The interaction of diverse members creates a unique network for shared information, research, and focused work on initiatives.
Join the Collaborative if you are committed to turning ideas and solutions into actions, getting results, and moving forward toward high-quality child care programs.
The Hartford Area Child Care Collaborative works to provide its members with accurate, timely information; to convene members in areas of promoting and supporting high quality early childhood programs, staff, and families; to facilitate exchanges of ideas and practices; and to respond to the needs of its members. Specific member services are described below.
Programs and Workshops and Conferences.
The Collaborative facilitates networking and education those interested in improving the quality of early childhood programs through regular programs held throughout the year in central locations.
Issue-oriented roundtables.
Singularly or in collaboration with members or other organizations, the Collaborative provides informational programs on issues of concern to the community. Examples of past programs include Planning and Supervising Outdoor Play and Play Environments for Children of All Abilities; Preschool Assessment Framework: Using the Curriculum Frameworks and Benchmarks to Plan Meaningful Curriculum; and Professional Advancement in the Field of Early Childhood.
Professional development workshops.
The Collaborative offers workshops in areas such as curriculum, assessment, leadership development, labor laws, supervision, legislative and congressional issues, budgeting, among others.
Regional gatherings.
The Collaborative organizes collegial opportunities for members to network and share information, ideas and expertise with their peers.
Member briefings.
Members may request the Collaborative’s assistance in organizing an issue briefing as an opportunity to share information and resources of special interest with others in the community.
Dialogues with practioners and policymakers.
The Collaborative provides opportunities for practioners and policymakers to come together to discuss challenges and provide information potential solutions.
Peer networks.
The Collaborative facilitates peer gatherings for members of similar types to share unique interests. Regular networks exist for employers interested in work/life issues, current and past participants in the Connecticut Leadership Empowerment Action Project, and local trainers using The Creative Curriculum®. Study groups for those interested in specific topics can be facilitated by the Collaborative as well.
Information and Communication.
The Collaborative staff responds to more than 10,000 requests for information each year from funders, public schools, community-based organizations, practitioners, colleges and universities, community leaders, the media and the general public.
Good e- News exchange.
This electronic newsletter provides a regular opportunity for members to share information of interest to the early childhood community. The Collaborative invites members to submit articles or topicsfor consideration. Features include personnel changes, new resources and research, and events of note.
Web site.
The Collaborative’s web site, www.haccc.info, is a regularly updated resource for members, nonprofit organizations and others interested in early childhood. Features include information on Collaborative programs, publications and research, and links to member web sites and national resources.
Library.
The Collaborative library contains thousands of resources on early childhood. Members may borrow any item for a period of up to 2 weeks with the option of renewal if the information is not in demand.
Technical Assistance and Consultations.
Members may request one-on-one consultations on a variety of topics.
Advocacy.
The Collaborative and its members give voice to shaping public policy on the local, state, and federal level.
Information Distribution.
The Collaborative will distribute information of interest to its members. We will not distribute or sell our mailing lists.
Publications and Research.
The Collaborative publishes, or makes available, several reports and booklets. In addition, the Collaborative occasionally researches topics of pertinent and timely interest to groups of members. Many are available on a complimentary basis to members.
Collaboration with others.
The Collaborative encourages group to work together to accomplish common goals. Each member’s skills and abilities are strengthened through this process, so they are better able to handle future challenges and collaborations. “Collaboration is distinct from communication and coordination. Unlike communication, it is not about exchanging information. It is about using information to create something new. Unlike coordination, collaboration seeks divergent insight and spontaneity, not structural harmony. And unlike cooperation, collaboration thrives on differences and requires the sparks of dissent.” Innovating 1999.
Public Policy
The Collaborative and its members give voice to shaping public policy on the local, state, and federal level. Understanding the importance of public policy as it relates to early childhood programming is provided through regular opportunities for members to hear from or connect to policy makers. The Collaborative collaborates with other early childhood groups in order to present a united voice.
Legislative visits.
Collaborative members and staff visit Connecticut’s congressional and legislative representatives in their home districts, Members wishing to join these meetings may contact Judy Goldfarb.
Conversations with State Agencies.
The Collaborative offers members the opportunity to meet and talk with state agency leaders as needed.
Legislative alerts.
The Collaborative provides updates on legislation pertinent to the early childhood community. Contact Judy Goldfarb to get the most recent update on legislation affecting early childhood.
