wealth of childcare resources available
The ODFC Economic Security Committee and Secure Jobs, in partnership with the United Way of Coastal Fairfield County [CFC] and Bridgeport Prospers, held a forum “Opening Doors to Child Care Resources” on September 28, 2016 at Norwalk City Hall. Fifty-four individuals from a broad range of agencies attended in the forum.
Opening the forum, Allison Logan, M.S., Early Childhood Project Manager for the United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, presented on “Toxic Stress and the Young Brain: Addressing Needs Through a Collective Impact Approach.” Her presentation explored a recent National Scientific Council report which indicated family turmoil, poverty and other forms of extreme stress, including homelessness, can be toxic to a young child’s developing brain. A child, whose brain has been undermined can suffer long-term behavioral and cognitive difficulties. Allison discussed the root of toxic stress and included discussion of available resources to address this adversity systemically through Collective Impact work occurring in Bridgeport, Norwalk and Stamford.
During a panel, the following presenters provided expertise and information about their organization's services: Erica Phillips, Southern CT Director, All Our Kin; Mary Oster, Early Childhood Coordinator, City of Norwalk, and Adriana Lorduy with Child First.
Resources from the forum included the following presentations: