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 local early childhood collaboratives 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, August, we are focused on the Northeast Regional Early Childhood Council (NECC), whose mission is “To ensure all children, birth through age eight in Brooklyn, Canterbury, Killingly, Plainfield, Putnam, Sterling, and Thompson are healthy, safe, and successful learners.

Barbara Vita, Coordinator of the Collective interviewed Kristine Cicchetti, Regional Director of NECC, as well as Christine Rosati-Randall, Director of Community Outreach, about the social-emotional learning (SEL) work they have been planning and implementing in their communities. NECC partnered with TEEG (Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group) and NOW (Northeast Opportunities for Wellness) to plan and host their first social-emotional learning and support workshop. Eleven families from their region attended the in-person event, and each family received an SEL Kit to use at home.

To learn more about their program click here to listen to the full interview!