Early Childhood Development Initiative
In the Community Foundation’s estimation, there is perhaps no more significant challenge facing our communities than ensuring that our children are equipped to lead healthy, productive lives. That’s why, as part of its goal to become a proactive partner in shaping our future – a catalyst for change – the Community Foundation is dedicating some $1 million to the cause of early childhood development.
Research shows that the first five years of life are critical in preparing children for success in school and in life. Children who have a healthy early childhood development experience prior to kindergarten are more likely to perform at a higher academic level and become more productive members of society.
The Foundation wants to ensure that children in its four-town service area are afforded the advantages and opportunities that come with a healthy start. The Foundation’s commitment in this arena is already paying dividends through the efforts of the New Britain Discovery Collaborative. The Foundation is proud to be the lead agency for this program, in partnership with the United Way of New Britain & Berlin and the American Savings Foundation & New Britain. The Foundation is also leading a similar effort, the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington, with the support of the United Way of Southington and the Southingon-Cheshire Community YMCA. Both programs have received significant financial support from the prestigious William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund.
And with guidance from Tunxis Community College’s Early Childhood Education Program, the Foundation is making even further strides in early childhood development. A consortium of area childcare providers has been formed to address the challenges facing today’s early childhood educator. With Foundation support, this consortium is engaging in a number of quality improvement initiatives, including training, curriculum enhancement and professional development, aimed at establishing quality standards across the board.
For more information about the New Britain Discovery Collaborative, contact Merrill Gay, Executive Director, at 860.229.6018 x309. For more information about the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington, contact Sarah Bogdanski Bourdon, Coordinator, at 860.620.0225. For more information about the Early Childhood Development Consortium, contact Joeline Wruck at 860.229.6018 x307.