Keep your young ones active, engaged, and safe during the warm months ahead. There are plenty of local activities to enjoy, including summer camps and programs, swimming at the pools at Recreation Park and Memorial Park, or exploring what the new Southington Public Library has to offer.
Summer is here and it looks like it’s going to be a hot one! With these tips and reminders, you can keep your little ones safe all season long:
Never leave children unattended in or around water, even if they can swim.
Enrolling in swim lessons is a great way to add a layer of protection against drowning.
Solid neon color bathing suits are the best for visibility.
Always use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets on boats and near open water.
Check out our water safety page for more information and resources.
Watch the forecast and avoid outdoor play during extreme heat or storms.
Remember to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
Stop. Look. Lock. Never leave a child in a vehicle unattended. The temperature inside a car can rise nearly 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. Opening the windows and parking in the shade does little to reduce the car's temperature.
Learn more on our weather safety page.
Teach children never to put any plant parts in their mouths as many plants are toxic when ingested (even in small amounts) - Prevention is the best way to avoid accidental ingestion.
Prevent bug bites and stings with repellent, wearing light-colored, long sleeves, and closed-toed shoes.
Learn more about specific plants and insects to watch for on our outdoor safety page.
Last month, we made updates to our Bicycle Safety and Helmet Laws page to include information about e-bikes and motor-driven cycles, but there are even more changes coming this fall!
Effective October 1st, 2025, the age requirement for children wearing helmets increases from under 16 years to under 18 years.
The minimum requirements for helmets include the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard.
Learn more about these changes at www.southingtonearlychildhood.org/health-development/bicycle-safety/.
Bread for Life's summer lunch program, with support from the public schools and South Central Health District, offers a free lunch for Southington children.
June 23 to August 15
Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays - DePaolo Middle School from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Grab your lunch and stay for some programming from our local volunteers (Grab & Go also available)
Tuesdays and Thursdays - Grab & Go lunches available for pick up at Bread for Life from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Learn more at https://breadforlife.us/2025-summer-lunch-program/
Food insecurity continues to impact many families in Southington. Several local programs are available to support families and individuals who may be experiencing difficulty accessing consistent, nutritious meals.
Bread For Life - In addition to the children’s summer lunch program, they have other meal programs including lunch program, meal delivery, senior services, and more.
Southington Community Services - Southington residents can sign up for the food pantry by calling the office at 860-628-3761 and scheduling an appointment. Families or individuals who qualify for the food pantry may come in once a week for food. Southington Community Services also provides energy assistance, emergency assistance, assistance with state programs, and more.
Plate It Forward Southington - Plate It Forward Southington is based on the pay it forward model of giving. If you are hungry and would like a meal, simply go to one of the participating restaurants, pick a slip off the Plate it Forward sign board and bring it to the counter or table. The list of participating restaurants is Fancy Bagels, Chik-fil-A, and Saint’s Restaurant on Queen Street, Paul Gregory’s Bistro Cafe on Center Street, Fancy Bagels Xpress on Buckland Street, Southington Lions Den in downtown Plantsville and a new location which will be announced soon.
Additional resources can be found in the ECCS Resource Directory in the Food, Economic & Social Services category.
The Southington Farmers Market is held on the Town Green every Friday from 3 to 6 pm until September 26th (excluding July 4th). The ECCS will be exhibiting on these dates:
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July 11, 2025
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July 25, 2025
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August 8, 2025
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August 22, 2025
On August 22nd, we will also be holding our 3rd Annual Summer Bookmobile Tour to give out FREE books with Read to Grow! Times and locations will be posted as the event draws near.
For more details, visit www.southingtonearlychildhood.org/events/ or follow us on our social media.
Did you know that you can set up a small, recurring donation to the ECCS?
"Consistent monthly contributions, especially when automated, turn generosity into a habit and create lasting impact without the need for constant reminders." - Brian Williams, ECCS Board Member
1) Follow us on your favorite social media platforms and then like, comment, or share so your friends see our posts too!
2) Forward this email to a friend or colleague.
3) Volunteer your time as a board member or advocate.
4) Help with one-time or periodic donations.
Copyright © 2025 Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington, all rights reserved.
Our mailing address:
Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington
PO Box 210
Southington, CT 06489-0210