The following stories highlight a few of the exciting events, programs and people that are part of the Discovery Initiative. To submit a story about the work in your community or organization, please contact us.
Meriden Parents Work with Seniors to Help Kids with Reading
August 1, 2008
We all know there are not enough resources to help students these days, but many of us just shake our heads and wish that things were different. Not Meriden parents Cathy Lewis and Donna Mordarski. Cathy Lewis was frustrated because her niece, who was having reading problems, was on a waiting list to get extra help in school. Help did not come quickly enough, though, and her niece was held back a grade. Rather than dwell on the lack of services, Cathy, a Meriden Parent Leadership Training Institute graduate, and Donna Mordarski decided to do something to help children who were struggling with reading.
This story was submitted by
Meriden.
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Enriching the Community - Parent Leadership Community Benefits All
November 22, 2007
Article from The News Times - Informal chats for those learning English. Swim lessons for children with disabilities. Cultural classes on Vietnam. A book swap at the library. A support group of children with epilepsy. These disparate activities have one thing in common. All were started by graduates of the Parent Leadership Training Institute, which celebrates its 10th year in the community.
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Learning at ‘Truck Day’
May 4, 2007
From fire engines and Army trucks to school buses and talking robotic utility vehicles, the variety of vehicles on display this past Saturday made for an exciting day for children and parents who attended the first Truck Day event.
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Early Childhood Listening Forums Held Across the State
January 11, 2007
What is your vision for young children in our community? What are the most important community assets for children and families in our communities? How do these assets match the goals and strategies defined by the Governor’s Early Childhood Education Cabinet? What might hinder our progress in reaching the goals? What challenges do you foresee?
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CT Parent Power Hosts Candidate Debate
October 31, 2006
It was a beautiful fall day. Hundreds of participants from across the state, children and adults alike, streamed to the Middlesex Community College on Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. The Middletown Marching Band was playing and a group of talented children performed for the audience while they waited for the main event. Did these hundreds of people come to attend a sporting event? No, they came to speak up about the needs of children and families and hear gubernatorial and congressional candidates talk about what they would do for children and families if elected.
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New Britain's Strategy: Focus on Access
July 24, 2005
New Britain, like many other communities across the state, felt the impact of the reduced funding for Care 4 Kids, which provides childcare support for moderate- and low-income families so parents can work. Creative Corner Childcare Center in New Britain closed in 2003 as a direct result of the reductions. Families who had previously used Care 4 Kids vouchers lost them and the center was unable to offset program costs. In a community already struggling to meet the early education needs of its families, the loss of a center was a major blow.
This story was submitted by
New Britain.
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Greater Hartford Literacy Council Hosts Dr. Janice Gruendel
March 18, 2005
Over 75 percent of Connecticut's kindergartners have attended preschool, nursery school or Headstart before entering kindergarten, but in some districts, particularly larger urban districts, this number shrinks to less than half of incoming students. Numerous studies and research reports have linked preschool experience and success in school and beyond. Quality early childhood education has been shown to improve language and literacy skills, problem solving and motor skills necessary to prepare children to learn in school. Lack of preschool education is believed to contribute to the achievement gap.
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Download “Seven Simple Things Connecticut Needs to Know about Early Childhood”
February 1, 2005
“Seven Simple Things Connecticut Needs to Know about Early Childhood,” an 8-page publication, is being distributed statewide.
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The Parent Trust Fund Provides Parent Leadership Grants
December 15, 2004
Parents have an important role to play on the local and state level as leaders with a voice in improving children’s health, safety and learning. The Parent Trust Fund was created to build this parent leadership capacity and provide parents with the substantive civic tools to be effective advocates for children and participate in the civic life of communities throughout the state. Communities can apply for these funds and receive $1,000 to $8,000 to support parent training programs.
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Ready, Set, Grow ... CT Kids! Mobilizes the Public to Support School Readiness
May 26, 2004
With the help of our “Friends of Connecticut’s Young Children” and “Children’s Champions”, the campaign seeks to inform parents and the public about the importance of children’s readiness for school and to persuade citizens to act in ways that benefit our young children. “Friends” are people who support the public goal and give us permission to use their names on our website. It’s an easy and free way for anyone in Connecticut to help make a difference for our young children.
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Plymouth’s Parents Meet the Challenge
December 6, 2003
“You have to start with building relationships. Parent engagement won’t go anywhere without them,“ said Family Resource Center coordinator Sue Vivian; “...the parents have become the face of the Discovery process in town.” Training opportunities like People Empowering People give parents useful tools. According to parent Tracy DuPont, PEP “has given me more confidence and heightened my awareness of the importance of early childhood education.”
This story was submitted by
Plymouth.
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