Annualreport201314 by EASTCONN

Annual Report 2013-2014

Contents EASTCONN At-A-Glance Organizational Chart

Program Goals

Our Members

District Participation Chart

Member Needs Assessment

Agency Goals

Financial Overview

Interagency Collaborations

Partnering with EASTCONN allows our small school to provide services on the scale of a much larger school district on a cost-effective basis.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Richard E. Packman, Superintendent of Schools, Scotland, CT

From the Executive Director This past year was another exciting and challenging one as we worked in partnership with our member districts on local implementation of state initiatives, including the first full year of educator evaluation plans, field testing of the Smarter Balanced Assessment test, and the integration of Connecticut Common Core Standards into classroom curriculum, teaching and assessment practices. Once again, I am pleased to report that the value and impact of the work we provided this year continues to be of high quality, in terms of how much we provided, how well we provided it and the impact it had. Of note this year: Regional Initiatives in collaboration with our member districts: g Eastern Connecticut Health Insurance Program (ECHIP): Members realized more than $500,000 in savings. g Back Office Support: Expanded our fiscal services support to districts by 200%, producing greater efficiencies at reduced costs, compared to the in-house provision of comparable services. Student Programming, from young children through adults: g Early Childhood Initiatives: Saw gains in executive function, social skills, literacy and mathematics skills among the preschool learners whose teachers parPaula M. Colen, Executive Director ticipated in our training and coaching. rd g K-12 Students with Special Needs: A 3 regional clinical day treatment program was opened at a member district facility, providing high-quality educational programming at a reduced cost in a less restrictive environment; enrollment was up 34% across all 3 programs. g Employment & Training: Remained the largest provider of employment and training services in eastern Connecticut, enrolling almost 1,000 older youth and adults through our more than $2.7 million in contracts, up $1 million from last year. Looking ahead, we are gearing up for 2 exciting new initiatives for 2014-2015: g EASTCONN Center for Educational Leadership: Offering an expanded focus on the professional learning needs of school leaders in today’s public education environment. g Personalized Learning Initiatives: Exploring blended approaches to individualized, competency-based learning for students of all ages, including educational professionals. These highlights and plans are among the hundreds detailed in this report. Enjoy your reading.

Paula M. Colen, Executive Director

EASTCONN-At-A-Glance Created in 1980 under Connecticut General Statute 10-66a, EASTCONN is a public, non-profit, regional educational service center. EASTCONN exists to provide high-quality, competitively priced educational and related services to 36 member Boards of Education and the 33 communities they serve in northeastern Connecticut. We are governed by a Board of Directors who are members of locally elected Boards of Education. Our funding comes from the fees we charge for our services, supplemented by competitively awarded grants and contracts. • Programs and Services: 160+

• EASTCONN Facilities’ Square Footage: 173, 296

• EASTCONN Employees: 550+

• Transportation Vehicles: 120

• Annual Budget: $73 million

• Grants Managed: 120, bringing $181 million additional dollars in programs and services to the region

• Program Locations: 20

Organizational Chart

CUSTOMERS

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

EASTCONN BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICE of the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

FACILITIES & IT

FINANCE HUMAN RESOURCES MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

K-12 STUDENT SERVICES • Academic Enrichment • Assistive Technology • Clinical Day Treatment Programs • Magnet Schools & Other Options for Students • Programs for Students with Developmental Disabilities • School-to-Career • Schools for Non-Traditional Learners • Services for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders & Other Developmental Disabilities • Summer, Vacation, After-School Programs • Other Student Services

EARLY CHILDHOOD INITIATIVES • Early Childhood Consultation • Early Childhood Materials & Products • Early Childhood Programs for Young Children & Families TEACHING & LEARNING SERVICES • Educational Leadership • Professional Learning & Coaching • Regional Groups & Councils • School Improvement Strategies TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS • Data Solutions Support & Training • Educational Technology Integration • Technology Infrastructure Support • Technology Products ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES • Administrative Support for Schools • Business & Employer Services • Communications Services • Facilities Services • Human Resources Management • Personnel & Staffing Solutions • Program Design & Development • Transportation Services

CUSTOMERS

ADULT PROGRAMS • Adult Education & High School Completion • Community Education • Employment & Training Programs • English Language Learner Services • Parent & Family Programs

EASTCONN Board & Member Districts EASTCONN truly values and appreciates the commitment of its board of directors. Each EASTCONN director also belongs to the board of education in his or her respective hometown, which choose a representative to serve on the EASTCONN board. Our board guides and approves all programs and services, enabling the agency to best serve the learning needs of northeastern Connecticut’s schools and communities.

EASTCONN’s 33-Town Region in Northeastern Connecticut

EASTCONN Board Members

Depicted are EASTCONN board members at a recent meeting. Seated, left to right: Secretary/Treasurer Catherine Wade (Hampton); Vice-Chair, Doug Smith (Plainfield); Chairman Herb Arico (Willington); Mary Kortmann (Coventry); Donna Smith (Pomfret); Standing: Joseph Lewerk (Lisbon); Judy Benson-Clarke (Region 8); David Marcotte (Killingly); Anne Stearns (Scotland); Walt Petruniw (Canterbury); Sharon Kozey (Eastford).

EASTCONN’s Northeastern Connecticut Region 33 2 36 94 251 3,166 40,993 268,675

Communities School Systems Schools Administrators Teachers Students Residents

Northeastern Connecticut, often called the “Quiet Corner” and so named for its bucolic, rural character, is home to 33 towns, among them some of the state’s smallest and most economically challenged. These are the towns that EASTCONN serves. Amidst the farms and forests of this area lie pockets of affluence and poverty, including towns that are not only among the state’s poorest, but are also home to students scoring among the state’s lowest on standardized tests. Attributes of this 240-square-mile region include small schools, a strong sense of community, and a long history of voluntary collaboration and resource sharing. Challenges include long-standing, high unemployment rates, inadequate public transportation, limited access to local educational enrichment, as well as social and recreational resources, and other impoverishing conditions.

EASTCONN Board & Member Districts 2013-2014 Andover Jay Linddy, Chair Andrew Maneggia, Superintendent

Hebron Mark Allaban, Chair Jeffrey Newtoni, Superintendent

Sterling Renee Theroux-Keech, Chair Kaye Griffin, Superintendent

Ashford Donald Wesson, Chair James Longo, Superintendent

Killingly Alexis Rich, Chair g David Marcotte Kevin Farr, Superintendent

Thompson William Witkowski, Chair Michael Jolin, Superintendent

Bozrah George Bagge, Chair Paul Gagliarducci, Superintendent Brooklyn Mae Lyons, Chair g Sheila Johnson Louise S. Berry, Superintendent Canterbury Walt Petruniw, Chair g Walt Petruniw Richard Paskiewicz, Superintendent Chaplin Rachel Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill, Chair Alycia Sanders Ken Henrici, Superintendent Colchester Ronald Goldstein, Chair Jeffry Mathieu, Superintendent Columbia Lauren Perotti Verboven, Chair Laurence Fearon, Superintendent Coventry Jennifer Beausoleil, Chair g Mary Kortmann David Petrone, Superintendent Eastford Christine Hustus, Chair Sharon Kozey Linda Loretz, Principal/Superintendent Franklin Peter Calvert, Chair Lawrence Fenn, Superintendent Griswold Elizabeth Dorff, Chair Paul Smith, Superintendent Hampton John Burnham, Chair g Catherine Wade, EASTCONN Secretary/Treasurer Paul Graseck, Superintendent

Lebanon Melissa Hoffman, Chair Janet Tyler, Superintendent Lisbon Randall Baah, Chair Joseph Lewerk Sally Keating, Superintendent Mansfield Mark LaPlaca, Chair g Katherine Paulhus Fred Baruzzi, Superintendent Marlborough Betty Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien, Chair David Sklarz, Superintendent Plainfield Doug Smith, Chair g Doug Smith, EASTCONN Vice-Chair Kenneth DiPietro, Superintendent Pomfret Richard Schad, Chair g Donna Smith Matt Bisceglia, Superintendent Putnam Michael Morrill, Chair William Hull, Superintendent Scotland Sherry Smardon, Chair g Anne Stearns Richard Packman, Superintendent Sprague Terri Woronecki, Chair Judy Benson-Clarke, Superintendent Stafford Tracy Rummel, Chair g Tracy Rummel Patricia Collin, Superintendent

Tolland R. Andy Powell, Chair William Guzman, Superintendent Union Andrea Estell, Chair Joseph Reardon, Superintendent Voluntown Diana Ingraham, Chair Diana Ingraham Adam Burrows, Superintendent Willington Erika Wicenski, Chair g Herbert Arico, EASTCONN Chair David Harding, Superintendent Windham Tracey Lambert, Chair Ana Ortiz, Interim Superintendent Woodstock Anthony Walker, Chair Marshall Tourtellotte Francis Baran, Superintendent Regional District #8 Michael Turner, Chair Judy Benson Clarke Robert Siminski, Superintendent Regional District #11 Stephen Dunn, Chair g Jennifer Nelson Ken Henrici, Superintendent Regional District #19 James Mark, Chair Bruce Silva, Superintendent g EASTCONN

Executive Board Members

Member Needs Assessment Member District Visits

Each year we visit a representative group of our member districts. Our cross-functional teams meet with local district administrative teams to assess how well we are meeting their needs and to identify areas where we can provide additional support. Analysis of the data from these visits yields regional trends, in addition to revealing individual district needs.

