The Connecticut Children’s Collective partners with local early childhood collaboratives (LECCs) from across the state that are doing amazing, innovative, system-changing work. In 2023 we started a new series: The Collective Spotlight. We have talked 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 Spotlight will shine on Malissa Griffith, who has thirty years of experience working in early childhood education including direct work with children and families, curriculum development, advocacy, family engagement, and statewide consulting work with a focus on play.

Today, though, we will be focusing on the Parent Leadership Academy (PLA), for which she is the director. The PLA is unique to our Local Collaborative partner Enfield KITE (Key Initiatives to Early Education), and Malissa would like to see it expand. Malissa reports that the PLA is in its 19th year, and will be beginning it’s 17th session (due to COVID). The PLA is a twelve-week program. Each week a different topic is presented and built upon as each week goes on to prepare participants for a community project that is decided upon by participants that are of interest, importance, and passion to the class that gives back to the community.

We hope you enjoy the full interview here.