Family Supports

On August 17 (and a few days following), some of the state's Patch.com websites picked up on the release of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's KidsCount Databook, of which CT Association for Human Services is the state contact.

The Torrington Register Citizen ran a piece on the early childhood display while it was in Torrington. It remained in Torrington until September 15.

The 2011 KidsCount Databook places Connecticut sixth in the nation in terms of child health and well-being, but there is no doubt the recession is hitting state families hard. Below you will find how Connecticut fared on the major indicators used to determine state standings. The link to the report itself is attached as a link.

On June 15, the Alliance's fourth CT Public News Service story of 2011 ran regarding the passage of S.B. 1103 and the impact the bill could have on the upcoming Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Fund competition. Alliance Executive Director Maggie Adair was interviewed for the story.

The Alliance's early childhood display is on the move, and its presence at Mansfield's Town Hall has been documented on Mansfield Patch and Mansfield Today websites. The display will be in Mansfield until June 17.

Manchester Patch.com article written about Manchester Early Learning Center and its planned expansion, bringing more availability (from four locations in town to 11) and employment opportunities for early childhood educators. The article posted May 26.

On May 27, the New York Times featured an article on the kindergarten age change legislation that would change the age cut-off from Dec. 31 to Oct. 1. Several Connecticut teachers, administrators and Education Department officials were featured in the piece, along with CT Parent Power's Paul Wessel.

Alliance member CT Voices for Children released a report on a shocking number of babies getting dropped from the HUSKY A (Medicaid) program when they reach their first birthday. DSS says it's working to fix the problem. CT Mirror reports on the story May 13.

Every child deserves to grow up in a family. But for some children who are removed from their homes due to neglect or abuse, there aren't enough foster homes to go around. CT Voices for Children explores the recent drop in foster home care over the past few years.