Regional Forums

Regional forums are another critical source of data. We host and facilitate the regional “job-alike” meetings of Superintendents, Regional Staff Development Council, PreK-8 Principals’ Consortium, Facilities Directors Forum, Grant Development Council, ConnCASE, Technology Council, Math Council, Science Council, SRBI Council and Language Arts Council, as well as many other sub-regional and topic-specific groups; they explore such regional challenges as transportation, calendars and health benefits. The success of these groups is predicated upon their ability to meet the individual and collective needs of the educational professionals they exist to serve. The agendas are designed both to identify and address the needs of the members. Data obtained at all regional meetings helps EASTCONN expand its regional needs profile.

Individual District Needs

Each request for service reveals a district need. Program staff is trained to work in collaboration with EASTCONN customers to define and articulate the need that underlies each request for service. These data are then tracked and analyzed further to refine our understanding of regional needs. When additional data are needed, focused needs assessments are conducted using a variety of methods, including focus groups, regional forums, surveys, structured interviews, benchmarking and best practice research.

Planning & Development Team

Our Planning & Development Team is charged with developing new products and services and recommending the phase-out of those that are no longer needed. Led by the Director of Planning & Development, the team includes our Executive Director, and Director of Marketing & Communications, and two revolving members who are selected from our Leadership Team. Others, including the Chief Financial Officer, serve on an ad hoc basis. The team meets on a monthly basis to collect and analyze customer data, identify new service needs, allocate resources, lead program development activity with key staff and content experts, develop marketing and communication strategies, and ensure the open flow of information with stakeholders.

Leadership Team

Our Leadership Team is responsible for overseeing the strategic interests of EASTCONN and the customers we exist to serve. The team includes the Executive Director, the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Adult Programs, the Director of Early Childhood Initiatives, the Director of K-12 Student Services, the Director of Marketing & Communications, the Director of Planning & Development and the Director of Teaching & Learning and the Director of Technology Solutions. Each team member is expected to develop annual program goals that respond to an assessment of our customers’ needs, as well as to federal, state and regional mandates, best practice and research in their respective fields. Collectively, the Leadership Team monitors progress toward the accomplishment of both agency and program goals and ensures that we are collaboratively meeting our district member needs.

EASTCONN Directors Paula M. Colen, Executive Director Michael Akana, Facilities/IT Elizabeth Aschenbrenner, Early Childhood Initiatives

EASTCONN is one of six Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCs) in Connecticut. The RESC Alliance works collaboratively to develop new programs and services and share specialized resources and expertise. This collaboration results in both expanded options and cost-efficiencies to local districts, regionally and statewide. Among the statewide RESC Alliance initiatives: • Collaborate with the CSDE to implement new educational reform initiatives • Promote regional cooperation to close the Connecticut and global achievement gaps • Support regional infrastructures to improve fiscal efficiencies • Champion early childhood initiatives to support children and their families’ access to early education opportunities

John Baskowski, Finance Dotty Budnick, Marketing & Communications Thomas F. Cronin, K-12 Student Services Maureen Crowley, Planning & Development Andrew DePalma, Technology Solutions Scott Nierendorf, Teaching & Learning Services Rich Tariff, Adult Programs John Vitale, Transportation Services Steven Wapen, Human Resources

EASTCONN Agency Goals Agency Goal 1: To provide exemplary programs and services to learners, including those with barriers, to achieve individual success. Overview: Small, rural schools are often challenged by a lack of resources as they work to meet the needs of small populations of learners with specialized needs; a regional approach can provide cost-effective solutions.

Highlights from 2013-2014 2013-2014 Highlights & Accomplishments

g Regional Magnet Schools

YOUNG CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES g Birth-to-Three This state-funded, regional program served 56 young children, ages birth to three, with developmental delays and/or disabilities, and their families, from 19 towns in northeastern Connecticut. Child outcomes included 100% completion of Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP) and 97% timely transitions to local public schools at the age of three. g Head Start Served 456 low-income children and their families with comprehensive services (including health, nutrition, education, dental and mental health, and family support) at a total of 15 sites/locations across Tolland and Windham counties through our federally funded Head Start child development programs. SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN g In-School Youth Employment & Training Programming Continued to be the vendor of choice for all in-school youth programs for the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board (EWIB) designed to increase their college and career readiness. Delivered programs to 685 youth in our region and subcontracted with communitybased organizations in Norwich and New London that serve additional students in the southeastern Connecticut region. g Interdistrict Grant Programs Our 25 Interdistrict Grants continued to be an important enrichment resource for both students and educators from member districts across the region. Engaged 5,000+ students, grades 2-12, and 105 educators from 33 different districts in exciting learning explorations, in collaboration with university and college faculty, and guest experts reflecting all core discipline studies; 90% of students increased their understanding of bullying, respect of others, 80% of students overall showed an increase in content knowledge specific to the academic area of the grants in which they were involved.

Quinebaug Middle College’s unique learning environment enables its high school students to earn a degree, while attending QVCC college courses and earning free college credits. • Quinebaug Middle College (QMC) – 121 students were enrolled in this regional middle college magnet high school. Of note this year: – QMC was a recipient of a $1.5 million STEM grant from the Magnet Schools Assistance Program of the U.S. Department of Education that will provide opportunities for new STEM-related courses. – QMC welcomed its first class of 22 9th-grade students last fall. The pilot was a success and the school will continue to accommodate students from the region, grades 9-12, in a new, larger, on-QVCC-campus facility that officially opened in May. – A major benefit of our partnership and co-location with Quinebaug Valley Community College is the opportunity it afforded 25 students to enroll in 25 classes this past year. • Arts at the Capitol Theater (ACT) – 147 students were enrolled in this magnet-choice college preparatory high school with an intense focus on the arts. Successful outcomes for learners were demonstrated by a 95% high school graduation rate and 100% college acceptances. Students received numerous statewide awards for video production and creative writing. g Regional Programs for Students with Special Education Needs • Regional Clinical Day Treatment Programs – Among our regional programs for students with special needs

are 3 clinical day treatment programs that enrolled 90 students, a 34% increase from last year. These programs enroll students, ages 5-20, with significant social, emotional and behavioral challenges and provide them with highly individualized and structured academic instruction and clinical support. We emphasize relationships, rigorous individualized academic instruction of Connecticut Core Standards-aligned curriculum and clinical support. Of note, approximately 20% of our students will return to less restrictive settings. • Psychological & Behavioral Consultation Services (PBCS): Partnered with 21 districts to address student needs, including academic, behavioral, social, functional and adaptive skills, resulting in a greater percentage of students supported effectively, in home schools, or by school-based teams. Student outcomes included improvements in student achievement, reductions in office discipline referrals, higher rates of student engagement and improved school climate. ADULT LEARNERS g Regional Adult Learning Continuum of Programs & Services: Across all our programs this year, we served a total of 1,579 adult learners, including 1,023 who attended free classes offered in high school credentialing, English-asa-Second Language, American citizenship preparation, life/basic skills instruction, and employment/college transition support. 180 received their high school diploma in June. • 182 adults enrolled in employment and training workshops and 210 participated in our continuing education programs. • 528 English language learners enrolled in one of 34 ESL classes held at our 2 regional community learning centers and community-based sites across the region. • 182 adults enrolled in employment and training workshops and 210 participated in our continuing education programs.

How WELL did we do it and What DIFFERENCE did it make? “Head Start has impacted my family in so many ways. It has tightened our bond with the resources and support provided by the advocates and staff members. It has given me the opportunity to be more present in my children’s educational journey through volunteer opportunities, in the classroom and by serving on Policy Council and the Parent Engagement Committee.” – Alicia Troiano Putnam parent, Head Start Program “I am so glad that this [Interdistrict Grant] program is still happening for students! I was involved in a Science grant 15 years ago when I was in third grade at Chaplin Elementary School. It helped me learn about the rivers and forests. It is good for the kids to be outdoors and learn about the environment.” – Park Ranger, Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, Mansfield Hollow “Differences dissolve when you come to ACT. There’s a sense of acceptance and tolerance for new ideas and senses of identity... ACT has given me the ability to accept others for who they are. This is an irreplaceable social skill many people don’t develop until college or beyond.” – [K.], ACT Magnet High School Senior “… The Program Director of EVC with all her expertise, compassion and understanding has made a huge impact on many children and their families. I know this because she has had a huge and positive impact on our son … Before attending EVC my son ... was tormented and bullied on a daily basis by staff and peers. This resulted in him wanting to end his life and being hospitalized. We were devastated and started researching other school options … During my research we discovered EVC … We knew then that this was the place where our son could begin to put his life together… Now 6 months later he has made huge strides and is learning to trust and feel safe again. We as his parents trust any decisions that [the program director] makes involving [our child]. We feel blessed and fortunate to have a woman as wonderful and knowledgeable as [the EVC Program Director] in our lives.” – Parents of an EVC Student “[The Psychological & Behavioral Consultation Services] staff have provided an invaluable service to Pomfret over the past two years. They have been instrumental in providing intervention plans and functional behavioral assessments.” – Lynda Joly, Pomfret Public Schools “Taking classes at EASTCONN has helped me better my life. Now I should be able to help my kids a little more in their school work. This also helps me get a better job, and better my future.” – Luis Mercado, Credit Diploma Program (CDP) Student

Earning a high school equivalency diploma helps students take that critical step toward improving their job prospects.

“The GED Spanish program at EASTCONN in Willimantic has been a very important one in my career. It is allowing me to further my education and to become a role model to my sons. This program is also helping me to master Mathematics in a new dimension.” – Erika Salazar, Spanish GED Student

EASTCONN Agency Goals Agency Goal 2: To engage in strategic collaborations that effectively respond to the needs of learners. Overview: To effectively respond to the diverse needs of learners requires the collaborative support of many educational and community partners and especially our member districts.

Highlights from 2013-2014 g Member District Partnerships & Collaborations

adults through more than $2.7 million in contracts through the EWIB. g RESC Alliance • Minority Teacher Recruitment (MTR): Supported 59 minority teacher candidates from 21 districts, who took PRAXIS I Prep Sessions and PRAXIS I Math Course Sessions.

Eastern Connecticut Health Insurance Program (ECHIP): Provided ongoing administrative staffing support to the 9 members of this regional health insurance collaborative and its board of directors, with an annual budget of $31 million. Collectively, members realized savings of more than $500,000 by competitively bidding the stop loss coverage. • Back Office Support: Awarded a competitive grant from the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) to facilitate regional collaboration among EASTCONN member districts in the delivery of backoffice functions; realized a 200% increase in district back-office participation.

• TEAM: Collaborated with CSDE and our RESC Alliance partners in the statewide implementation of TEAM, Connecticut’s beginning teacher support initiative. As the statewide manager, oversaw the development of workshops and training materials and coordinated the delivery of training and follow-up technical assistance by the RESC Alliance. • Early Learning and Development Standards & Training: Delivered statewide training on the new Birthto-Age-5 Early Learning and Development Standards to more than 500 educators, 40 higher education faculty and 100 early childhood consultants in collaboration with the RESC Alliance and the state Office of Early Childhood.

• Adult Education Consortium: 21 member districts combined their adult education grants to create a regional adult education consortium managed by EASTCONN. We served 1,146 adult learners who attended the more than 163 free classes offered in GED preparation (in both English and Spanish) as well as the Credit Diploma Program, National External Diploma Program, English-as-a-Second Language, American Citizenship Preparation, life/basic skills instruction and employment/college transition support. g Regional Community Collaboration • Community-Based Early Care Providers: Collaborated with community providers of early childhood care in the design and delivery of shared professional development; supported age-3-to-grade-3 alignment across providers. • Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board (EWIB): Provided direct services to 685 in- and out-ofschool youth and 234 unemployed and under-employed

Birth-to-Three collaborations with UCONN continued to enhance the social/emotional assessments and home-based services we provide to families and children with special needs.

How WELL did we do it and What DIFFERENCE did it make?

Nancy Pugliese, CSDE Chief of the Bureau of Educator Standards and Certification, left, joined EASTCONN staff to present one of many workshops to TEAM District Facilitators. g Statewide Delivery and Partnerships • Common Core: Supported statewide implementation of the Connecticut Core Standards (CCS) through 2 RESC Alliance grants, providing PD for teachers in local schools and essential CCS overviews to higher education faculty. • Connecticut Administrator Test (CAT): Managed the implementation of the CAT performance assessment program for CSDE; aspiring administrators are required to pass the CAT in order to obtain administrator certification. This year, 1,059 CAT candidates registered to take the test and EASTCONN supervised the scoring of 2,998 modules. g Higher Education Partnerships & Collaboration • Early Education: Continued our collaboration with UCONN on several projects, including Head Start evaluations, presentations to Human Development and Family Services classes; student placement in our programs; joint presentations at national conferences; and a contract with UCONN’s Clinical Psychology Department to provide social/emotional assessment and home-based services to families/children with special needs. • Magnet Schools: Partnered with Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU) to provide free college courses and credits to upperclassmen at ACT. Continued our working partnership with Quinebaug Valley Community College (QVCC) providing access to college courses by QMC students. • College Remediation: An ongoing collaboration continued with QVCC in the delivery of remedial classes for adults in need of basic skills prior to college entrance. • TEAM: Developed strategic partnership with Connecticut institutions of higher education to improve the continuum of services for pre-service teachers through the TEAM program, particularly focusing on Connecticut Core of Teaching (CCT) standards.

“As chairperson of ECHIP, I am proud of our accomplishments over the last year-and-a-half. Members have seen rate stabilization and, in many cases, decreases in health insurance costs, establishment of adequate future reserves and a stronger voice in the market place due to the size of the organization. ... ECHIP remains the only program of its kind statewide and continues to demonstrate the benefits of regional cooperation in trying to reduce costs and maintain an appropriate level of health benefits for our members.” – Steven Werbner, Town Manager, Tolland “EASTCONN is a leader of Adult Education Programs both in northern New London and Windham Counties. Many of our new students are graduates from your program. These students are prepared, mature and have been taught the necessary skills to make them successful in the college setting. – Robert Hernandez, Director, Willimantic Center, Quinebaug Valley Community College “[Your staff member’s] work is leading an important initiative to transform professional learning ... Her work is developing as a valuable case study for others in the State of Connecticut and across the U.S. Leaders are looking to the model [she] developed to improve the quality and impact of professional learning in their own school systems.” – Renee Islas, Director of Center for Results, Learning Forward “The last year has been a time of change as it relates to the RESCs and how the CSDE processes our business. … your staff have dedicated much time and energy to embrace a very foreign process, and worked collaboratively through many difficult circumstances, to arrive at a final product that was appropriate and accurate. It is very refreshing to find a level of cooperation and understanding when such a personal commitment to excellence is required.” – Gary Pescosolido, Chief of Fiscal and Administrative Services, Connecticut State Department of Education “Thank you for the enlightening presentation titled ‘Planting the SEED in Higher Education.’ I obtained an excellent overview of this upcoming teacher evaluation system and feel more comfortable in conversation with my colleagues at CCSU.” – Ernesto Pancsofar, Professor of Special Education, Connecticut Central State University (CCSU) “Thank you so much for allowing me to learn, grow and be a part of the EASTCONN EHS [Early Head Start] program. I truly appreciate this program, and all that it had to teach me … You have taught me so much about parenting, education, childhood development, and about myself. You are changing the lives of children, and this world would be nothing without people like you.” –Alessia Guerriero, UCONN Student, Early Head Start Fieldwork

EASTCONN Agency Goals Agency Goal 3: To enhance the knowledge and skills of educators in order to improve the outcomes for learners.

Overview:: School improvement leading to positive learner outcomes requires exceptional teaching and leadership.

Highlights from 2013-2014 g Leadership Development • System for Educator Evaluation and Development (SEED) Rollout: Provided training and technical assistance to 183 administrators from 49 districts from across the state on the implementation of SEED, including 30 EASTCONN districts, as part of an effort to implement the state’s next-generation educator evaluation system. As a result, more than 90% of participants met the Connecticut proficiency standards in the use of the new model for evaluation. • Administrator Evaluation – Through a partnership with the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) and CSDE, hosted sessions for nearly 50 administrators from 28 districts, so they could acquire the skills necessary to conduct administrator evaluations. – Provided individual and cohort assistance to 13 district administrators around Education Evaluation Plan design and implementation. The cohort met 8 times, supplemented by virtual collaboration through an online community.

More than 40 superintendents and state troopers from across northeastern Connecticut attended this “Supers & Troopers Forum” to learn about the latest laws affecting K-12 schools. g Professional Learning for Educators • System of Professional Learning: Supported the System of Professional Learning in partnership with the CSDE and the RESC Alliance, including a launch event in January 2013 with more than 110 participants, and workshops on Assessment Literacy that hosted 115 teachers and administrators. • Smarter Balanced Assessment: 115 educators attended 2 Assessment Literacy workshops that provided an in-depth look at the Smarter Balanced Assessment for English Language Arts and Mathematics.

