Early Childhood Display Featured at Hamden’s ‘Community Conversation’

HAMDEN - A display featuring a Nobel Prize-winning economist and Yale researcher is making a return visit to Hamden, as a way to stress the importance of investing in high-quality early care and education initiatives, organizers said.

The display can be seen at the Hamden Partnership for Young Children’s “Community Conversation About Hamden’s Young Children and Their Families,” organizers said in a statement.

The community conversation runs from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Nov. 15, at the Miller Cultural Complex Activity Room, 2901 Dixwell Ave.

A continental breakfast will be served and free books will be available for parents, the statement said.

"Hamden’s Partnership for Young Children is seeking feedback on plans to improve childcare, education, family supports and healthy lifestyles," the statement said.
To register, email hamdenkids@gmail.com or call Hamden Youth Service at 203-777-2610. Walk-ins will be welcome.
The early childhood display was developed by the CT Early Childhood Alliance and travels the state to be displayed at early childhood centers, schools, town halls and town events, the statement said.
“The display’s message affirms what we have long known as true – it emphasizes that a quality early childhood experience is a significant way to provide a strong foundation for future learning,” said Susan Rubino, coordinator of Hamden Youth Services and co-chairwoman of Hamden's Partnership for Young Children. “We’re pleased to be able to tie the display into our community conversation event.”
Investing in high-quality early childhood initiatives including Care4Kids, School Readiness, Head Start, state-funded child care centers and family resource centers, helps close the achievement gap, helps reduce grade repetition, reduces the need for special education services and reduces high school dropout rates. It increases college graduation rates and helps form a productive and capable workforce. Research shows that for every dollar spent on early childhood programs, the return on investment can be up to $17.
Hamden's Partnership for Young Children is made up of a group of professionals, parents and grandparents who are concerned about the future of Hamden’s children, the statement said.

The partnership works to make a difference in the quality of education that children receive before entering kindergarten. HPYC serves as Hamden's Early Childhood Collaborative and is funded by Graustein Memorial Fund, United Way and the town of Hamden, the statement said.

The Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance is a group of organizations and individuals committed to improving developmental outcomes in the areas of learning, health, safety and economic security for children ages birth to eight.

For more information on the display, call the Alliance at 860-819-3647 or email alliance.ceca@gmail.com.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed the agency and is unedited here. Poster design by Jennifer Borel Scholte.