HPYC's Newsletter

More than 80 attendees — including Interim Commissioner of the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Elena Trueworthy, members of the Hamden Legislative Council, Mayor Garrett, Superintendent Gary Highsmith, Assistant Superintendent Erin Bailey, Hamden Public Schools administrators and elementary school principals, OEC program managers, HPYC community partners, Hamden childcare staff, HPYC parent ambassadors, and Hamden parents — gathered at Eli’s on Whitney for the Hamden's Partnership for Young Children’s (HPYC) annual breakfast meeting.

Presentations highlighted HPYC’s goals, recent events, and key accomplishments. A central focus was the Transition to Early Start Connecticut (7/1/25), which involved the creation of the Local Governance Partner (HPYC) and the convening of the Community Table. Parents shared how Hamden childcare programs and Family Resource Center events have positively influenced their children and families, while HPYC community partners reflected on their ongoing collaboration to strengthen childcare and family support across Hamden.

The meeting concluded with inspiring remarks from Elena Trueworthy, Incoming Commissioner of the CT Office of Early Childhood. Building on the momentum from this gathering, HPYC plans to continue expanding community outreach, supporting Hamden parents, and advancing best practices in childcare throughout the community.

Judy Goldberg, HPYC Program Support Specialist attends the first Northeast Regional Pyramid Model Conference. There was a lot of learning and fun with Tucker the Turtle!

The Family Resource Center (FRC) of Hamden, CT directly serves parents with children from prenatal to kindergarten as well as families with children in Hamden Elementary Schools. Our services enhance parenting, promote family involvement with the schools, help children to succeed academically, socially and emotionally and connects families to community resources. The Family Resource Center believes that parents are their child's first and most important teachers.

ART NIGHT on Friday, December 5th at Ridge HIll School. 6-7:30pm. Parents join us for some guided painting. There is fun for the kids too...children (separated by age) also complete artsy activities with the FRC staff. Pizza and free books included.

The HOLIDAY MUSIC CELEBRATION, featuring the book Snowman At NIght, is planned for Friday, December 19, 6-7:30pm at Ridge Hill School. All families are welcome, and will receive the book and some musical instruments.

Did you know that Hamden has over 50 home and center-based childcare options, serving infants, toddlers, preschoolers and some after-school care? Due to state funding, Hamden has 5 center-based programs and 2 home-based programs offering low to moderate cost full day child care for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and a limited number of before and after school slots. See program names below and contact the programs directly for specific information on open subsidized slots.

Home-Based State Funded Childcare:

Noah's Ark Daycare, odessasnowden123456@gmail.com, 203-230-9927

Lushanna Thompson, everychildahead@gmail.com, 203-988-2058

***The family fee is determined by family size and family income.

​​Disease prevention is an important part of maintaining your family's overall good health. Many preventive strategies are so simple, safe, and effective, allowing you to guard against a variety of potentially serious illnesses. Quinnipiak Valley Health District (QVHD) has put together helpful tips, resources and even some fun family activities to help you weather this season.

Generations of kids have grown up watching Sesame Street, but we’re much more than a beloved television show. From timely research, to classroom curricula, to large-scale social impact projects, you can find Sesame Street everywhere kids and families learn and play.