Connecticut's Early Childhood Education EndowmentYou may have seen news about Connecticut's Early Childhood Education Endowment. It's purpose is make it to easier for families to find child care that meets their needs, is affordable, and supports their child's early learning and development. Elena Trueworthy, Commissioner of the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, recently released this family letter with more information about how the Endowment will be used this fiscal year. It also clarifies that the announcements about "free child care" only apply to children enrolled in Early Start CT spaces.
Southington currently has 45 of these State-funded spaces, compared to about 2,000 children age 5 and under. As the Local Governance Partner (LGP) in this community, the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington recognizes there are not enough subsidized spots to meet the needs of families. We are advocating to increase the number of Early Start CT spots in town and encouraging the childcare providers to apply for them. Learn more about our work as an LGP and our recent Local Needs Assessment. AssistanceGeneration Power CT Generation Power CT (previously Operation Fuel) is designed to assist Connecticut households with emergency energy needs to ensure health and safety for our neighbors. They offer three emergency energy assistance program cycles per year and year-round water assistance. The next cycles for Energy Assistance open December 1-15, 2026 and March 1-15, 2027. Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) CEAP is an annual benefit that helps residents offset home heating costs. Online and in-person applications opened September 1st. The deadline for this benefit is May 31, 2027. For other assistance go to www.southingtonearlychildhood.org/food-and-financial-assistance/. Southington Community Services Operation Stay Warm Through September 25th, glove donations are being collected at the Calendar House, Southington Community Services, Southington Public Library, and the Southington YMCA. The Operation Stay Warm Winter Clothing Shop will open October 3rd through 17th at Plantsville Congregational Church. Monday - Friday 10 am - 12 pm and 1 pm - 3 pm Saturday 10 am - 12pm
Looking for Fall Fun?Fair season is in full swing, and fall is finally here! We have compiled a list of some great, local, kid-friendly fall festivities including fairs, Halloween events and more as a pinned post on our Facebook page. Halloween Costume ExchangeThe Southington Public Library is holding their 4th annual Costume Exchange! Costume donations are currently being accepted through Tuesday, September 29th in the Children's Department. Looking for a new-to-you costume for yourself or your child? Drop by Monday, October 5th and Thursday, Oct 8th at 5:30 - 7 pm to "shop". Let your voice be heard!The Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity (CWCSEO) Affordability Survey The CWCSEO is conducting an Affordability Survey to help guide their programs and policies to better support all residents. The main survey takes about 5-10 minutes to complete. It is anonymous and will help them understand Connecticut residents' ability to meet basic household needs: housing, food, utilities, health care, child care, and transportation. Take the survey in English. Completar nuestra encuesta en Español. ECCS Book Club Survey
Upcoming EventsSeptember 24th - ECCS Parent Book Club - Join us for ECCS Parent Book Club to learn parenting skills while connecting with other Southington parents and caregivers. Even if you haven't finished the book, you can join us in our discussion! Learn more and register for this event at https://eccsparentbookclub-2.eventbrite.com. September 25th - Southington Farmers Market - Join us for the final Southington Farmers Market of the 2026 season from 3 to 6 pm! September 26th - Car Seat Safety Check - 9 am to 1 pm at the Southington Calendar House, 388 Pleasant Street. Car seats will be inspected on a first-come, first-served basis at this free event. October 4th - Apple Harvest Festival Parade - Step off at 2 pm. Anyone who wants to participate is welcome to join the ECCS in the parade - you, your family, your staff or the families you serve. Wagons and strollers are welcome. Email Joanne at southingtonearlychildhood@gmail.com or text to (860) 385-1665 and she will send you the details. Rain date October 11th. Can't Join us? Snap a few photos and send them to us! October 18th - Halloween in the Village - 4 pm to 8 pm at the Center of Plantsville. Rain date October 25th. October 31st - Barnes Trunk-or-Treat - Join us from 3 pm to 5 pm at the Barnes Museum for Halloween fun! Looking Ahead! November 14th - Preschool Showcase - 9:30 to 11:30am at the Southington Public Library. November 19th - ECCS Parent Book Club - Join us in reading and discussing Raising a Kid Who Can: Simple Strategies to Build a Lifetime of Adaptability and Emotional Strength by Catherine McCarthy, Heather Tedesco, and Jennifer Weaver. Learn more and register for this event at https://eccsparentbookclub-3.eventbrite.com. For more details, visit www.southingtonearlychildhood.org/events/ or follow us on our social media. Ways to Support the ECCSDid you know that the ECCS does not receive funding from the Town of Southington or the Board of Education? Our work to support the parents and caregivers of Southington’s youngest citizens is funded primarily through grants we have applied for. Receiving contributions from individuals like you helps support our operations and allows us to show our larger funders that there is strong community backing for this work. There are many ways that you can support our work -
Facebook @ECCSouthington Instagram @ECCSouthington Threads @ECCSouthington X/Twitter @ecc_southington Bluesky @eccsouthington.bsky.social About UsThe Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington is a group of committed educators, parents, grandparents, healthcare and childcare providers, business owners, civic organizations, and members of the community who are deeply invested in the growth, development, and academic success of young children in Southington.
Copyright © 2026 Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington, all rights reserved. Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington |
