News & Events

Terrific Transitions 

A Community Conversation led by parents for parents of children who will be starting Kindergarten this year will be held on Saturday, June 12th from 8:30-11:30 am at Cesar Batalla School.

Breakfast and child care will be provided.
Attendance is limited to 100 parents so register today!  The registration form is attached and may be sent to BAYC at 75 Washington Ave, Bridgeport CT 06604 or by FAX to 203-334-3297.

Terrific Transitions registration form

2010 Community Messengers  graduates 17 new volunteers

The Bridgeport Alliance for Young Children (BAYC) awarded Certificates to seventeen volunteers who completed 12 hours of cross-training for Community Messengers, a grassroots communications program for Bridgeport families.  “There are many ways to communicate…by telephone, newspapers, computers, radio and television.  But the best way to communicate is by talking to your neighbors, your children,
to doctors, teachers and family,” said Betsy O’Connor, BAYC Coordinator.  Community Messengers trains volunteers, arms them with tools and materials and asks them to spread the word about programs and services to families in their own neighborhood. 

As a Community Messenger, the trained volunteer will be able to assist neighbors with information about services like WIC, SNAP (food stamps), HUSKY insurance, and quality preschool programs, expectations for Kindergarten, mental health services, the library, and more.     

BAYC was formed in 2006 as a collaborative of parents, elected officials, early care providers, education and health providers.  Partner agencies are working to capitalize on the strength of the commitment and expertise of the collaborative to ensure that all Bridgeport children, birth to 8, are safe, healthy and ready to reach their potential. 

The recently completed UPDATE to the Bridgeport Blueprint for Young Children promotes the safety, health and readiness of Bridgeport’s children by focusing on
1) families empowered with information, supports and skills needed to encourage their child’s success;
2) ensuring the physical and social-emotional health and development of young children and their families;
3) providing equal access to high-quality community and school-based early care and education programs; and
4) mobilizing the Bridgeport community behind efforts to support its youngest residents.

“Community Messengers provides a forum for communication and problem solving throughout the city and promotes utilization of services for all our families,” O’Connor said.   

Kick Off to Kindergarten registration opens!

Kick Off to Kindergarten is a program for children who have not had any formal pre-K experience.   Your child will have three weeks of focused activities that introduce him or her to books, numbers, and how to play in groups.  There will also be Parent Workshops that will give you materials and activities to continue preparing your child for Kindergarten.  

Classes will be held from July 1—July 23 at César Batalla and Barnum schools from 8:30 to 12:30 pm.  There is no transportation provided for Kick Off to Kindergarten, however breakfast and lunch are provided. 

Register today!  Call 203-339-6318...don’t wait...only 18 children for each school will be accepted! 

Getting Ready for Kindergarten brochure and registration form: PDF

Register for Lee y seras: Starting Date changed!

Lee y seras is a program that empowers Hispanic families to be theri child's first and most important teacher.  The program is funded by ABCD, Inc. and the Adrian Kirby Family Literacy Program.  The program is a six week series,conducted in Spanish for families with children up to age 6.  There is no fee.  The program begins on Wednesday, June 2nd.  Light dinner and child care are provided.  For more information or to register, call
ABCD, Inc. 203-366-8241 ext 267!

School starts August 25...Register today!