Brain Development

Today, Governor Dannel Malloy released his early childhood plan to better coordinate services aimed at improving outcomes for Connecticut’s youngest children. The plan is the result of legislation passed in 2011, Public Act 11-181, which received strong, bi-partisan legislative support in both chambers of the General Assembly.

Educators whose aim is to improve early childhood education efforts were scheduled to meet with school administrators and the Board of Education Tuesday night. 

The Colchester Early Childhood Literacy Team, which includes Colchester Elementary School administrators and parents, is proposing steps Colchester should take in creating an effective pre-kindergarten to grade 3 education system.

Most people know smoking while pregnant can lead to a variety of health problems. But researchers at the Yale University School of Medicine have uncovered a possible consequence that most people wouldn't suspect -- lower reading comprehension.

Catching Winsted’s children before they fall behind, academically, takes a total town effort.

Paul Vivian and Kristen Stoeke debriefed the Board of Selectmen at its Monday night meeting, presenting what is expected to be the final update on the Cradle to Classroom project’s work before publishing their report. According to Vivian, the crux of their work is heading off the factors that can send people on a path to criminal behavior and financial insecurity. Those factors, though, start before children even enter kindergarten.

Each day, thousands of babies and young children in Connecticut are cared for in programs and home-based centers whose health and safety are unmonitored.

Under a proposal being considered by a key state panel, every child care provider would have to meet minimal health and safety standards.

Babara Edinberg, research director of the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition, was recognized this week for her leadership on behalf of Connecticut’s children and families at Connecticut Voices for Children’s “First for Kids Awards” ceremony on Oct. 17.

The event, which took place at the Pond House Café in Elizabeth Park in West Hartford, honored individuals and organizations in Connecticut whose work and commitment to the state’s young people serves as a model.

The Southington Board of Education could soon make a move to provide all-day kindergarten for all students - but before a decision is made, they will look to hear from the public one more time. 

School Superintendent Joseph V. Erardi Jr. announced Thursday that in the wake of inclement weather that forced the Board of Education to cancel a community conversation Wednesday and board meeting Thursday, Southington schools have rescheduled the community conversation.