Through generous grant funding from United Technologies Corporation and The Juliana Valentine McCourt Children's Education Fund, we have extended the reach of our programs to those in the early childhood care setting.

In the spring of 2003 those adults who work with children in early childhood care settings were specially invited to the remaining statewide "Don't Laugh at Me" sessions. Additionally, in August 2003 the first three day "Early Childhood Summer Institute" was held. Representatives from higher education early childhood programs, state agencies, Infoline, and individual center directors worked through the core information necessary to create respectful environments for young children and their families. On February 6, 2003 this group will reconvene for a six month "re-union" to share and reflect about progress and challenges toward our collective mission of creating and maintaining true "Climates of Respect."

Another offering that was launched in the fall of 2003 which was a direct outgrowth of recommendations coming from the summer institute. Early childhood care providers have great difficultly attending typical professional development sessions due to their work requirements. To accomodate their specific needs, the "Don't Laugh at Me" program information was divided into four components and once a month at the Hartford Public Library, early childhoon care providers gathered together to receive the professional development that others receive in the statewide two day sessions. The success of this series in the fall led to the scheduling of two spring series; one again in Hartford and another in the Southeastern Connecticut region. The winter/spring schedule for these two series will be annouced shortly.The minute the dates and the locations are announced, they will be posted here.