CT Mirror Article Addresses Delay in CT's QRIS System

On October 22, the CT Mirror published an article on the current status of the state's Quality Rating and Improvement System for child care providers, as well as a compiled database of state child care programs for parents to review as they seek child care for their children. Remember, another valuable asset in seeking child care is by calling 2-1-1 Child Care. They can assist as well.

ACA Open Enrollment Begins November 1

You may have started seeing the TV commercials - the Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period through Access Health CT begins on November 1. But with the shortest window of time to sign up for insurance since the ACA became law (until December 15), Access Health CT is allowing consumers to begin "window shopping" prior to the start of enrollment. To learn more, click to the C-HIT story. Remember, CT does not use the national exchange - insurance is obtained here through Access Health CT. More plan information, assistance and renewal can be done at www.AccessHealthCT.com

One Week Left!

Election Day 2018 is just ONE WEEK away! If you haven't registered to vote yet, you can do so online (if you have an ID issued by the DMV), mail in a voter registration form to your town hall (must be postmarked by October 30) or register in person at your town hall on Election Day (although preferred that you register before the October 30 deadline). You can also check to see if you're registered HERE. The Secretary of State's office also offers a wealth of voter information, including information for first-time voters.

FBI Background Check Fees Go Up in 2019

Now is the time to get your background checks done - FBI fee for processing fingerprint-based background checks will increase on January 1, 2019. The OEC has released a document to answer any questions you may have and the old vs. new fees. Background check documents received by the OEC after December 15 should include the new fee rates.

Enfield and Manchester Team Up for Play Faire

Enfield KITE, Enfield Play On and Manchester Play On are hosting a Play Faire on Saturday, November 3, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at JFK Middle School in Enfield. The purpose for the event is to help raise awareness of the need for more time to play. The conference is geared toward parents, caregivers and early educators and includes a continental breakfast, keynote hour, and workshops. A professional development certificate is available to early educators. To learn more, click HERE.

Beyond Screening: Education Every Time

Domestic violence impacts far too many of the individuals and families we serve. Emotional, technological, sexual, and physical abuse have an impact on how our clients experience the world around them, on their health, and on their ability to parent. Healthcare and early childhood professionals are in a unique position to conduct a brief domestic violence screen with the individuals they serve. But rather than wait for a positive disclosure, screening individuals for domestic violence can be an opportunity for prevention and awareness every time. You have an opportunity to learn more about this screening - the registration link is live for CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) November 14 Conference, Beyond Screening: Education Every Time from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriot, Cromwell. The agenda can be found HERE and a flyer with more information is available HERE. The cost is $75 per person.

Request for Proposals for 2019 Childhood Conversations/Together We Will Conference

The annual Childhood Conversations/Together We Will Conference is slated for March 29 and 30, 2019 and the committee is seeking Request for Proposals for workshops for the 2019 conference. The 2019 focus is: "Together We Will...Learn to Support and Develop Children's Social Emotional Skills and Reduce Challenging Behaviors, Strengthen Families and Communities." Deadline to submit RFPs is November 2.

Support for the Alliance comes from of our members and our funders: The William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund, Connecticut Health Foundation, Connecticut Community Foundation, Children's Fund of Connecticut, CT Early Childhood Funder Collaborative, a project of CT Council of Philanthropy; The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut; Community Foundation of Greater New Britain; and Community Foundation of Greater New Haven.