trying to cram our days with activities. Activities for our children, home improvement projects, meditation, exercise, trying new recipes, keeping in touch with family members remotely, reading our entire book list—you get the
Census Day April 1, 2020- No Fooling!
April 1, 2020 is being observed nationwide as Census Day. By this date, every home should have received an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. Many of our partners provided workshops and information sessions to their communities about the
Celebrate International SEL Day
Tomorrow, Friday March 27, 2020 is International SEL Day! Join SEL4CT on their Facebook page where they will be virtually celebrating this special day! Are you making time for mindfulness? Are you working to communicate clearly, setting healthy expectations and boundaries, maintaining a routine, practicing self-compassion, figuring out your technology
Pritzker Children’s Initiative: COVID-19 Resources
Below you can find a variety of resources to keep you up-to-date on COVID-19. All content is courtesy of Pritzker Children's Initiative. Please click the colored type to read more. Policy and Advocacy Families First Coronavirus Response Act Earlier this week, the House
COVID-19 Helpful Hints
Useful Information for Parents and Providers Regarding the COVID-19 Virus If there is a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, local public health officials may decide to temporarily close schools and childcare centers to help slow the spread of the virus. Schools
Talking to Children About COVID-19
There's a lot of news coverage about the outbreak of COVID-19 and it can be overwhelming for parents and frightening to kids. The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents and others who work closely with children to filter information and talk
Top 10 Indoor Activities for Toddlers
Get out the cardboard boxes and create! Let the imaginations flow. A box can be anything: a train, ramps for cars, an airplane, a house. Tape up the doorway and throw some newspapers (or cotton balls!) at it to see if you can
Activities to Keep Little Ones Busy
Sometimes the best thing for kids to do during times of worry and stress is to keep their minds and bodies active. Teachers may need support in gathering materials for students to take home in the event of school closures
Indoor Activities for School-Age Children
Art Unfortunately, there isn’t always a lot of time in the day for art and creativity. Indoor recess is the perfect opportunity to break out the art supplies. Fun Centers Most of the time centers are tied to academics. Indoor recess is a
Children’s Books on Hand Washing and Germs
Sometimes kids learn best when they can relate to a situation—books are the best vehicle for kids learning about difficult situation and being able to empathize with the story’s characters. Offering these books to children may help them contextualize the
West Hartford Great by 8
On February 24, 2020 West Hartford’s Great by 8, led by Amy Yarbrough, a program of the Bridge Family Center held its monthly Collaborative meeting. Their special guest was Catherine Marx with Census2020. The Census is given every ten years and
Southington Healthy Family Funfest!
On Sunday February 23, 2020 the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington took part in the 11th Annual Southington Healthy Family Funfest, which took place at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. This local community festival focuses on all aspects of
Keep Calm, Keep Learning
The LEARN Regional Education Service Center (RESC) in Old Lyme hosted a symposium on February 7, 2020 entitled Keep Calm, Keep Learning: helping our youngest students stay in control and in school. The focus of the day was centered on
Stamford Annual Community Convening
On February 7, 2020 Stamford Cradle to Career held its Annual Community Convening at UCONN’s Stamford Campus. It was a morning full of learning, sharing, and community action. It is evident that Stamford supports its Cradle to Career initiatives as the
RFP Questions & Answers #3
Please see the attached list of questions and answers related to the “Strengthening Local Early Childhood Collaboration Request for Proposals” issued on January 15, 2020. This is a cumulative document, and includes all of the previous questions as well. Please
Secrets of Baby Behavior
On January 15, 2020 a group of parents, parent educators, early childhood teachers, and home daycare providers gathered together to learn about baby behavior and breastfeeding. The workshop was sponsored by Middletown’s School Readiness Council, led by Dawn Dubay, and
Happy New Year!
On Thursday January 9, 2020 we jumped into 2020 by hosting our 3rd professional development Webinar! Our own Michelle Doucette Cunningham, Executive Director of the Connecticut After School Network facilitated a very helpful and informative interactive learning session about grant
RFP Questions & Answers #2
Please see the attached list of questions and answers related to the “Strengthening Local Early Childhood Collaboration Request for Proposals” issued on January 15, 2020. This is a cumulative document, and includes all of the previous questions as well. Please