Libraries Provide Critical Services for Working Low-Income Families, Particularly During COVID

Libraries Provide Critical Services for Working Low-Income Families, Particularly During COVID

Access to public libraries is especially important for low income working families across Connecticut, “because libraries provide information on social services and job opportunities, free internet and computer access, and a range of free programs, community meetings, and even 3-D printers,” according to a new report issued by Connecticut’s United Way organizations.

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Connecticut Data Indicates Screening Youth in Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Systems for Trauma is Practical, Useful, and Effective

Connecticut Data Indicates Screening Youth in Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Systems for Trauma is Practical, Useful, and Effective

More than 60% of youth nationally report direct exposure to violence, crime, or abuse in the past year, according to data highlighted by Child Health and Development Institute of Connecticut (CHDI). The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to increase rates of trauma exposure. An analysis of evidence from screening efforts in Connecticut suggests that trauma screening is feasible, and helpful for providing effective services.

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Hole in the Wall Gang Creates New Camp Experience for Children with Serious Illnesses in the Age of COVID

Hole in the Wall Gang Creates New Camp Experience  for Children with Serious Illnesses in the Age of COVID

When COVID-19 forced the public into isolation, Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp – a camp for children with serious illnesses founded in 1988 – sprang into action, developing creative virtual opportunities for immunocompromised children and their families.

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Connecticut Explored’s Textbook and Online Resources Answered COVID-19 Challenges

Connecticut Explored’s Textbook and Online Resources Answered COVID-19 Challenges

Connecticut Explored debuted their 3rd grade social studies textbook, Where I Live, in 2017, successfully meeting teachers’ demands for content that adhered to the State’s newly-revised social studies framework. Little did the statewide magazine know that three years later, their text and accompanying online resources would answer another pressing need during a global pandemic, attracting unprecedented usage by teachers and their students.

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Extend Black and Latino History Curriculum Throughout K-12 Education in CT? That May Be Next Step

Extend Black and Latino History Curriculum Throughout K-12 Education in CT?  That May Be Next Step

Connecticut is in the midst of developing a statewide model curriculum for a year-long high school level course on Black and Latino history. It is to be made available to students beginning as soon as next year. But even as that effort proceeds, some are suggesting that it won’t be enough.The thinking is that aspects of Black and Latino history should be incorporated into the curriculum beginning at the elementary school level. If Connecticut’s legislature enacts such a requirement, it would not be the first state to do so.

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Connecticut Proceeding Full Steam Ahead in Building First Statewide Curriculum on Black and Latino History

Connecticut Proceeding Full Steam Ahead in Building First Statewide Curriculum on Black and Latino History

With input from across the state, Connecticut’s new curriculum for a year-long high school course in African American/Black and Puerto Rican/Latino studies is already taking shape, in accordance with a new law – Public Act 19-12 - passed by the state legislature. The 150-member Advisory Committee involved in its development meets again later this month.

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Despite Health Risks, Companies Continue Persistent, Relentless Push of Sugary Drinks to Black, Hispanic Youth

Despite Health Risks, Companies Continue Persistent, Relentless Push of Sugary Drinks to Black, Hispanic Youth

Amidst increasing calls for Connecticut’s government leaders to declare racism a public health emergency, a new report by the University of Connecticut’s Rudd Center for Good Policy & Obesity is raising renewed concerns. According to the 73-page report and analysis, “systemic and institutional barriers to health and opportunity … contribute to poorer health outcomes and persistent health disparities” among Black and Hispanic youth nationwide.

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