Area teachers buckled down to learn new Connecticut Core Standards for grades 6-12 math content. • Student Success Plan (SSP) Conference Presentation: EASTCONN presented Learning Activities for an Effective Student Success Plan, at the CSDE Student Success Planning Conference (on October 9, 2013), to more than 100 school counselors, teachers and administrators across the state. • Learning Forward: Piloted a nationally designed professional learning action planning assistance tool through the survey of an estimated 450 educators in 6 districts; data will contribute to local district plans. • Early Learning & Development: – Coordinated statewide training on the new Birth-toAge-5 Early Learning and Development Standards with more than 500 participants. – Facilitated statewide training for 40 higher education faculty and 100 early childhood education consultants. • Educator Evaluation: 175+ participants from 17 districts attended a series of 5 sessions designed to assist our member districts with their Evaluation Plan revisions; many districts opted to send teams. Ongoing updates from CSDE on revision protocols and submission details were provided. g Personalized Learning Initiative • Personalized Learning Regional Roundtables: Our personalized learning roundtable series brought together educators from among our districts who expressed an interest in learning more about this anywhere/anytime learning concept.

How WELL did we do it and What DIFFERENCE did it make?

New models of professional learning will increase options for educators. • Professional Learning Model Work Team: Our professional learning work group is exploring new models that will allow us to continue to respond to the needs of our region’s educators as they develop their knowledge, skills and ability to manage new and emerging reform initiatives, such as the new teacher evaluation program. Conducted a focus group consisting of a representative sampling of our Regional Staff Development Council members; captured essential data about local district needs for innovative and effective models of professional learning, which will drive our continued planning. • Great Schools Partnership Collaboration: As a result of our regional initiative, we became connected with several other organizations pursuing similar objectives and subsequently joined together with ACES, CAPSS, and the Great Schools Partnership in the development and submission of a national Nellie Mae Education Foundation grant supporting personalized approaches to student learning; if funded, selected schools in the EASTCONN region that are pursuing personalized student learning may be selected to participate.

Blended approaches to personalized learning require the effective use of technology.

“EASTCONN has been very helpful through all of this change (ref. TEVAL and CCS and SBAC). [Teaching and Learning staff] did a wonderful job at the proficiency training this summer. I have found both the informational and working sessions on evaluation extremely valuable – we could not have met the requirements without them. As a person who wears multiple hats in our tiny district, I especially appreciate the uninterrupted time to work on the documents with focus and support. [The] session on mid-year check-ins was helpful, as was last week’s assessment literacy session. I’m better able to advise my teachers about the new evaluation process and assessments as a result. I’d also like to say that the EASTCONN staff is great – presenters, consultants, support staff, etc. They are always friendly, polite and ready to help.” – Jean Wierzbinski, Principal & Technology Coordinator, Sayles School, Sprague “[EASTCONN] has worked with the Administrative Team for Stafford Public Schools throughout the 2013-2014 school year. [Your] expertise was utilized primarily in two areas: educator evaluation and educator observation calibration training. In each and every instance [you have] been very well prepared, offered high quality, relevant and salient insights, and completed all follow up tasks in a timely manner.” – Michael Bednarz, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Stafford Public Schools “I really appreciate the opportunities we have had this year to collaborate with other EASTCONN teachers and learn specific strategies that can help us in our schools and programs. As a veteran educator, this is truly helpful for me, and benefits my colleagues back in my building. The sincere reflections that you brought to the cohort were extremely valuable.” – Christina, Teacher Leader Cohort Participant “It is always a fulfilling experience to work with EASTCONN. I may be the one standing in front of a group of people, but the success of my work depends upon what has happened before I even begin. The staff at EASTCONN are a committed group working together to support and sustain the development and implementation of evidence-based practices by building parents, educators and communities capacity to ensure that all children are prepared for school success.” – Barbara Kaiser, Author and Consultant “Play planning and mature play centers have had a significantly positive effect on the development of expressive language of my ELL students. It has been so rewarding to see the written language used in their play planning transfer into their conversations with peers during play. The planning prior to play has helped these students build confidence in their use of language with other students during play. I’ve seen this confidence cross over to other areas as well.” – Danielle, Kindergarten Teacher and Professional Development Participant

EASTCONN Program Goals

Adult Programs Adult Programs comprises four main divisions. 1. Adult Education provides regional adult education services to a consortium of districts that includes 21 northeastern Connecticut towns. Adult Education services are free to the residents, 17 years and older, of participating towns and include the high school completion programs GED, Credit Diploma, and the National External Diploma; English-as-a-Second- Language (ESL) instruction; American Citizenship Preparation; life and basic skills instruction; college transition support; out-of-school-youth services; and workplace literacy. 2. Community Education provides personal enrichment classes, as well as workshops, online learning and career-advancement skills training. These offerings provide low-cost, lifelong-learning opportunities for residents of all ages in our northeastern Connecticut communities. 3. Employment and Training provides job transition support, skills training, and customized workplace literacy instruction. In addition, this component oversees the Out-of-School-Youth employment program. 4. Parent/Family Programs works in collaboration with the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Early Childhood Initiatives staff to offer both parenting skills instruction and parent-child literacy support.

Highlights from 2013-2014 g High School Credential Enrolled 454 students in one of our 105 CDP classes held at 4 different sites and 533 in our 40 GED and/or Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes offered at 10 different sites. Of note, there was a 32% increase in enrollment in our Spanish GED classes. More than 180 adult students in our combined high school credentialing programs graduated this year, despite the downward trend in enrollments seen statewide.

g College and Career Readiness (CCR) Standards Selected to participate in a Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) pilot project for implementation of the Federal College and Career Readiness (CCR) Standards for adult learners. g Program Improvement Grants Received 7 competitive program improvement grants from the CSDE, totaling $385,000, including the highly regarded Integrated Basic Skills Training (I-BEST) Academies made possible through braided funding. Students earn their GED along with nationally recognized software application credentials. g English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) Programs 308 students were enrolled in one of 16 classes at the Community Learning Center in Windham and 82 were enrolled in one of 6 classes at the Northeast Learning Center in Danielson, supplemented by 12 classes located at community-based sites, where an additional 144 students were enrolled, representing a 33% increase over last year.

Staff helped more than 80 GED students complete all 5 papertest GED modules before the December 31, 2013, deadline, so they could earn their high school credential without losing past test credits. The new, all-online GED test went into effect on January 1, 2014, making the old GED paper test and its modules obsolete.

528 English language learners were enrolled in 34 classes across the region.

How WELL did we do it and What DIFFERENCE did it make? “I truly appreciate the fact that EASTCONN is prepared to fully support ... efforts to expand educational opportunities for adults. Your work with students who already have their diploma but don’t have the skills to pursue college and careers is critically important to the workforce development system. Your ability to motivate, support and educate those students, I believe, is going to be invaluable, as the state works to reform higher education.” – Alice Pritchard, Executive Director, CWEALF English-as-a-Second-Language students use advanced computer programs that improve speaking and reading skills, enriching their communications skills, and expanding their access to a wider range of opportunities. g Employment & Training As the largest provider of employment and training programs in northeastern Connecticut, we served more than 500 high-need, underemployed Jobs First Employment Services (JFES) and Workforce Investment Act (WIA) clients. Upon completion of our programs, 33% (152) entered employment and another 33% (157) entered advanced skills training programs. • Vocation Skills Training: Served 203 economically disadvantaged adults in our classroom-based, employability and training programs; classes included skills development in customer service and software applications, as well as employability skills. • I-BEST (Integrated Basic Education Skills Training): Expanded to 3 I-BEST classes through funding with 2 different regional workforce investment boards; 36 students are now participating in either the Technology Academy in Danielson, or one of our 2 Customer Service Academies, including a new program in another region of the state. To date, 17 have earned a nationally recognized credential, 5 have progressed toward a high school diploma, and all have improved their basic skills.

Transition Services provides one-on-one support for adults moving toward college or vocational training opportunities.

“The Town of Scotland could not meet State mandates in the area of adult education without EASTCONN’s comprehensive adult education program. Partnering with EASTCONN allows our small school to provide services on the scale of a much larger school district on a cost effective basis. Every contact I have with EASTCONN is met with enthusiasm, professionalism and a willingness to help meet our unique needs as a small school district.” – Richard E. Packman, Superintendent of Schools, Scotland, CT “This program has supported me a lot. ... I was trying to get my GED and my biggest struggle was math. [They] helped me so much with my math, encouraging me when I needed to re-take the test and helping me to learn the skills I needed. [They] helped me to get in to take the test when the deadline was coming up ... [They] helped me to get a scholarship so I could start at QVCC ... I could never be more grateful than I am.” – Jennifer Gonzalez, GED Student

2014-2015 INITIATIVES g Full Implementation of the College and Career Readiness Standards With the completion of the pilot in June 2014, we will move forward with a plan to implement the College and Career Readiness Standards in all of our academic programs. g Remediation With the Board of Regents anticipated remediation initiatives (PA 1240), we expect to be a partner with our area community colleges in providing remediation for students in need of stronger basic skills who want to enter college, including those with a high school diploma. g Transition to Employment Continue to increase our efforts to move all of our adult students into employment by incorporating workforce transition support into all of our programs.

