The Connecticut Children’s Collective, partners with local early childhood collaboratives from across the state that are doing amazing, innovative, system-changing work. In 2023 we started a new series, the Collective Spotlight. We will talk with directors, staff, parents, and community members who have created, improved, or brought awareness to programs and services that will better serve the children and families in their community, as well as the entire state. By sharing and learning from others, we begin to break down silos, and form a stronger, more forward moving, and innovative community of practice.

ALL of our LECCs are dedicated, hardworking, professionals who are committed to improving the lives of children. They all deserve a spotlight, and the Collective intends to shine one on them. This month, April, we illuminate Waterbury. Please click below to watch an interview with Barbara Vita, Director of Early Childhood Initiatives for the CT Network for Children and Youth and the Coordinator of the CT Children’s Collective, Althea Marshall Brooks, Executive Director of Waterbury Bridge to Success, Chelsey Harris, Director of Early Care & Education, and Johnta Gatling Marshall, Lead Parent Ambassador for Waterbury BTS. They discuss Waterbury’s Black Maternal Health program #Day43, which strives to create solutions to combat maternal mortality and to support an all-around equitable environment for all women, birthing people, and their babies.

Here is more information about the program Day43 Landscape Analysis One Pager