Thanks to everyone who connected with the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington recently.
- ECCS members and friends marched in the Apple Harvest Festival Parade.
- We handed out over 850 items at two Halloween events.
- Our monthly Loads and Laughs Playdate at Supersuds continues.
- ECCS Parent Ambassadors attended school open houses.
- The ECCS held office hours at the Southington Public Library and spoke to parents and grandparents about finding childcare, nursery school registration, the change to the kindergarten start date, using Sparkler mobile app, and resources to help with behavior concerns, speech issues and other developmental delays.
We look forward to connecting with you.
Since the onset of the pandemic, we have seen an increase in domestic violence worldwide. Domestic violence is a pattern of coercive, controlling behavior that includes different types of abuse (emotional, psychological, physical, financial, sexual or litigation). DV incidents are rising and can impact anyone. Survivors who received services from the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence organizations increased from 37,223 in the fiscal year 2020 to 38,989 in 2021. The impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) on children is also a great concern, with 17.9% of children of all ages having been exposed to physical IPV in their lifetime. Note that this does not include any arguments or yelling that may be witnessed or overheard by the child.
If you are concerned about an abusive situation, call or text Safe Connect Connecticut at (888) 774-2900.
This 24/7 statewide domestic violence hotline that covers 18 member programs, including the Prudence Crandall Center, will receive the calls, do a thorough assessment of needs, emotional support, safety planning, and options, and then, depending on what the clients are searching for, they may provide help obtaining counseling/support groups, shelter, housing assistance, basic needs.
For emergency abuse or domestic violence concerns, contact the Southington Police Department by calling or texting 911.
More domestic violence and mental health resources can be found on our website.
The Southington Public Library's Preschool Showcase is Saturday, November 4. Parents interested in preschool for the fall of 2024 can attend and learn about options. The Library will be doing a craft. In addition the Lions Club will be offering their Eye Sight vision screening for children of all ages.
Thinking about sending your child to preschool this year?
It is not too late. A few of the programs in town have some last-minute spaces. The ECCS tries to track openings at http://www.southingtonearlychildhood.org/childcare-openings/. Scroll down to the Nursery School section for part-time preschool programs.
November 9, 2023, 5:45 to 8 pm
Southington YMCA Learning Center, 30 High Street
A Community Cafe is an opportunity for parents, grandparents, foster parents and other caregivers to discuss issues and work on solutions.
The Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington is hosting a Community Cafe about how to identify and support Southington’s young children with disabilities or developmental concerns.
Dinner will be provided. Childcare, by the staff at the YMCA Early Learning Center, and translation services are available if requested during registration.
The goals are to:
– Educate parents about the importance of early screening and intervention and look at current utilization (including SPARKLER and Birth-to-Three).
– Listen to community concerns about services available to children with disabilities and developmental delays, including the Birth-to-Three transition to Southington Special Education.
– Support organization of new Southington Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA), including overview of program and recruitment of SEPTA officers.
– Develop recommendations on how things can be improved and next steps.
Participants from the SPARKLER, Southington School District and other SEPTA groups have been invited to attend.
This free event is funded by The Connecticut Council on Philanthropy in tandem with the Connecticut Early Childhood Funders Collaborative
Super Suds Laundromat.
166 Main St, Southington
Thursday, November 2nd. Drop-in from 10:30 to 12.
Bring your laundry and little ones, and Super Suds will provide snacks, drinks, and the fun!
ECCS Office Hours at Library
Friday, 11/17 from 9:30 to 12 - with Play Pals! A drop-in play group
Monday, 11/27 from 9 to 11:30 pm - with Bear & Friends Storytime and Craft *Registration Required*
Friday, 12/15 from 9:30 to 12
Stop by the Southington Public Library, at 255 Main Street, and see the ECCS Executive Director, Joanne Kelleher. She can answer your questions about raising children here in town and help you with the SPARKLER app.
Look for the ECCS table near the Children’s Department or in the cafe area.
Ways You Can Support ECCS1) Follow us on your favorite social media platforms and then like, comment, or share so your friends see our posts too!
2) Forward this email to a friend or colleague.
3) Volunteer your time as a board member or advocate.
4) Help with one-time or periodic donations.
Copyright © 2023 Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington, all rights reserved.
Our mailing address:
Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington
PO Box 210
Southington, CT 06489-0210