EASTCONN Program Goals

Early Childhood Initiatives Early Childhood Initiatives, which focuses on children from birth to grade 3, offers a wide array of consultation, professional development and direct services to the region’s school districts and communities. Through these services, professional learning is provided to early care and education programs and public schools in our region, including support for strategic planning, accreditation and leadership training. Parent education is also provided. Through the regional Birth-to-Three Program and as the grantee of the federally funded Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Windham and Tolland Counties, we administer and implement direct services to children and their families.

Highlights from 2013-2014 REGIONAL PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN & FAMILIES

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING & SUPPORT TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS

g Birth-to-Three (B-3) Provided direct services to children with developmental delays and/or disabilities, from birth to age 3, and their families, in 25 towns, serving a total of 119 families. • Outcomes included: – 90% met all of their Individual Family Service Plan goals. – 89% had a reduced gap in delay, when compared to same-age peers, in social emotional development, upon completion of services. – 94% had a reduced gap in delay, when compared to same-age peers, in language acquisition, upon completion of services. – 97% of children had timely transitions with local school districts. • Families reported a high level of satisfaction with EASTCONN’s services, 98% of the time.

g Local/Regional Professional Development • Early Learning Instructional Strategies: Held 9 regional workshops focused on instructional strategies for more than 250 participants.

g Head Start/Early Head Start These federally and state-funded, comprehensive childdevelopment programs serve 456 low-income children and their families at a total of 15 sites and home-based programs across Tolland and Windham counties. By mid-year, 44% of families enrolled in Early Head Start had already met the goals that they had set and 45% were making progress. Results help guide intervention and program improvement efforts.

• Collaborated with UCONN on a research project studying attainment of goals set by the families, goal achievement was rated at 82% in fall 2013, compared to 58% in fall 2012.

• The Head Start School Readiness Goals show significant progress in comparing kindergarten-eligible children, using the Connecticut Preschool Assessment Framework.

• Improving Executive Function, Language, Literacy and Math Skills: Provided training and on-site coaching in 8 communities to 56 preschool and kindergarten teachers.

• NAEYC Accreditation: Supported 15 preschool and kindergarten programs to meet national standards of high-quality early care and education; 100% of those that had site visits attained accreditation. g Statewide Professional Development Coordination and/or Delivery: • In collaboration with the state Office of Early Childhood and the regional education service centers, EASTCONN coordinated statewide training on the new Birth-to-Age-5 Early Learning and Development Standards. Sessions held a total of more than 500 participants. • Facilitated training for 40 higher-education faculty and 100 early-childhood education consultants.

60 early childhood educators attended a workshop by author/ consultant Judy Jablon on “Powerful Interactions: How to Connect with Children to Extend their Learning.”

A Killingly Head Start teacher helps her (mostly) serious young students with play planning, a scaffolding, early-learning strategy that asks preschoolers to draw a picture of their next activity, and then write about it. They later review their ideas and plans.

How WELL did we do it and What DIFFERENCE did it make? “[E.] has been a great representative of your program and has helped us through a very tough time and is continuing to do so in a professional manner.” – Birth-to-Three Parent

“The Town of Scotland is very pleased with EASTCONN taking on the responsibility of the Hampton/Scotland School Readiness Program. The staff is excellent to work with, are thorough and very competent in managing the program. The net result is a very efficient and effective School Readiness Program.” – Daniel Syme, First Selectman, Town of Scotland

“…want to let you know that [your staff member] was an absolute blessing to work with and she is excellent at doing her job and she worked wonderfully with both kids ... I just want you to pass along to her superiors that she is amazing at her job and EASTCONN should be honored to have her on the team.” – Birth-to-Three Parent

2014-2015 INITIATIVES

“As one of the six providers of the Accreditation Facilitation Project (AFP), EASTCONN serves as the hub of NAEYC Accreditation support in the northeast region of Connecticut. Their implementation of the AFP model through high-quality training, on-site assistance, and collaborative approach to program improvement, is a valuable component of efforts to achieve the mark of quality that is NAEYC Accreditation.” – Deborah Flis, Education Consultant, Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Division of Early Care and Education, Connecticut Charts-A-Course: Accreditation & Quality Improvement

g Review Birth-to-Three Return on Investment Work with the Department of Developmental Services to examine costs of providing Birth-to-Three services and reimbursements.

“Thank you for teaching me about Executive Function. This has already changed the way I am teaching and I am excited to learn more.” – Lisa, Kindergarten Teacher

g Increase Funding for Young Children Collaborate with the Office of Early Childhood and early care providers to secure funding to increase services to young children and families.

g Professional Learning Expansion • Expand professional development for both schooldistrict-based and community-based preschool and kindergarten teachers on executive function, literacy and math. • Increase professional learning opportunities for teachers of infants and toddlers. • Support the implementation of the Connecticut Core Standards and the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards. • Hold a symposium for district leaders to promote age3-to-grade-3 alignment.

continued next column

EASTCONN Program Goals

K-12 Student Services Our K-12 Student Services division offers a continuum of services for low-incidence students with a wide spectrum of challenging conditions and academic interests. From specialized magnet high school options to a range of services for students on the autism spectrum, this division is dedicated to meeting the needs and interests of students from across our region. The focus is on serving each individual student. Our success is and will continue to be built upon improving the quality of our programs and services. We strive to achieve this by building our capacity, running programs that are financially sound, and producing outstanding educational results that satisfy parents, students, teachers, administrators and our regional partner school districts.

Highlights from 2013-2014 MAGNET HIGH SCHOOLS g Arts at the Capitol Theater (ACT) • Enrollment Increases: ACT experienced a 5% increase in full-time student enrollment this academic year, with a total of 147 students from 26 districts, including 2 districts outside our region.

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS & SERVICES

At capacity with 21 K-8 students, the opening of SRP in Plainfield enabled students to attend school closer to home. 8 ACT students were among regional finalists in the prestigious, nationwide Scholastic Art & Writing Awards contest. g Quinebaug Middle College (QMC) • QMC enrollment continues to increase, with a current enrollment of 121 students in 2013-14 and a waiting list of 55 students. This year, QMC welcomed 22 students as freshmen as part of a successful pilot (QMC had previously enrolled students only in grades 10-12). staff of each school. • A new Technology Academy is in development by QVCC and QMC administrations. The Academy will allow qualified students to pursue a course of study over 5 years, culminating in the achievement of both a QMC high school diploma and a QVCC Associates Degree in a STEM-based focus area. The awarding of a multi-year Magnet Schools of America grant will be used to further enhance STEM offerings.

g Clinical Day Treatment (CDT) Programs Expanded our capacity and opened a 3rd Clinical Day Treatment site in Plainfield in partnership with the district. Sites now include the Educational Vocational Center (EVC), Northeast Regional Program (NRP), and the new Southeast Regional Program (SRP). Reached full capacity, serving 90 students from 26 different local communities. Among this year’s highlights was a parent engagement initiative resulting in attendance at open houses from 60% to 90%. g Autism Program & Services Provided 6 students from 6 districts with comprehensive educational and behavioral services. Two (2) of the students successfully transitioned back to their home schools. g Psychological/Behavioral Consultation Services With a serious shortage of psychological services in northeastern Connecticut, 21 districts accessed consultative services and professional development, up from 14 in 2013-14. More than 30 professional

development sessions were delivered in 10 different districts. In addition, direct student support was provided including in-school assistance for students with autism spectrum disorders in 6 districts. g Related Services Group (RSG) RSG supported a total of 466 students, from preschool to age 21, through direct therapy, classroom-based therapy, co-teaching and professional collaboration. Of 466 students served (and their educational teams), 157 students received support in occupational therapy, 174 received support in physical therapy and 135 received support from speech-language pathologists. The opening of the Related Services Group Lending Library allows therapists to experiment with various therapy tools to determine their appropriateness for students in our programs and districts, and to borrow new items for therapy sessions. g Assistive Technology (AT) 26 districts received assessment services from our AT team, which provided 14 districts with individualized training and consultation. In addition, EASTCONN’s AT team has provided a total of 56 trainings that reached 267 participants. g Other Regional Programs • The Young Adult Program provided transition services to 6 young adults with a broad range of disabilities through vocational experience and independent living skill development.

