EASTCONN Executive Director As I introduce our 2019-2020 Annual Board Update to the EASTCONN Executive Board, I am struck by how my approach differs this year. In any other year, I might lead with a reference to EASTCONN’s 40th anniversary. Or with a list of our growth and accomplishments over decades of serving northeastern Connecticut. Or with references to statewide budgetary challenges. But this year is different. COVID-19 has changed the conversation. Yet, while the pandemic may have shaken our confidence in many long-standing social norms and institutions, I’m proud to say that EASTCONN has maintained a solid footing throughout, with one clear mandate: to continue fulfilling its mission of providing quality educational resources and support to learners of all ages and needs. Perhaps that is one of the most important messages I could share.
Gary S. Mala EASTCONN Executive Director
This report provides highlights from EASTCONN’s work this school year, across all divisions. It is filled with brief descriptions and data from our work both before the threat of COVID-19 emerged, and afterward. You’ll find a series of pre-COVID-focused reports like the Agency Goals booklet, as well as our stand-alone, pull-out division reports. But you will also find an insert (Response to COVID-19 Supplement) that offers snapshots of our work between mid-March and May 2020 as the pandemic forced school and program site closures. Throughout, you’ll find evidence that EASTCONN staff continued to meet our region’s education and training needs with professionalism, perseverance, innovation and a collaborative spirit. Please enjoy your reading, and I will look forward to discussing the report’s content with you in the days ahead. Be well. Sincerely,
Gary S. Mala EASTCONN Executive Director
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2020
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Celebrating 40 Years 1980~2020
EASTCONN 40th ANNIVERSARY Created in 1980 by Connecticut General Statute 10-66a, EASTCONN is proud to celebrate its 40th year of serving the education needs of 33 towns and 36 school districts across northeastern Connecticut. One of the state’s six, public, non-profit, Regional Educational Service Centers, EASTCONN was formed when two small, northeastern Connecticut public service agencies merged to provide affordable, high-quality education programs and services to the region’s smaller and often less affluent schools and communities. The agency grew quickly as it expanded its workforce and expertise in response to requests for effective, new, educational programs and services. Today, EASTCONN employs more than 630 staff, who work in a wide range of specialties, highlighted in this annual report. Driven by its mission to serve learners of all ages, EASTCONN looks forward to another 40 years of partnering with schools and communities to provide the innovative and effective educational resources and options they need.
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2020
80 ~ 2020
Celebrating 40 Years 1980~2020
EASTCONN SIX DIVISIONS
ADULT & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS EASTCONN promotes and supports lifelong learning for parents, workers and residents of northeastern Connecticut. Whether it’s high school completion, job training, English-as-a-Second-Language or parenting support, our Adult & Community Programs are designed to help all adult residents develop new, lifelong skills, expand options, and reach new goals. Adult & Community Programs: • Adult Education & High School Completion Programs • Employment & Training Programs • English Learner Services • Parent & Family Programs
EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVES EASTCONN works with parents, communities and schools to ensure that all children enter school ready to succeed. EASTCONN can design and implement high-quality, early-childhood education programs and services. We can also assist with data collection, planning and policy development, facilitation and community engagement, workshops for parents and professionals, facilities consultation, and program design and evaluation. Early Childhood Initiatives: • Birth to Three Program • Head Start / Early Head Start • Early Childhood Coaching, Consultation & Support • Early Childhood Materials & Products • Professional Learning & Support for Early Childhood Educators • Programs for Young Children & Families • School Readiness Support • Development & Coordination of Statewide Professional Learning
K-12 STUDENT SERVICES EASTCONN works with local K-12 schools and districts to ensure that all children in our region, from kindergarten through high school and beyond, have access to a rich variety of learning opportunities. K-12 Student Services: • Academic Enrichment Programs • Autism Program • Clinical Day Treatment Programs • Magnet & Alternative High Schools • Programs for Students with Developmental Disabilities • Psychological & Behavioral Consultation Services • Related Services (OT, PT, Speech-Language, Assistive Technology) • School-to-Career, Summer, Vacation & After-School Programs • Transportation Services for K-12
LEADING & LEARNING EASTCONN partners with educators from across northeastern Connecticut to continuously improve instruction, with the goal of increased learning outcomes for all children. From curriculum design, leadership development and professional learning to data-driven school improvement, we offer a broad range of expertise. Leading & Learning Opportunities: • Center for Educational Leadership • Curriculum Instruction & Assessment • Professional Learning • Regional EASTCONN Groups & Councils • School Improvement Strategies
ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT EASTCONN facilitates collaborative, regional approaches to school operations. From cooperative purchasing to back-office support and regional staff recruitment, we work to find cost-effective solutions. Organizational Support Services: • Business Office & Employer Services • Conference Services • Cooperative Purchasing / Procurement • Facilities Assistance & Training • Food & Hospitality Services • Human Resources / Staffing Solutions • Marketing & Communications • Research, Development & Innovation • Security & Investigations • Transportation Services
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS EASTCONN helps schools envision, acquire and maintain technology systems that enhance student learning. From on-site technology integration and training to customized database development, we are committed to ensuring that schools keep pace with the accelerating demand for the effective use of technology. Technology Solutions: • Data Solutions, Support & Training • Educational Technology Integration • PowerSchool Support & Training • Technology Infrastructure Support • Technology Products & Services • Technology Professional Development • Video Production Services • Web Application Development 19
2020
80 ~ 2020
Celebrating 40 Years 1980~2020
EASTCONN SIX DIVISIONS
ADULT & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVES
K-12 STUDENT SERVICES
LEADING & LEARNING
ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS
plus...Transportation Services
19
2020
80 ~ 2020
Celebrating 40 Years 1980~2020