Early Connections
2017-2018 Annual Report
The Year in Review

Each day, when directors, teachers, and staff walk into Early Connections’ centers, we look forward to the day because we know we will watch wonderful things happen.  Some days will be noisy and messy, and others will be quieter and maybe even tidy! The children in our classrooms will make friends, they will negotiate, they will ask questions, they will grow, they will learn something new, they will discover something that interests them.  We are here to guide children on that journey, to help them succeed and be excited by what they are learning.

In this report, we focus on Early Connections’ work and activities throughout the 2017-2018 fiscal year, not only within our organization but in cooperation with families, friends, and our community.  We pledge to continue our commitment to support young children and their families through leadership, advocacy, and quality programs in early childhood education!

Thank you for your interest in Early Connections!

Here are some pics from yesterday’s field trip to visit the Erie Bayhawks. It was lots of fun. We got to read books, try on actual jerseys, tour the building, touch a real basketball hoop and take lots of pics. Had a blast, can’t wait to see them again in January!!!

Arthur’s Thanksgiving was a great choice of books to read to the preschool children at City Center last week. They enjoyed having Aubrea  Haynes from the Erie County Clerk’s office share the story of Arthur’s dilemma of who will play the part of the turkey in the school play.

Llama Llama Red Pajama

Preschool children at City Center were delighted to have Kim Thomas, Northwest Regional Director, DCED, read Llama Llama Red Pajama to them. We hope she will visit us again soon!

Mad Mex Fundraiser

Staff, Board members, family and friends gathered at Mad  Mex on November 13th in support of Early Connections. Food, fun, and raffles were part of an exciting evening!! Thank you to those who attended, those who donated, and especially to our chairperson, Kiwanian Linda Smalley!

Honoring Veterans!

Early Connections children created artwork to thank our local Veterans. Their artwork is proudly displayed at Texas Roadhouse restaurant.

Youth Awards Recognition

Congratulations to Megan Bruno and Jessica Lewis for having been recognized at the UnifiedErie Youth Awards ceremony on October 11, 2018! The Youth Work Awards honor amazing adults in our community who go above and beyond to help all young people feel supported, valued and engaged.

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School supplies were collected by Scott Enterprise Employees for our school-age children at Early Connections. Along with all of the supplies was a letter, each from Nick Jr. and Chris Scott, which helped provide our children with a “can-do” attitude for the school year. 

 
Pictured in front row:  Darlene Kovacs, Executive Director, Early Connections. Second row, left to right:  Christine Simon, Director of Human Resources, Scott Enterprises; Sharon Johannesmeyer, Safety Manager, Scott Enterprises; Nick Scott Jr, Vice President, Scott Enterprises; Michelle Harkins, Associate Executive Director, Early Connections.