• The Woodstock Academy Cooperative, a collaborative program, provided support to 6 high school students with intellectual and other significant developmental disabilities, from 3 different districts.

ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS g Community Arts Connection 65 students from Windham Heights, a U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) subsidized housing complex in Willimantic, engaged in after-school programming that combined academic enrichment with the arts. Daily homework assistance was provided and the program offered monthly family events promoting family literacy tied to monthly arts-integrated academic themes. g Capitol Theater Arts Academy (CTAA) Participation in CTAA, EASTCONN’s regional, afterschool, community arts outreach program, has grown by 25 students (40%) since spring of 2011; participation in classes increased by 40%, with more children taking multiple classes. There have been 389 enrollments in 63 classes and private lessons since July 2013.

How WELL did we do it and What DIFFERENCE did it make? “What I have enjoyed most about my time at ACT are the performances. These are times I will remember as when I could show the community my talents and what I love to do. I have also enjoyed the fun activities we’ve done as a school community; like “Greek Day,” “Spirit Week,” “Pay to Play,” etc. ACT is so warm and welcoming and accepts everyone’s personalities. You can be who you want to be at ACT and teachers and other students don’t judge you at all because they accept you for who you are.” – K., ACT Senior “EASTCONN has been a wealth of support for small districts in the eastern part of the state. They have provided support in areas including: BCBA, Assistive Technology, Specialized substitutes, OT, PT and subject specific consortiums, items that a small district could not afford to provide on its own. EASTCONN responds quickly to the needs of a district and will work with individuals to provide the necessary support.” – Rachel D. Leclerc, Ed.D., Director of Special Education and Support Services, Mansfield Public Schools “We have seen tremendous progress in our son, his overall demeanor has improved, also his ability to cope with situations in a much quicker manner, he is also following directions with much more frequency. We truly cannot imagine where we would be if our son was not part of this wonderful program; our family life has improved greatly and for that we are extremely grateful. The support we have received from the EASTCONN program is second to none and we could not be happier that our son has found a home there!” – Parents of a Student at Northeast Regional Program

2014-2015 INITIATIVES g Magnet School Federal Grant With resources provided by a new 3-year Magnet Schools Assistance Program grant, QMC students will have access to new STEM learning opportunities. g Young Adult Program A planned expansion at the QVCC campus will meet the needs of students in northeastern Connecticut, ages 18-21, with a broad range of disabilities, who would benefit from transition services in the community on a college campus with age-appropriate peers. g ACT We are working with Eastern Connecticut State University (ECSU) to allow ACT students’ enrollment in college-level courses at no cost, starting in the fall semester of 2014. g Clinical Day Treatment Programs We plan to add a consulting psychiatrist to meet the mental health needs of our student population.

EASTCONN Program Goals

Organizational Support Services We offer our member school districts a variety of solutions for reducing the cost and raising the efficiency of school operations.

Highlights from 2013-2014

g Student Transportation • Transported 900+ students daily, an increase of 20% over last year, to sites throughout Connecticut, as well as in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

• Provided transportation services to 34 member districts, in addition to 8 out-of-region, non-member districts and the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.

• Expanded our fleet of vehicles with the purchase of 32 new vans and 1 mini-bus to ensure that our riders are transported in the safest, most up-to-date vehicles. Our 120-vehicle fleet includes yellow buses, 15-passenger buses, mini-vans, sedans and hybrid vehicles. All have cellular communications, safety equipment and firstaid on board, and some have integrated car seats and wheelchair lifts.

g Safety and Investigative Services EASTCONN security, residency and truancy personnel provided important services throughout the northeastern region in 2013-14. Our Coordinator of Security and Investigation provided truancy, residency and investigative services to 11 districts; and oversaw a fulltime truancy and residency officer in Windham Public Schools. Highlights for 2013-14 included:

• Investigated 200+ cases in the 2013-2014 school year.

• Conducted 11 lockdown drills in EASTCONN buildings; facilitated “tabletop exercises” and discussions with administrators to formulate responses and procedures for potential crises.

Held 6 regional “Supers & Troopers” meetings to bring superintendents and other school personnel together with local state troopers and law enforcement officials to facilitate better communication and discuss pertinent safety topics. g Hazardous Materials Management Services Provided 6-month Asbestos Reassessment Services to 5 member districts and began scheduling 3-year Asbestos Management Plan Updates. Provided Asbestos Awareness/Haz-Com Training to 3 districts. Provided radon measurement testing to 2 districts bringing to 14 the total number of member districts accessing our radon services. g Internal Employee Recruitment & Hiring Processed more than 4,800 job applications in response to over 200 job postings/ads; conducted more than 500 employment interviews; and responded to more than 4,300 employment-related telephone inquiries during 2013-2014. g Shared Services Provided 45 alternative staffing solutions to our member districts; 3 LEAs added paraprofessional positions during the year. g Business Office Activity Processed more than 30,000 financial transactions in the management of our agency’s $71 million budget, including over 13,000 paychecks and more than 8,000 accounts-payable checks. Provided fiscal management for 120 federal, state and private grants and contracts, totaling approximately $18 million.

A successful collaboration involving graphic design, layout and editing for the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood resulted in the on-time production of the state’s new Early Learning and Development Standards manual. The CT ELDS guidelines are being distributed to hundreds of early childhood educators statewide during trainings to promote the new teaching standards. g Direct District Back Office Support Provided fiscal management services to 3 districts, including budget management, accounts payable and payroll, resulting in enhanced services for the district, increased effectiveness and cost-savings over their inhouse provision of comparable services. g Food Services Our new Food Services Department provided the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program to 180 students in each of EASTCONN’s schools and programs daily. In addition, they participated in the After-School Snack Program at Windham Heights, in collaboration with EASTCONN’s after-school program, serving 65 children per day.

How WELL did we do it and What DIFFERENCE did it make? “EASTCONN and [your] Facilities Director ... are an integral part of our facilities program at Pomfret Community School. Not only are they involved in our asbestos and radon inspection programs, they’re an invaluable source of information on all levels. It has been my experience that the Facilities Forum has been a great success, answering many of our questions concerning state and federal mandates. It also allows facility managers to share information from our different regions. I’ve used many of the vendors EASTCONN has presented to us at these meetings.” – Gary Brock, Facilities Supervisor, Pomfret Community School, Pomfret “On behalf of the Eastford School District, I want to extend sincere thanks for assisting me with a recent personnel issue. I appreciate your willingness to share your expertise in helping me resolve a sticky situation. I am most grateful for the supportive nature of your involvement; your advice led to my proceeding with my business in a more informed manner.” – Linda O. Loretz, Principal/Superintendent, Eastford Public Schools

2014-2015 INITIATIVES g Expanding After-School and Summer Enrichment Opportunities Using our existing after-school program as a model of excellence, our Planning & Development Office will seek funding that will allow us to expand this model to underserved communities where students and their families lack opportunities to engage in supplemental learning activities that promote creativity, invention, the arts and rigorous academic content, along with study skills, diversity and student leadership. g Emergency Preparation & Response Training Assist with the implementation of management-level tabletop exercises to increase appropriate incidentresponse awareness and preparedness in the event a critical situation arises. This approach has been shown to prepare individuals effectively for real-life scenarios that they might encounter. g Regional Recruitment Initiative Continue to explore the expansion of EASTCONN’s electronic job-applicant tracking system (AppliTrack) to support a regional LEA recruitment plan, including reduced cost-shared advertising and the delivery of realtime electronic job applications for participating LEAs. g Back Office Support Continue to expand opportunities by engaging with districts to determine how we can best support their back office functions in order to both improve operations and enhance service quality, while maintaining or reducing costs. g Regional Health Insurance Cooperative Roll out new health insurance plan options, and consider expansion of covered benefits to include dental insurance, life insurance and short/long-term disability insurance. g Strategic Communications Support to Member Districts Continue supporting member districts’ communication needs in low- and no-cost ways, and seek outside funding to help provide comprehensive communications assistance to districts. g Digital Content Management • Mobile App: As the number of mobile-device users increases (18% this year, up from 11% last year), we will need to explore how to optimize both the design and functionality of the Web site for mobile platforms, including the development of agency mobile application(s).

EASTCONN Program Goals

Teaching & Learning Services Our vision is to provide systemic professional development support to districts so that a culture of professional learning becomes embedded and is not limited to certain days each year. We create opportunities for administrators and teachers to participate in regional professional learning communities and have expanded our capacity to provide training and coaching to districts that are engaged in data-driven school improvement efforts. We will continue to expand our delivery options for professional development as we seek to provide more online resources and opportunities for professional learning and collaboration for administrators and teachers in our region.

Highlights from 2013-2014 g Leadership Development • Data Camp: 42 participants from 10 districts, including administrators, curriculum leaders and teachers, participated in a 3-day series of professional learning activities, which improved their ability to use data for district-level planning and instructional design.

