November Races Set - Let's Vote for Kids!
You haven't heard from us since right before the primary (taking much-needed summer vacations), so in case you missed it, candidates have been chosen for the major parties. Ned Lamont and his running mate Susan Bysiewicz will be facing off with Bob Stefanowski and Joe Markley for Governor and Lt. Governor, respectively. Also of interest, CT's Fifth Congressional seat is open, with Rep. Esty's departure. Former National Teacher of the Year Jahana Hayes will run against former Meriden Mayor Manny Santos. Over the weekend, the Independent Party endorsed its candidates, cross-endorsing the candidates endorsed by the GOP. Independent candidate for governor Oz Griebel and his running mate Monte Frank, have met the petition threshold and will be on the ballot in November.
As a non-profit organization, the Alliance cannot endorse candidates, however, in the coming months, we are asking individuals to pledge to vote on November 6 through our pledge to vote for kids, and asking the candidates for governor where they stand on early childhood issues through a questionnaire that we will share with you, so you can make informed decisions. If you haven't registered to vote yet, you can do so HERE.
How Babies Can Help the Alliance - And Vice Versa
Keep the video clips coming! A big thank you to those who have sent in clips already. In case you missed it over the summer break, the Alliance is seeking video clips of babies - the babies (or toddlers) can be playing, interacting with you, playing with a sibling, eating - anything, really. We would like to compile the clips we receive into a video to help with our ongoing fundraising efforts, both by email and on social media. If you have a clip (30 seconds or less) you would like to send, please contact Jessica at [email protected] and she will help arrange the clip "delivery."
U.S. Senate Passes Bipartisan Early Education Spending Bill
Last week, the U.S. Senate voted to improve funding increases for many federal early care and education programs. The bill maintains the $2.37 billion increase in the Child Care and Development Block Grant included in the FY18 bill. In addition, the bill increases Head Start by $250 million. It also maintains the $250 million for Preschool Development Grants and funds the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program at last year’s level of $1.212 billion. Finally, $50 million is included for the CCAMPIS program for child care for student parents. With a bipartisan vote of 85-7, the bill now moves to conference negotiations with the U.S. House. For more information, click HERE.
Workshop: Using Big Questions in Your Classroom
The Greater Regional Fairfield Chapter of CTAEYC is hosting a workshop on Saturday, September 29, at Norwalk Community College. "Using Big Questions in Your Classroom," will feature presentations by nationally recognized authors, lecturers and educators, Dr. Janis Strasser and Lisa Mufson Bresson, co-authors of "Big Questions for Young Minds." For more information, click HERE.
Support for the Alliance comes from of our members and our funders: The William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund, Connecticut Health Foundation, Connecticut Community Foundation, Children's Fund of Connecticut, CT Early Childhood Funder Collaborative, a project of CT Council of Philanthropy; The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut; Community Foundation of Greater New Britain; and Community Foundation of Greater New Haven.