PRESS RELEASE: Branford Early Childhood Collaborative Hosts Early Childhood Display at Branford Festival

Date:
June, 2012
Abstract:
On June 16, Branford Early Childhood Collaborative will host the Alliance's early childhood display at the Branford Festival.
Author:
CT Early Childhood Alliance

 

Are you planning to attend the Branford Festival on Saturday? If so, make sure you visit the Branford Early Childhood Collaborative booth.  

Branford Early Childhood Collaborative (BECC) is a group of committed individuals and partners working to ensure that “all Branford children, birth through age eight years, are happy, healthy, safe and successful with a love of learning in school and in life.”

At the BECC booth, children can pick out a temporary tattoo and their parents can register to win raffle prizes after filling out a survey.

“With the survey, we hope to find out what the early child care and education needs are in our community, for example, availability and affordability of quality childcare, and workshops/presentations needs,” said Jodi Kelly, coordinator of the Branford Early Childhood Collaborative. 

The booth will include important literature, including “The ABC's of Kindergarten,” a kids’ resource book and information on early childhood development and education.  BECC will also share the top three indicators that have been identified in the Branford Early Childhood Community Plan.

Branford is one of many Discovery communities around the state that is working diligently on a community plan to address the needs of the town's young children. Discovery, an initiative of the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund, aims to create an early childhood system that ensures early learning success for all children. Discovery’s common goal is, “Connecticut children of all races and income levels are ready for school by age five and are successful learners by age nine.” 

"As we finalize our work on the community plan for Branford, we realize once again the importance of the early childhood years.  Whether through quality preschool experiences or having social services available for all who need them, this is a pivotal time to help build the foundation for a child so that they may become successful in school and in life," said Kelly.

The early childhood community plan will be completed by June 30 and will be presented to the Branford community in early fall, said Kelly.

Early childhood is a critical time in preparing a child for lifelong success. That too, is one of the goals of the CT Early Childhood Alliance, a statewide membership and advocacy organization committed to improving developmental outcomes in the areas of learning, health, safety and economic security, for children ages birth to eight.

During the festival on Saturday, BECC will host the CT Early Childhood Alliance's brand-new early childhood display, which was recently displayed at the State Capitol/Legislative Office Building concourse. Using large, colorful panels, the display illustrates the many important aspects of preparing a child for future success, including high-quality early care, early education, health, nutrition and strong families. 

“We’re pleased we were able to secure the display and look forward to sharing it with Branford residents on Saturday,” said Kelly. 

The Branford Festival is held June 15- 17 on the Branford Green. For more information on BECC, visit www.branfordbecc.org