• Higher Education Connections: Provided an overview of the Core Requirements for Connecticut Educator Evaluation and the state System for Educator Evaluation and Development (SEED) model to 12 participants from 6 colleges/universities, focusing on the connection between teacher preparation and evaluation.

• Principal Learning Communities: 17 principals were active participants in facilitated professional learning communities focused on the multiple roles, expectations and challenges of school leaders today.

g Connecticut Core Standards (CCS) • Supporting Standards: Had 113 attendees from 12 of our districts attend 10 work sessions focused on those supporting standards, considered essential for preparing students for college and careers.

• Standards-Based Report Card Development Committee: 14 participants from 8 districts collaboratively developed a standards-based report card, incorporating best practices for grading, as part of the new Common Core State Standards initiative.

Small, effective learning communities focused on developing critical leadership skills drew many of the region’s educators. g Educator Evaluation • Educator Evaluation Plan Revisions: Facilitated sessions that enabled 48 administrator participants from 17 of our districts to review and revise their district evaluation plans in alignment with the Connecticut Core Requirements for Educator Evaluation and Professional Development. • Administrator Evaluation: Partnered with the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) and the CSDE, in training designed to build skills in conducting administrator evaluations; 19 EASTCONN districts participated.

• Superintendent Overviews: Provided 2 CCS implementation information sessions for northeasternregion superintendents at our regional superintendent meetings. Sessions included recommended strategies for monitoring the process and opportunities for further collaboration. g Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) Developed an overview of the SBA, titled “Preparing for Online Assessments,” in collaboration with the RESC Alliance and CSDE. Designed and delivered customized workshops to orient more than 250 teachers from 4 districts to the SBA interface and tools for students at local and regional workshops. g Other Professional Learning Initiatives • Teacher Education and Mentoring (TEAM) Program: Provided workshops and facilitated meetings for teachers, mentors and reviewers in the northeastern Connecticut region: – 3 new mentor workshops for 58 teachers. – 3 mentor update workshops for 103 participants. – 1 workshop for 31 initial reviewers. – 3 reviewer update workshops for 28 reviewers. – 1 district facilitator meeting for 28 participants. – Ongoing support for teachers and administrators using the TEAM Web site.

• Personalized Learning: Facilitated a series of 5 “think tank” sessions with school leaders from 14 districts on developing systems for personalized learning in secondary schools. • Embedded Support and Training: Provided 375 days of embedded coaching and support in 29 districts to assist them with the development and implementation of customized, local plans for such educational reform initiatives as Common Core instruction, performance task development, differentiated instruction and more. • Data Team Support and Training: Provided embedded coaching and training to 16 schools in 10 districts in our region that are involved in the State Professional Development Grant (SPDG), in collaboration with SERC. Provided coaching to an additional 6 districts developing high-functioning data teams.

How WELL did we do it and What DIFFERENCE did it make?

g Other District Initiatives • Assessment Support: Negotiated statewide licensing agreements with national assessment providers resulting in discounted access to high-quality materials; provided comprehensive assessment audits for 3 member district.

“I have enjoyed connecting with you and your EASTCONN staff. You responded quickly and effectively to our need for evaluator training. The RSDC meetings have been helpful in addressing common issues like SBAC and the teacher evaluation plan. Hosting the BloomBoard focus group this past week was a great way to develop a better working relationship with the software developers. We are looking forward to attending the workshops to assist in refining our teacher evaluation process.’ – Todd Cunha, Talent Development Director, Windham Public Schools

• Strategic Planning: Facilitated the development of strategic plans for 2 districts, producing data-driven action plans with clearly defined outcomes, strategies and accountability measures to ensure successful implementation. g Regional Councils Continued to host and facilitate regional councils across a wide variety of content areas, all designed to provide member districts with opportunities to access and share resources, information and professional development. Of note, 32 educators from nearly all our member districts attended the Regional Staff Development Council; 52+ educators from 19 districts were active members of the Language Arts Council; 25 educators from 17 districts comprised the Math Council; and 40 educators from 26 districts attended the Science Council.

Connecticut State Department of Education leadership provided critical information and support at regional meetings.

“I am very aware of how supported Thompson teachers have felt as they have participated in the Common Core Consortium over the last 2 years and now with CT Core Coaches Professional Learning. LA and Math Consortiums are well attended by Thompson teachers with great ideas coming back home. The support for NEAYC, NEASC and SSP has been solid and very appreciated. From TEAM to Teacher Evaluation, EASTCONN is always ready to help answer questions, provide resources and multiple learning opportunities.” – Megan Baker, Director of Curriculum, Thompson Public Schools

2014-2015 INITIATIVES g Educator Evaluation Ongoing collaboration with CSDE, the RESC Alliance and other strategic partners to support our districts in the development and implementation of teacher and administrator evaluation plans, remains a priority. g Alternative Delivery of Professional Learning We seek to address multiple needs through the creative design of learning opportunities that go beyond the traditional workshop model. Effective professional learning will incorporate blended approaches that integrate the online delivery of content, sustained virtual communication and attention given to nationally recognized standards for professional learning. g Leadership Development Through the Center for Educational Leadership, we will look to expand and differentiate the range of supports available to principals, superintendents, program directors and teacher leaders. g Regional Initiatives - National Solutions Maximize the use of research-based and tested materials and protocols through expanded strategic partnerships with national organizations, such as Learning Forward and the Center for Great Teachers and Leaders.

EASTCONN Program Goals

Technology Solutions Technology Solutions provides member districts with a comprehensive array of technology services that support and enhance the effective implementation of technology in support of teaching and learning. EASTCONN staff provides professional development for educators in effectively integrating into the classroom the latest technology tools and applications; provides infrastructure and network support; and develops and offers customized, online database solutions for efficient data collection and analysis.

Highlights from 2013-2014 TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION AND CLASSROOM INTEGRATION g Video Teleconferencing Technology Implemented a dedicated teleconferencing system with funds awarded through the Public Educational and Governmental Programming and Educational Technology Investment Account (PEGPETIA) Grant program. A total of 6 professional development sessions were delivered via the teleconferencing system; students have had the opportunity to use the system as part of our Interdistrict Grant programs.

The Technology Council helps district staff and teachers sift through the latest technology developments, and share ideas.

BloomBoard to provide orientation and user-support sessions that included 28 participants from 17 districts throughout the year. Also served as a statewide liaison to other Regional Educational Service Centers. g Early Childhood Literacy Rubric Online Data Collection A new online system was designed allowing data collection for the Early Childhood Literacy Rubric to move online, resulting in simpler, more accurate and timely data reporting. g CTCurriculum.org Updated and redesigned CTCurriculum.org, an online professional forum for the development and sharing of standards-based units with embedded performance assessments. Educators can now access and/or create standards-based units and scoring scales in all content areas. g Teacher Education And Mentoring Program (TEAM) Database Managed the EASTCONN-developed, Web-based accountability and data management system for TEAM, currently being used by 4,580 active beginning teachers, 14,241 mentors, as well as other educators, statewide.

WEB APPLICATIONS & DATA SYSTEMS SUPPORT g Educator Evaluation Data Management System • My Learning Plan: Negotiated discounted regional consortium pricing agreement to provide an observational and appraisal management system (OASYS), used by districts to implement the new state educator evaluation program for the online management of teacher and administrator data related to their evaluation goals and plans; 22 districts participated in this consortium. • BloomBoard Support: Partnered with the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) and

During this TEAM training in Hampton, area educators learned how to use the EASTCONN-developed-and-managed TEAM database, in use by thousands of educators statewide.

g Teacher-of-the-Year Database In partnership with the CSDE Talent Office and the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council, EASTCONN developed and deployed an online portal for statewide submission and evaluation of Connecticut State Teacher of the Year nominations. g GED Computer-Based Testing Implemented Pearson GED computer-based testing (software and infrastructure) in 2 agency locations, enabling students to take the GED exam in a proctored, online environment. This creates a more secure testing environment and speeds up the return of results. g Information Systems Support & Integration • PowerSchool: Further integrating the PowerSchool system with other educational software and reporting tools allowed student data to be managed centrally, but made available to other tools as needed. Designed customized reports for both member districts and EASTCONN schools. • Lighthouse Survey Data Analysis: The second phase of the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE)-sponsored Lighthouse Survey was implemented this year, providing reporting and analysis of data gathered from several school districts statewide. • Connecticut Preschool Assessment Frameworks (CTPAF) Data Analysis: Created custom reporting options for the 254 early childhood programs that use the CTPAF system and require advanced analysis.

HELP DESK SERVICES g IT Support for Member Districts Provided IT support (“break-and-fix services”) to 4 member school districts, allowing member districts to augment their IT resources on an “as-needed” basis without having to hire additional local staff. g Business Objects External Ticketing Support Implemented an online system to allow external users to create and submit tickets (requests for IT assistance) for issues related to reporting that is hosted on Business Objects.

