New Early Head Start Program Celebrated

Area Cooperative Education Services (ACES) hosted an Open House at their Family Center at 425 Hunting Hill Avenue today, Wednesday, May 19th from 8:30 – 11:00 A.M to celebrate the opening of their new Early Head Start Program (EHS).  A special dedication ceremony was conducted at 10 A.M. Dignitaries in attendance included Mayor Sebastian Giuliano, Superintendent of Schools Michael J. Frechette, representatives from Middlesex Hospital, the Board of Education, School Readiness Council, ACES Governing Board, staff members from the county’s federal congressional delegation and parents. Each shared a few brief remarks.  The mayor read a proclamation celebrating the opening of this much needed program and honoring Lois Rho, a former ACES Early Childhood staff member. A tree will be planted in her memory on the front lawn in the next week.

      The Early Head Start Partnership Program is part of a Birth-Grade 3 Early Childhood Plan developed by the Middletown Community, including the city and the public schools. Community Early Childhood Councils in the partner towns of Portland, Clinton, and Westbrook are also supporting the alignment of a Birth - Grade 3 agenda by partnering with ACES in implementing EHS. Currently, Middlesex County has no provider of Early Head Start services. Thanks to ARRA grant funding, ACES will establish an Early Head Start program to serve 70 pregnant women, very young children, and families in the Middlesex County communities of Middletown, Cromwell, Portland, Clinton, Westbrook, and Old Saybrook.

      Based on need, families will receive either home-based or home-and-center-based care Early Head Start services. Home visitors from the Early Head Start Family Development Program at Middlesex Hospital , a partner organization, will make regular visits to all enrolled pregnant women, infants, and toddlers. Families will be linked with sources of support including mental, dental, and physical health care providers; WIC nutrition assistance and other food programs; continuing and adult education classes; English language classes; employment search and assistance services; housing assistance programs; and other supports as indicated by family needs. Families enrolled in the combination option will also have access to part-time child care that meets rigorous early learning standards. 

      Community Partners who will collaborate with ACES to deliver these services include the Connecticut Birth to Three Program, Connecticut Department of Children and Families, Henry Carter Hull Library in Clinton, LEARN, Middlesex Central Connecticut Chapter of the American Red Cross, Middletown Even Start Family Literacy Program, Middlesex Hospital Family Advocacy Program, Middletown Public Schools, Middletown School Readiness Council, Russell Library in Middletown, and the Opportunity Knocks Health Collaborative.

      The birth- to -three period in a family’s life cycle is a time of enormous opportunities – a time to grow, to learn, to build the future. “We are so pleased that ACES has chosen to operate this program in Middlesex County to improve opportunities for all young children. Early learning experiences are crucial to the growth and development of young children,” said Dr. Michael Frechette, Superintendent of Schools.

      “Quality early childhood education is one of the best investments Middletown can make for our children’s future,” said Betsy Morgan, chair of the School Readiness Council.  “If we value our children, our families, our schools, and our community, we must make accessible, affordable, high-quality early childhood education and family support services for every child a priority.”