Archive for the "Child care" Category
Supporting Healthy Brain Development
The early years are a critical time for a child’s brain development, forming connections that support learning, emotional regulation, and social skills. Supporting your child’s brain development doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are a few simple examples that you likely already do or can easily implement: Connect early and often Talking, reading, singing, cuddling, […]
Free Childcare is in the News
You may have seen the recent headlines like “House Bill Providing Free, Reduced Cost Child Care Heads to Lamont’s Desk” or “New program to help support affordable childcare.” Unfortunately, some of the news media was not clear about the timing of this assistance, which programs will offer these spots, or who will be eligible. Since […]
2025 State of Early Childhood Presentation
On May 29, 2025, the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington hosted their annual “State of Early Childhood in Southington” presentation and breakfast. Thirty-three people attended representing the Southington Public School district, elected officials, businesses, non-profit organizations, funders, ECCS board members, childcare providers, healthcare, Parent Ambassadors and other parents. The Opening slideshow that displayed during breakfast, […]
State of Early Childhood in Southington 2022
On June 1, 2022, the ECCS hosted their annual “State of Early Childhood in Southington” presentation and breakfast. Over 30 people attended representing the Southington Public School district, elected officials, businesses, non-profit organizations, funders, board members, childcare providers, healthcare and parents. The focus of the meeting was to discuss parent engagement and the results of […]
ECCS Testimony to State Legislature 2-25-2022
On February 25, 2022, Joanne Kelleher, Director of Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington, submitted this testimony to members of the State legislature on SB 2 AN ACT EXPANDING PRESCHOOL AND MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN. Learn more about this bill on the CT General Assembly site. You can read a summary of the testimony […]
Staff shortages
Are you having issues finding childcare? Part of the reason why is that the childcare providers don’t have enough staff. They have empty classrooms they can’t fill and waiting lists. The ECCS Director was interviewed by the Record Journal for this 8/30/21 article, Area child care centers start school year dealing with COVID, staff shortages. […]
2021 ECCS State of Early Childhood in Southington presentation
On Tuesday morning, May 25, 2021 the ECCS presented their annual “State of Early Childhood in Southington” update to the community. Joanne Kelleher, Director of the ECCS, gave an overview of youth demographics, an update on the ECCS strategic plan, the impacts of the pandemic, the growing shortage in childcare/preschool slots, and other trends faced […]
COVID-19 and Children
Updated 3/1/2022 Wash your hands, stay home if you are sick, and abide by physical distancing is all good advice during a pandemic but how do you really do that with children at home especially if you need to work? This page has information on health, childcare, supporting children, food, and financial assistance. The ECCS […]
Reducing Stress in Early Childhood Providers
Updated March 13, 2019 The Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington (ECCS) has launched an initiative to reduce stress in early childcare providers. Self-care is necessary to prevent burnout and to remain in an optimal state of well-being. Childcare providers face the combined pressures of caring for children, dealing with co-workers and parents, and meeting regulatory […]
The State of Early Childhood in Southington
On May 16, 2017, the ECCS gave a presentation called “The State of Early Childhood in Southington” as part of their annual meeting. Over 25 educators and community leaders attended and the 2017-2018 ECCS Board of Directors were elected. The presentation compared birth rates, childcare slots, the number of children who have had a pre-school […]
