Summer is in full swing, and we hope you are busy making memories with your family. Check out our June newsletter for information on the Summer Lunch Program and the Southington Library's Summer Reading program.
The second RAPID Survey of Connecticut parents is now open!
The ECCS and the RAPID Survey Project at the Stanford Center on Early Childhood want to hear from you! The first survey was distributed in May and asked about child care access and affordability.
This second of eight surveys focuses on access to developmental screening and parenting supports. You can take this survey even if you've already taken the first one.
Survey respondents will receive a $10 gift card for completing each survey, which should take no more than 15 minutes to complete.
The survey is open through Friday, August 2nd at https://tinyurl.com/rapid-eccs.
You are welcome to invite family and friends across Connecticut with children under the age of 6 to also take the survey, but please do not post the link on social media to cut down on the spammers.
Our town has many amazing, free outdoor spaces and events. Here are just a few that Southington has to offer. Learn more about local outdoor spaces at http://www.southingtonearlychildhood.org/resourcecat/outdoor-spaces/
Recreation Park on Maxwell Noble Drive, Plantsville
This 37-acre facility has a children's playscape, wading and swimming pool, picnic groves, and a gazebo/community pavilion. There are softball, baseball, soccer, and football fields and tennis, basketball, volleyball and bocce courts. Several competitive sports leagues meet here. The Southington Drive-in is located on the property and shows family-friendly movies on Saturday nights in the summer. The Southington Recreation Department's free Kid's Entertainment Series shows are held on Tuesday evenings beginning at 6:00 pm at the Community Pavilion on the Southington Drive-In, view the schedule. The newly renovated pool is open to Southington residents Monday-Friday, 12 PM - 8 PM, and Saturday & Sunday, 10 AM - 8 PM.
Veterans Memorial Park at 776 Woodruff Street, Southington
This park offers a duck pond (no fishing), picnic grove, playscape, basketball and tennis courts, and football and baseball fields. The pool and splash pad is now open to Southington residents Monday-Friday, 11:30 AM - 8:30 PM, and Saturday & Sunday, 10 AM - 8:30 PM.
Panthorn Park on Burritt Street, Plantsville
Panthorn Park in Plantsville has a child's playscape, hiking trails, fishing pond, picnic groves and a passive recreation. There are softball and lacrosse fields and tennis courts. Several competitive sports leagues meet here. 139 acres.
Linear Trail
Southington's Linear Trail is 4.6 miles long and currently runs from the Cheshire/Southington town line north to Lazy Lane (Southington). This paved trail is used for walking, bicycling, rollerblading and strollers. The Southington "Rails to Trails" pathway is part of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. When completed, the trail will span over 80 continuous miles from Long Wharf Pier in New Haven, CT to Northampton, MA.
With so many great outdoor spaces to offer, it is important to remain safe!
Outdoor Safety
When enjoying the great outdoors, there are a few things to keep in mind: temperature, sun exposure, proper hydration, bug bites and stings, plants, and more.
Learn more about Outdoor Safety at https://www.southingtonearlychildhood.org/outdoor-safety/
Water Safety
Children and teens drown in open water about as often as in pools with 973 children drowned in 2021 and thousands ending up in the ER. The number one rule is to NEVER leave a child unattended around or in a body of water and even something as simple as the color of bathing suit can help reduce the risk of drowning and injury.
Learn more about Water Safety at https://www.southingtonearlychildhood.org/water-safety/
Helmet Safety
Per Connecticut State Law, children under 16 must wear a helmet while riding: Bicycles, Scooters, Skateboards, Rollerskates, and In-line Skates. Look for the ASTM or SPSC certification labels to know what activities your helmet is suited for.
Learn more about Bicycle and Helmet Safety at https://www.southingtonearlychildhood.org/health-development/bicycle-safety/
The ECCS Car Seat Safety Check event with the Southington Police Department will be on Tuesday, August 20 from 4 to 7 pm at the Calendar House.
If you need your car seat checked before then you can reach out directly to the SPD non-emergency number to request an appointment.
The second annual Southington Summer Bookmobile Tour returns on Friday, August 23rd with three stops around town. Join us at any location and have your child pick out a free book.
The Southington Farmers Market is on the Town Green every Friday from June 21 to September 20 from 3 to 6 pm. The ECCS will be there twice a month. Stop by and ask questions, say hello or pick up a fine motor skill item for your child.
The Southington Public Library will also be at the Farmers Market for story time every week at 3:30.
Southington Public Schools will host a screening session for families seeking a waiver for any child who wishes to enter Kindergarten this fall and will NOT be five years of age by September 1, 2024. This final screening session is only for families NOT screened earlier this year.
- Per state law, students five years of age by September 1, 2024, are automatically eligible and, therefore, do not need a waiver or screener administered.
- The district has only reserved enough slots for 4-year-olds seeking a waiver; please do not sign up if your child meets the eligibility criteria above.
The screening session will occur on Saturday, July 27th from 9:00am -1:00pm at the Southington Calendar House-Senior Ctr. at 388 Pleasant Street. *(Directly across the street from DePaolo Middle School)
We use SignUp to organize the screener appointments. The time to administer an assessment ranges between 20 and 40 minutes.
Here is how it works in two steps:
- Click this link to see the SignUp: https://signup.com/go/LCuFeNo
- You will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.
- Review the options listed and choose the spot that works best for your family.
Note: SignUp does not share your email address with anyone.
If you have any questions, please contact the central office at 860-628-3202.
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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