Across Connecticut communities are partnering with the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund to improve the lives of young children from birth to eight years of age.  In 2003, Southington became a Discovery Community and joined 48 other cities and towns. The Collaborative's mission is " All Southington Children will Enter School Ready to Learn" with a focus on the transition from pre school to kindergarten.  Activities that have happened over the last four years include a community needs assessment, Community Conversation, Early Childhood Providers workshop, Together We Can Fall Preschool Fair among other community events.  Both the Southington United Way and the Southington YMCA have been active in coordinating the project during that time.

In the Summer of 2006, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain began coordinating the project.  The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain has made early child care and education one of their primary impact areas.  For more information on the Foundation and their other initiatives please go www.cfgnb.org. Since then, the group has reformed and rededicated themselves to three goals: advocating for high quality child care, empowering parents and families, and being a resource for parents and professionals on early child care and education.  In December 2007, The Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington was awarded two more years of funding by the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund.  Our new office is in the Chamber of Commerce/United Way Suite in One Factory Square.  We are always looking for new ideas and new members.
Won't you join us?

ECCS Executive Committee:

The ECCS Executive Committee is made up of dedicated ECCS members who are elected to their positions each year.  As described in the ECCS by-laws, the responsibilities of the Executive Committee includes

• Providing oversight of the mission chosen by ECCS
• Coordinating all standing and ad hoc committees
• Setting the agenda for ECCS Meetings
• Setting the calendar of ECCS activities
• Provideing oversight for financial matters and reporting duties to granters
• Providing oversight and leadership of strategic planning

The Current Members of the ECCS Executive Committee Include:

Co-Chair Sarah Chandler: Parent and Home Care Provider

Committee Chair Michelle Slimak: Parent and Home Care Provider

Committee Chair Angela Griffis: Parent and Home Care Provider