Author Archive
Importance of Routine
For young children, knowing what to expect can make a big difference in their development and behavior. Even the simplest routines, when consistent (getting dressed in the morning, sharing family meals, following a bedtime routine) can help. Routines support many areas of children’s development. They can help children practice life skills and healthy habits and […]
Are You Our Next Parent Ambassador?
The Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington (ECCS) is looking for a new Parent Ambassador to help with community outreach. The Parent Ambassador will be an independent contractor to the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain. This is a 100% grant- and State contract funded position with funding through June 30, 2027. The current stipend is […]
Importance and Access to Early Literacy
A child’s journey toward reading success begins long before they can recognize letters or sound out words. From birth to about age 3 children’s brains are developing rapidly, making this the perfect time to build language and literacy skills. The simple act of reading together helps children develop the foundation they need for literary success […]
Savings Tools for Your Children
Raising children can be expensive, but there are savings plans that can help. Federal 530A Accounts Starting July 4, 2026, a new tax-advantaged investment account, a Section 530A “Trump Account,” will be available to any U.S. citizen child under 18. The accounts were created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The child becomes the […]
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
National Child Abuse Prevention Month brings awareness to the importance of protecting children from harm and ensuring their safety and well-being. It provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and communities to come together and raise awareness about the issue, educate people on how to recognize and report child abuse and support victims and their families. […]
ECCS in the News!
ECCS Executive Director Joanne Kelleher recently talked with the Southington Outsider about our outreach work, the challenges in childcare, and the future. You can read the article at www.southingtonoutsider.org/post/early-childhood-collaborative-guides-young-parents-through-the-maze.
Father’s Impact on Pregnancy
We all know that a mother’s health before and during pregnancy has a vast impact on potential complications during and after the pregnancy for both mom and baby but many often forget or do not know how much the father’s preconception health can affect these outcomes as well. Placental Health Emerging evidence suggests that sperm […]
Supporting Healthy Brain Development
The early years are a critical time for a child’s brain development, forming connections that support learning, emotional regulation, and social skills. Supporting your child’s brain development doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are a few simple examples that you likely already do or can easily implement: Connect early and often Talking, reading, singing, cuddling, […]
Parent Leadership Training Institute
The Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) is a family civics initiative of the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity. PLTI is designed to equip parents and caregivers with the tools to become effective advocates for children and agents of positive change in their communities. ECCS Parent Ambassador Jessica Springer-Cap shared a few thoughts […]
PURPLE Crying
Purple crying describes a normal phase in a baby’s development in which they get fussy or cry for long periods of time. It usually starts around 2 weeks of age and ends around 3 to 5 months of age. All babies go through this period – some babies cry a lot and some far less, […]
