Community resources
Why Community resources Matter
Local CT Resources
Early Childhood& Community Resources
Challenges
100

These are local services, programs, or supports designed to help children and families meet their basic needs and improve well-being.

community resources

100

This is the #1 reason community resources matter

promoting child safety and well-being

100

Calling this three-digit CT hotline connects families to statewide resource directories for housing, childcare, food assistance, and more.

 2-1-1 (United Way)

100

Only this percentage of U.S. children ages 3–5 are considered “healthy and ready to learn.”


64%

100

Families often struggle because they do not know what programs exist—this challenge is known as what?

limited awareness

200

This group includes food banks, shelters, and clothing closets.

basic needs resources

200

Strong resources can stabilize families and prevent this type of state involvement.

 child welfare involvement

200

This state agency oversees child protective services, foster care, adoption, and behavioral health resources.

 Connecticut Department of Children & Families (DCF)

200

These conditions—things like neighborhood safety, poverty, and school quality—directly impact early childhood development.

community or neighborhood conditions

200

This challenge makes it difficult for families to attend appointments or programs due to lack of reliable travel.

transportation barriers

300

These programs support early development through tutoring, after-school care, and early childhood services.

 educational & developmental resources

300

Providing equal access to food, housing, education, and healthcare supports this core social justice goal

supporting basic rights

300

This childcare subsidy program helps low-income working families pay for childcare.

 Care 4 Kids

300

A lack of strong community resources can result in this significant inequity for children entering school.

being not ready to learn? (35%)

300

Even low-cost services may still be unaffordable due to fees, supplies, or childcare—this is what challenge?


financial constraints

400

This type of resource includes parenting classes, domestic violence support, and case management.

family support services

400

This occurs when children have equal chances to learn, grow, and succeed.

fair opportunities

400

These school-based centers in New London, Hartford, and Bridgeport offer parenting education, case management, and early childhood services

Family Resource Centers

400

This term describes the long-term importance of providing fair, equal access to resources for all children.

 equity

400

Long waitlists are common with these types of services, like mental health or childcare programs.


high-demand services

500

These supports help families enjoy safe activities and connection, including youth programs and libraries

recreational & community engagement resources

500

Early access to resources helps families avoid financial struggles over generations, also known as this.

breaking the cycle of poverty

500

This organization provides after-school programs, mentorship, and youth development across CT.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Connecticut

500

The Stanford Center on Early Childhood emphasizes a shift from program-based support to this broader system approach.

Ecological Systems Approach

500

Fear of judgment or feeling unwelcome due to cultural differences may stop families from seeking help—this is called what?


stigma or cultural/language barriers

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