WILLIS AND COOK HONORED

State Representative Roberta Willis (D-64th District) and State Representative Michelle Cook (D-Torrington) were both honored as a “Children’s Champion” by members of the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance for their commitment to early childhood issues in their districts and at the state Capitol. They were recognized by the group at a ceremony held Thursday at the State Capitol.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance for this honor,” Rep. Willis said. “Members of the organization deserve great credit for their work in behalf of children. We must continue to implement and expand programs that prepare our children for early education and nurture their appetite for learning as they grow older.”

“This ceremony doesn’t signal a shift from our focus on children ” Rep. Cook said. “I’m glad to receive this honor and I look forward to working on many more pieces of legislation that make quality education and care available to many more children in Connecticut.”

 Representative Willis and Representative Cook have been active in the Torrington Early Childhood Collaborative (TECC), a group of passionate individuals who foster a tradition of coming together for the benefit of children. Through a variety of small work groups comprised of parents, educators, healthcare providers, state and local government, business, faith-based and other community providers, TECC strives to increase awareness of, and involvement in, the many opportunities for preparing children to enter school as health, eager learners.

Shaun McNally, CT  Early Childhood Executive Director, praised both lawmakers “for their commitment to early childhood development and support of organizations that improve the lives of Connecticut’s children.”

The Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance is a group of organizations and individuals committed to improving developmental outcomes in the areas of learning, health, safety and economic security for children ages birth to eight. Over 4,000 individuals in Connecticut support the Alliance as Friends. The member organizations employ over 3,000 Connecticut residents and provide care and education for nearly 20,000 children.