HAMDEN PARTNERSHIP FOR YOUNG CHILDREN (HPYC)

Project Description

This project, entitled Supporting Hamden Childcare will provide financial support to licensed Center Based and home based Childcare in Hamden. We have already seen some of the negative impact the COVID pandemic has had on our young children, their families, and the childcare businesses who teach and care for these children every day. Quality early care and education prepares our children socially, emotionally, and cognitively for the formal teaching years, beginning with kindergarten. 80% of brain development takes place by the time a child turns 5. As a result of the pandemic, early childhood providers, many of whom are small businesses and minority owned, are facing tough business decisions due to decreased enrollment, as staffing crisis, inability to secure enough financial resources to stay afloat, changes in health and safety measures, and increased costs to meet these health and safety requirements. Hamden's Partnership for Young Children (HPYC) developed a plan to support Hamden early care and education, in collaboration with community partners, including the Hamden Public Schools, Hamden Preschool Special Education, Hamden Family Resource Center, United Way of Greater New Haven, and All Our Kin, ACES, and Hamden center based and home based child care providers.

Specifically, HPYC's project Supporting Hamden Childcare, will

Support childcare businesses in Hamden who are struggling to stay open, maintain enrollment and meet expenses.
Expand the opportunity for outdoor learning and healthy development of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
Help to provide clean and safe learning environments for young children and adults who work daily with young children.
Provide necessary professional development to childcare staff.

Scope of Work (to be completed with ARPA funding no later than June 30, 2026)

Financial Support to licensed Center Based and Home Based Childcare in Hamden including the following

Provide funding for First Aid/CPR training to childcare staff (center and home based)
Purchase health, safety, and cleaning supplies for childcare (home based)
Purchase outdoor equipment for each licensed childcare provider (center based and home based)
Provide funding, technology, and training to increase internet access for up to 10 childcare providers (home based)
Provide necessary professional development to childcare staff

Performance Measures:

BEFORE, participating in Supporting Hamden Childcare, all center based and home based childcare program will be responsible for the following:

Complete survey to identify needs and confirm participation
For each focus area, childcare program staff will attend a training session which includes
- explanations of expectations, procedures and purpose
- review of required reporting
- applicable Professional Development
Sign agreement with HPYC, accepting the responsibilities for participating in this project.

AFTER project is completed, all center based and home base childcare participating programs will:

Complete a post survey to identify the impact on childcare businesses, including health and safety measures, and developmentally appropriate curriculum.