EASTCONN

09/04/2026

Calling all preschool and kindergarten teachers! EASTCONN’s Play-Based Learning Initiative helps you turn meaningful play into powerful, standards-aligned instruction.

This is a full package – participants attend both the in-person trainings AND the virtual PLC sessions, working together across the year to build skills, share successes, and get ongoing support from colleagues.

In-person trainings: 10/27, 12/9, 1/27, 3/2 at EASTCONN
Virtual PLC sessions: 11/18, 1/13, 2/10, 3/24, 4/7

$375 per participant.

Register today: https://www.vancoevents.com/us/DVRO
Questions? Email [email protected]

09/03/2026

A strong start for your child. Support for your whole family.

EASTCONN Head Start and Early Learning are about more than early learning. They’re welcoming places where young children can learn, grow, have fun, and get ready for what’s next – while families receive support and connections to resources.
Have a little one age 5 or younger? Expecting a baby?

Come talk with us! Your family may qualify for FREE early learning and family support.

We’ll help you learn more and see if Head Start is right for your family,
Contact EASTCONN Head Start to get started.
https://www.eastconn.org/early-head-start-head-start

08/28/2026

There were a lot of big smiles as our little learners kicked off the new school year ready to explore, play, and grow together. Here's to a year full of new friendships, first discoveries, and endless fun!

08/26/2026

Our staff kicked off the 2026-2027 school year in true EASTCONN fashion with teamwork, laughter, and a whole lot of spirit! 🌟

Our ETA team put their problem-solving skills to the test (and celebrated their wins!) at a team building escape room.💡

Our Bridges staff came back from summer break with big smiles and even bigger excitement for the year ahead. 😁

And at our Convocation Picnic, CFO Brian Greenleaf proved he’s just as skilled behind the grill as he is at ensuring our schools and programs run smoothly – flipping burgers for all of our staff! 🔥

From central office to classrooms across the region, EASTCONN staff are gearing up and ready to make this a great year for our students, families, and communities. Welcome back, everyone! 💙💜💚

08/26/2026

Tomorrow is the big day – first day of school! 🎉 We can’t wait to welcome our students back to campus and kick off another great year of learning, growth, and community. Here’s to new beginnings, new and familiar faces, and everything this school year has in store. Welcome back!

The countdown is on! 🎉

We can’t wait to see our students again on Thursday, August 27 @ 8am! Our staffulty have been working hard all week to prepare for your arrival, and our new campus signage is ready to welcome you back.

08/19/2026

Summer is winding down - but the adventures don't have to! Before the back-to-school rush begins, why not squeeze in one more unforgettable trip with your little one? GEER's free parent resource, Supporting Your Child's Learning with Virtual Field Trips, makes it possible to explore the Great Wall of China, dive into an aquarium, or visit a national park - all from your sofa! https://tinyurl.com/GEERmedia

Virtual field trips are:
✅ Free or low-cost - and no packing required!
✅ Available through videos, live cameras, and interactive apps
✅ Easy to pair with hands-on crafts for extended learning
✅ Perfect for curious preschoolers ready for one last summer adventure

Check out our curated list of 40 Amazing Educational Virtual Field Trips and make these last days of summer count!
https://tinyurl.com/GEERmedia

08/17/2026

Here's something we don't say often enough: educator well-being matters. 💙
GEER's free learning module, Digital Tools that Support Educator Well-Being, is a thoughtful, practical exploration of how technology - when used intentionally - can reduce stress, simplify routines, and help early childhood educators do their best work without burning out.
https://tinyurl.com/buildingpractice

You'll reflect on:
✅ Which digital tools are truly making your work easier - and which ones aren't
✅ How cognitive load affects your daily work experience
✅ Simple habits like batching emails, turning off notifications, and using shared calendars
✅ How AI tools can reduce repetitive tasks without replacing your expertise
✅ One small, realistic action step you can try right away

Technology should work for you - not the other way around. Explore the module today and give yourself permission to simplify. https://tinyurl.com/buildingpractice

RESC Alliance ACES - Area Cooperative Educational Services LEARN Cooperative Educational Services CREC - Capitol Region Education Council

08/17/2026

HEAD START OPENINGS!

Looking for a great program for your little one? EASTCONN’s Head Start programs are educational AND fun – offering support for child development, health, nutrition, mental health, and safety.

🌟 FREE to eligible residents of northeastern Connecticut
💜 Serving prenatal moms and families with children ages 0-5

Give your child a strong start! Learn more and apply today: https://tinyurl.com/445xzzur

08/14/2026

EASTCONN is hiring CDL Bus Drivers – and we want YOU on our team! 🚌

We have immediate openings for CDL-certified bus drivers, along with school van drivers and driver aides. Don’t have your CDL yet? No problem – we’ll train qualified applicants!

✔ Competitive salary
✔ Health insurance, paid holidays & sick time
✔ 403B retirement plan
✔ Employer-paid life insurance
✔ Qualified drivers can take vehicles home!

Requirements: Valid CT driver’s license and high school diploma or equivalent.
Join the EASTCONN team today! 🔗 Apply at eastconn.org/jobs and click on Transportation Positions.

08/13/2026

EASTCONN is excited to announce participation in the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) for the 2026-2027 school year. This means every student at our participating sites can enjoy breakfast and lunch at NO CHARGE! 🍎🍴

No household application needed – free meals are automatic for all enrolled students at:

📍All EASTCONN schools and programs (CDT, Bridges, ETA, ACT, and QMC)
📍Brooklyn Public Schools
📍Hampton Elementary School
📍Scotland Elementary School
📍Sterling Community School

This program is part of the federally funded National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program – helping make sure every student starts the day ready to learn, no matter what. 💙💜💚

Please note that schools may still send home alternate income forms to collect household income data for other programs that require it – but this is separate from meal eligibility.

Questions? Contact Randall Mel, Jr. at (860) 455-1552 or [email protected].