

*Attention PreK 4 Families*
The State of CT has changed the enrollment age for kindergarten students attending public school, effective in the fall of 2024. Last year, a child needed to be age 5 by January 1st to start kindergarten, and so could be as young as 4 years and 9 months. Moving forward, a child needs to be age 5 by September 1st. Unfortunately, there was no transition period so approximately 1/3 of the current PreK-4 students can not move up to kindergarten. The State requires an exception process which will allow parents to request that their child start kindergarten prior to age 5. This document from the CT State Department of Education and CT Office of Early Childhood outlines the new cutoff dates for admission to kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year. The ECCS has been working with the school district, nursery schools, and childcare centers to coordinate plans. There will be two meetings scheduled for parents. Information Session for Pre-K Parents - On Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 6:30 p.m., Southington Public Schools will be holding an Information Session for parents of children turning five years old between September 2, 2024 and January 1, 2025. This meeting will cover options and the exception process and the District will answer any questions or concerns you may have. Register to attend. Kindergarten Registration Information Session - A date TBD in late January or February for parents of children who will be attending Kindergarten in fall 2024. This annual presentation covers the registration process, a typical Kindergarten day, and other details about starting school. Once that date is announced, the ECCS will promote it.
*Community Cafe*
The Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington recently held our first Community Cafe. Participants ate dinner, had fun and learned about: The importance of early screening and intervention and how Ages and Stages Questionnaire within the free Sparkler mobile app can be used for that. Services available to children with disabilities and developmental delays, including referrals via 211 Child Development, Birth-to-Three, and the transition to Southington Special Education. The organization of the new Southington Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA). The slides, plus links to other resources, are now available at https://www.southingtonearlychildhood.org/community-cafe/. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, attendees had this to say: "Presentations from folks with “boots on the ground” was very effective." "Very informative. I think this group will produce positive outcomes." "Well organized and fun. Parents were engaged." "Good variety of information, food for thought, great tools and resources." "Great information – excited about SEPTA." If you are interested in participating in a new Southington Special Education Parent Teacher Association, which will cover all schools in the district, contact Betsy Mintz at bmintz.parentambassador@gmail.com.
*Year-End Giving*
As you plan your year-end giving, please consider making a donation to the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington. Did you know that the ECCS does not receive funding from the Town of Southington or the Board of Education? Our work to support the parents and caregivers of Southington's youngest citizens is funded primarily through grants we have applied for. Receiving financial contributions from individuals like you helps support our operations and allows us to show our larger funders that there is strong community backing for this work. Details about how to make a contribution are on the Donate page of our website.
*November is National Family Literacy Month!*
Family Literacy Month is a great opportunity for families to come together and celebrate the importance of reading and learning together. Reading with your family has many benefits, not just for children, but for parents as well. It's a great way to improve communication skills, strengthen family bonds, and foster a love of learning. Try reading a book together, taking a family trip to the library, or even writing a story together. You could start a family book club or make reading a part of your regular bedtime routine. Reading to babies and young children is crucial for their development. Not only does it promote language and cognitive skills, but it also helps to develop their imagination and creativity. Even before they can talk or understand words, babies benefit from hearing their parents' voices and being exposed to new sounds and rhythms. As children grow, reading to them can help increase their vocabulary and comprehension skills, as well as improve their attention span and overall academic performance. Learn more about reading to babies and young children Reading Books to Babies Toddler Reading Time Story Time for Preschoolers
*Upcoming Events*
Join the ECCS at any of these upcoming events. We are also tracking family-friendly holiday celebrations on a post pinned to the top of our Facebook page. Santa’s Jolly Holiday November 26, 2023, 2 pm - 4 pm at Calendar House Senior Center Join us as we welcome Santa to Southington! Admission and activities are free of charge. This annual event hosted by the Southington Recreation Department and the ECCS will be attending. ECCS Office Hours at Southington Public Library November 27, 2023, 9 am to 11:30 am Stop by the Southington Public Library and see the ECCS Executive Director, Joanne Kelleher. She can answer your questions about raising children here in town. Look for the ECCS table near the Children’s Department. The Library's Bears and Friends Storytime and Craft program is happening that morning, registration is required. Bright Lights Christmas Festival December 1, 2023, 5:30 - 8 pm Downtown Southington Join us Downtown for FREE Family Activities! On and around the Town Green, you can enjoy; Polar Express Children’s Train Ride, Candy Cane Scavenger, Letters to Santa, Ornament Making, Visits with Santa, and More! Stop by the American Legion to say Hi to Santa and the ECCS. Loads and Laughs Playdate December 7, 2023, 10:30 am - noon Super Suds Laundromat, 166 Main St Bring your laundry and little ones and Super Suds will provide snacks, drinks and the fun! ECCS Office Hours at Southington Public Library December 15, 2023, 9:30 am to noon. Stop by the Southington Public Library and see the ECCS Executive Director, Joanne Kelleher. She can answer your questions about raising children here in town. Look for the ECCS table near the Children’s Department.
*Ways You Can Support ECCS*
1) 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.
*About Us*
The Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington is a group of committed educators, parents, grandparents, healthcare and childcare providers, business owners, civic organizations, and members of the community who are deeply invested in the growth, development, and academic success of young children in Southington.

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