DCFI LogoDanbury Children First Updates
Parent Leadership / Parent Engagement
October 2008 Volume 1, Issue 3
In This Issue
Candidate Forum on October 16!
Community Conversation on October 28!
Recruiting for Parent Leadership Class
Toilet Training Workshop
Quick Links
Join Our Mailing List
Greetings!
 
October is a very busy month at Danbury Children First! On October 16, we're sponsoring a Candidate Forum in partnership with CT Parent Power. It's important to be informed on November 4 when you enter the voting booth, so we encourage you to learn about candidates for the Connecticut General Assembly by attending the forum.  We're also getting into "full gear" to gather information for our new Parent Center Project and we need your help! Read the article below about our Community Conversation to find out out more.

Danbury Children First Updates will continue to offer our readers information on:


  • Danbury Children First's Committees and Parent Resources
  • The Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI)
  • PLTI Alumni
  • The People Empowering People (PEP) program and PEP Alumni
  • Events and activities related to parent involvement in education in Greater Danbury
Thanks for taking a few minutes to read this newsletter. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at [email protected].
 
Caroline LaFleur
Communications Coordinator

Forum FlyerDon't Miss the Candidate Forum on
October 16!

On Thursday, October 16, Danbury Children First and CT Parent Power are sponsoring a Candidate Forum. The Forum will be held at Broadview Middle School, with a Parent Reception and Voter Registration beginning at 5:30 pm. The Candidate Forum will begin at 6:30 pm.

This is an important and unique opportunity to hear what candidates for the Connecticut General Assembly have to say about issues that affect Danbury area families. Eight candidates for the Connecticut State Senate and House of Representatives have confirmed that they will attend.

Candidates to attend:
Michael McLachlan (R) State Senate
Duane Perkins (D) State Senate
Manuel Bataguas (I) State Senate
Jan Giegler (R) State Representative, District #138
William Melillo (D) State Representative, District #138
Bob Godfrey (D) State Representative, District #110
Jason Bartlett (D) State Representative, District #2
Joe Taborsak (D) State Representative, Disctrict #109

Each candidate will answer 3-4 questions that she/he has received in advance. The questions focus on education (including education funding), healthcare, and other issues that impact families.

Childcare and light refreshments will be provided. Call Danbury Children First at 797-8088 to RSVP, or click on the link below.  If you haven't already registered to vote, this is a great opportunity to do so!

To RSVP for the Candidate Forum, click here
DirectionsCommunity Conversation to Focus on Improving the Quality of Life for Danbury's Young Children and Their Families

On Tuesday, October 28, Danbury Children First will be sponsoring a Community Conversation at Broadview Middle School about how to improve the quality of life for Danbury's young children and their families.

We hope to involve all sectors of the community--parents, grandparents, single parents, adoptive parents, educators, business people, and members of the faith community--in a discussion about what we can do to make Danbury a better place to raise children and support families. The information gathered will be used to help develop a plan for a Parent Center in Danbury.

Dinner will begin at 6:00 pm. The Community Conversation will be held from 6:45 pm to 9 pm. Childcare will be provided.

Please call us at 797-8088, or email Sonia Fernandez at [email protected], if you are interested in attending this event!
 

Community Conversation Invitation
Parent Center Flyer
DirectionsNow Recruiting for Parent Leadership Class

The Danbury Parent Leadership Training Institute is now recruiting members for the class of 2009! If you're interested in working the the community to benefit your children and other children, this class is a great opportunity. You'll learn about: how the state and city operate; how you can work with others to get things done for kids; and how to acquire the skills you need to become a leading advocate for children. Check out the YouTube video of PLTI at
http://www.cga.ct.gov/COC/plti_video.htm

The class is FREE and meets for 20 weeks beginning January 2009. Chldcare and dinner are always provided. If you're interested in applying, you can download an application by clicking the link below. Or call Lauren Halpin at 797-8088. You can also email Lauren at [email protected].

PLTI Application
Girl and DadToilet Training Your Child with
Special Needs to Be Offered on
November 10


On Monday, November 10, the Greater Danbury Child and Family Network is presenting a FREE workshop, Toilet Training Your Child with Special Needs. The workshop will take place from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Early Care and Education Training Institute's Offices at 30 Main Street, Danbury (across from Super FoodMart). The workshop will be presented by Anne Mead, M. Ed., Director of the Early Care and Education Training Institute.

At the workshop you will learn:
  • Tips and techniques for toilet training
  • How to tell when your child is ready
  • How to work with teachers and caregivers
  • How to make the experience a successful and happy one for your child
The workshop will be followed by a discussion of Greater Danbury Child and Family Network Activities for the coming year.

Childcare and light refreshments will be provided. Please call 797-8088 or email Caroline LaFleur at [email protected] to RSVP, especially if you need childcare. For a flyer and directions, click on the link below.

Toilet Training Workshop Flyer