May is almost over and what a month it was for the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington! We hosted a community cafe and our annual "State of Early Childhood" presentation, held office hours at the library and exhibited at five family-friendly community events.
We will share a summary of what we learned at our cafe and presentation, along with a summer kick-off, in a special June issue of our newsletter.
Thanks to everyone who filled out the first survey in the Connecticut RAPID Survey Project. The deadline for this first survey, which focuses on childcare needs, has been extended to Friday, May 31, 2024 at 8 pm EDT.
A total of eight surveys, on a variety of topics, will be open through December 2025, and you will receive a $10 gift card for each survey completed.
The second survey, on child development and parenting support, is scheduled to open in early July.
If you are a CT resident with children under age 6 and haven't completed the survey, or wish to be notified about the future surveys, then Sign up for these surveys. (Please tell your friends, but do not share this link on social media to cut down on spammers.)
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Anyone, even very young children, can experience trauma or mental health issues, and it is better to identify and address any issues early. Thankfully, you do not have to go through it alone. There are many resources available at the town, state, and national levels.
One amazing resource available in town is the Southington Health Outreach project which facilitates access to behavioral and mental health care for Southington residents. Their Southington Behavioral Health Resource Directory is a comprehensive guide to behavioral health and community resources, including outpatient and inpatient care for children, adolescents, and adults, as well as details about confidential assessments, short and long-term counseling, psychotherapy, family therapy, and mental health treatment. The directory also includes information about accessing transportation and food as well as new information regarding drug collection drop boxes, treatment for opioid misuse, health services, and advocacy.
The Southington Senior Community Health Outreach Coordinator, Holly Hansen, LMSW, can be found at the Library, Calendar House, Farmers Market, community events or reached at 860.604.7448 or hrhansen@wheelerclinic.org.
Additional mental health professionals, support groups, and related services can be found in our Resource Directory.
If you or your child are in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for support 24/7.
Since 2018, you may have seen one of our many posts that under Connecticut state law, children under the age of 16 must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, a scooter, or a skateboard, or wearing roller skates or in-line skates. But what kind of helmet is best? Many folks think you can use a bike helmet or a skate helmet interchangeably, but that is only sometimes the case.
Bike helmets are meant for one high-impact crash. Because of the way these helmets absorb the impact, they will crack. After a crash, helmets should always be replaced with a new one. Bike helmets also tend to be lighter in weight and more aerodynamic. Bike helmets will have a CPSC certification label located inside the helmet.
Skateboard helmets are meant for multiple low-impact crashes. These helmets tend to have more coverage, especially on the back of the head, because the most common fall is backward. This style of helmet can also be used when wearing roller skates and inlines. Skate helmets will have an ASTM certification label located inside the helmet.
If you don’t want to buy two helmets for different activities, there are Multisport helmets. These helmets tend to resemble skate helmets but have both CPSC and ASTM certifications.
For more information about different helmets for other sports as well as how often you should replace your helmet, check out this CPSC guide. For more about CT Bicycle Safety and Helmet Laws, go to the ECCS Bike Safety Page.
Our friends at Southington Community Cultural Arts asked us to share their upcoming fundraiser - a auction of hand-painted planters. ECCS members got a chance to see them and they are beautiful.
Did you know that SoCCA offers Summer Art Adventures for youth age 7 to 17, Homeschool Art Adventures for children 4 to 12, and art classes for children as young as 3 years old and adults? Learn more or enter your bid at https://southingtonarts.org/
ECCS Office Hours at Southington Public Library
Friday, May 31, 2024 from 9:00 to noon
Monday, June 17, 2024 from 9:00 to noon
Stop by the Southington Public Library and see the ECCS Executive Director, Joanne Kelleher. Show her you are using the Sparkler app or have her help you get set up and you or your child can pick a thank-you gift. She can also answer your questions about summer camps, kindergarten registration or raising children here in town.
Look for the ECCS table near the Children’s Department.
Comic Con
The Southington Library Comic Con is going BACK to the future and celebrating all things Science Fiction (and fantasy) and the ECCS will be there!
The day will be filled with awesome local vendors, amazing authors, crafts, food trucks, glitter tattoos, and fandoms galore!
Join us on Saturday, June 8th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., for a full day of superheroes, games, your favorite game shows, and much more at the SOUTHINGTON DRIVE-IN, 995 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, Southington, CT 06489.
No registration is required to attend this free, all ages, drop-in event. To attend specific activities, there may be day of, in-person, sign ups. All ages are welcome. Food and souvenirs will be available onsite for purchase. The rain date is Saturday, June 15th.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.
Copyright © 2024 Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington, all rights reserved.
Our mailing address:
Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington
PO Box 210
Southington, CT 06489-0210