Statewide Feature

HOPE for New Haven Executive Director Georgia Goldburn couldn’t believe her eyes when she opened her mail after the Memorial Day holiday break. It was a check from the Department of Social Services, made out to her center, for just under $15,000.

House Speaker Chris Donovan was named “Legislator of the Year” and four legislators – Rep. Cathy Abercrombie (D-Meriden), Rep. Beth Bye (D-West Hartford), Rep. Karen Jarmoc (D-Enfield) and Rep. Diana Urban (D-North Stonington), were among the honorees at the annual “Children’s Champions” event, hosted by the CT Early Childhood Alliance on May 26.

NOTE: This forum was held prior to the party nominations on May 21 and 22. At this time, all three candidates quoted in this story are still candidates for governor, with Malloy winning the Democratic nomination, Griebel is planning a Republican primary run and Marsh is pursuing signatures as an Independent candidate, with the goal of earning a place on the ballot in November.

“Invest in our children, in good and bad times.” That was the message that came from Marian Wright Edelman as she stood before a packed crowd in the Old Judiciary Room of the State Capitol on April 30.

Damp, chilly weather didn’t keep people away from the fourth annual “Touch-a-Truck” event on April 17 at Three Rivers Community College, sponsored by Children First Norwich and hosted by Children First Norwich / School Readiness Council.  The event is always held at the beginning or end of the “Week of the Young Child.”

Everywhere you turned, young children, parents and early childhood providers were out in force – talking about the importance of early learning and celebrating the great work of New Haven early childhood community. 

The children at Housatonic Community College’s Early Childhood Laboratory School took the term “soar” literally as they celebrated the national “Week of the Young Child” on April 14 with a kite-flying event.  Mother Nature tried to be agreeable – but the wind didn’t always cooperate.

As it does every year during the “Week of the Young Child,” Torrington Child Care Center on Kennedy Drive celebrated its children with a public art show showcasing the work of the children throughout the year.  

“This is our 11th year,” said Mary Cecchinato, the center’s director.