INTERNAL INFRASTRUCTURE, SYSTEMS & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT g Safety and Security Participated in the emergency response planning process, working with security and program officials to improve in-building communications during crisis situations. g Schoology Acquired the Schoology Learning Management System and registered 800 users from EASTCONN and member districts. This system supports safe, online communication for students, as well as settings for discipline-related and topic-specific discussions for teachers and administrators.

How WELL did we do it and What DIFFERENCE did it make? “Our Technology Support from EASTCONN this year has been excellent. We contract for someone in the building one day each week, but our “techie” is available to us remotely at the drop of a hat. He always addresses issues promptly and with a smile. He knows his business and we are pleased by his efficiency. He has provided excellent professional development and the entire staff is very appreciative of his expertise and accessibility.” – Paul Graseck, Superintendent, Hampton School District “EASTCONN has also played a vital role in developing the CAT Data Portal that is designed to assist education leadership programs to use CAT data to help them address student needs. EASTCONN is working with CSDE to ensure that the test is aligned with national and state standards and initiatives and will soon be field testing an online-test response process know as eCAT.” – Larry Jacobson, Connecticut State Department of Education

2014-2015 INITIATIVES g IT Support Services for Member Districts Increase the variety and availability of IT support services for member districts, with an emphasis on EASTCONN’s ability to provide flexible support, as needed. Build management, supervision, staff evaluation and placement services. g Advanced Data Analysis and Research Support Expand data analysis capability to include the support of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and MATrix LABoratory (MATLAB) for advanced data visualization and utilization. Simultaneously offer workshops on statistics and data analytics. g Utilize Emerging Technology Tools Continue to leverage the power of emerging technology tools, including tablets and other mobile devices, social networking and video conferencing, to create more authentic and engaging online learning opportunities for educators and for students. g Next Generation of Online Assessments Provide support to districts as Connecticut prepares for the next generation of online, computer-adapted, highstakes assessments. g Expanding Markets Seek new customers for our technology products and seek new development partners as a way of both reducing costs to our member districts and providing a revenue stream for the research and development effort that is needed to remain current in the marketplace.

Programs & Services

ANDOVER ASHFORD BOZRAH BROOKLYN CANTERBURY CHAPLIN COLCHESTER COLUMBIA COVENTRY EASTFORD FRANKLIN GRISWOLD HAMPTON HEBRON KILLINGLY LEBANON LISBON MANSFIELD MARLBOROUGH PLAINFIELD POMFRET PUTNAM REGION #8 REGION #11 REGION #19 SCOTLAND SPRAGUE STAFFORD STERLING THOMPSON TOLLAND UNION VOLUNTOWN WILLINGTON WINDHAM WOODSTOCK

EASTCONN District Participation 2013-2014

Adult Programs American Citizenship Preparation Community Education CTWorks Workshops, WIA Prog., Education Refresher ESL Instruction/Family Literacy High School Completion I-BEST JFES Case Management & Training Life Skills & Basic Skills Instruction Out-of School Youth Programs Regional Management of Mandated Adult Services Transitions to PostSecondary Education Other Adult Education & Training Programs

Early Childhood Initiatives Birth-to-Three Program CT Accreditation Facilitation Project (AFP) CTPAF Web-Based Software Early Childhood Council Facil. & Strategic Planning Early Childhood Training, Coaching & Consultation Executive Function Skills Head Start/Early Head Start NAEYC Consultation PreK-Grade 3 Alignment Preschool Curriculum Assessment & Learning Transition Planning: B-to-3, Preschool-to-Kindergarten

Programs & Services

EASTCONN District Participation 2013-2014

K-12 Student Services ACT Magnet High School Assistive Technology & AAC Services Autism Programs Capitol Theater Arts Academy (CTAA) Child-Specific Consultation & Assessment Clinical Day Treatment Programs Cool Directions Driver Education EASTCONN Adventure Program for Students Interdistrict Programs Psychological/Behavioral Services Quinebaug Middle College Regional Transition Services Related Services Summer/Vacation Prgms. Truancy & Residency Woodstock Academy: Cooperative Program

Organizational Support Services Asbestos, Radon, Haz Mat Training & Consultation Back-Office Support Cooperative Purchasing Eastern Connecticut Health Insurance Program Fingerprinting Services Shared Staffing Transportation Services

Programs & Services

EASTCONN District Participation 2013-2014

Teaching & Learning Services Assessment Strategies / Smarter Balanced Connecticut Core Standards Curriculum Development & Design Data Team Facilitation EASTCONN Councils Educator Evaluation Plans Consultation & Support ELL Title III Consortium/ Support & PD Leadership Development PreK-8 Principals’ Consortium Professional Learning SRBI, School Climate Support Standards Based Report Card Development TEAM

Technology Solutions Computer Support Services Surveys for Educator Evaluation & School Climate Teacher of the Year Online Application Technology Council Virtual High School

EASTCONN Finance Facts 2013-2014 Employees Employees: 550

Annual Finances Expenditures: $71,488,542 80 70

500 DOLLARS IN MILLIONS

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

600

400 300 200

60 50 40 30 20

100

-02

-03

-04

-05

-06

-07

-08

-09

-10

-11

1 11-

-13

-14

10 -02

-03

-04

-05

-06

-07

Year

-08

-09

-10

-11

1 11-

-13

-14

Year

Funding Overview

Funding Detail

State, Federal and Private Funds, 24.70%

Direct State Entitlement Funding, 0.20%

State Contracts & Competitive Grants, 16.0%

Federal Contracts & Competitive Grants, 7.90%

Local Funds, 75.30% ECHIP, 36.40%

Private Contracts & Competitive Grants, 0.60% Local Funds, 38.80%

Member Dues, 0.10%

Allocation of Funds Services Benefitting Local Schools, 75.0%

Administration, 4.0%

Services Benefitting Local Communities, 21.0%

EASTCONN Interagency Collaborations A Abington Social Library; ACCESS Agency; ACES; Alliance of Regional Educational Service Centers; AmaZing Animals; American Antiquarian Society; American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE); American Cancer Society; American Job Centers (CTWorks); Ampersand Consulting; Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA) B Backus Hospital, Norwich; Benton Museum C C.E.S.; Choices Program/ Brown University; Commission on Adult Basic Education (COABE); Community Conversations; Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut; Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Connecticut Association for Adult and Continuing Education (CAACE); Connecticut Associations of: Boards of Education(CABE), Public School Superintendents (CAPSS), School Nurses, School Personnel Administrators, Schools (CAS), Secondary Schools, Supervision and Curriculum & Development; Connecticut Academy for Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology; Connecticut Audubon; Connecticut Business and Industry Association, (CBIA); Connecticut Center for Advanced Technologies, Inc.; Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism; Connecticut Council of Administrators of Special Education (ConnCASE); Connecticut Department of Higher Education; Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium; Connecticut Educators Computer Association (CECA); Connecticut Educators Network; Connecticut General Assembly; Connecticut Historical Society; Connecticut Principals’ Academy; Connecticut Quality Council; Connecticut Reading Association; Connecticut School

Public Relations Association (ConnSPRA); Connecticut State collaborations: Alternative Sanctions, Board of Education Services for the Blind, Bureau of Rehabilitation, Children and Families, Corrections, Dept. of Education (CSDE), Environmental Protection, Health, Office of Early Childhood, Income Maintenance, Justice, Labor; Developmental Services; Mental Health, Policy and Management, Public Health & Addiction Services, Social Services, Teaching & Learning, Workers’ Compensation & Rehabilitation; Connecticut State Library; Connecticut Virtual Learning Center; Connecticut Vocational Technical Schools: Windham Regional, H.H. Ellis; Connecticut Women’s Education & Legal Fund; Covenant Soup Kitchen; CREC D Day Kimball Hospital; Dempsey Center; Discovery Education E East Bay Educational Collaborative; Eastern Area Health Education Center (AHEC); Eastern Connecticut Health Network; Eastern Connecticut Libraries; Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic; Eastern CT Workforce Investment Board; EDUCATION CONNECTION; Even Start F Family Center for Natural Wellness; Family Resource Centers; Family Service Coordination Centers; Food, Resources, Education Security & Health (FRESH) of New London; 4-H LIFT (Learning, Interaction, Friends Talents) After-School Program; Full Option Science System (FOSS) G Generations Family Health Center; Goodwin Conservation Center; Grasshopper Arts & Dance Studio H Head Start; Head Start State Collaboration Office; Historic

New England; Holy Family Shelter; Home Selling Team, LLC I-J Infoline; Institute for Community Research; Interdistrict Grant Partner Schools: East Hartford, Hartford, Manchester, Mansfield, New London, Norwich Free Academy, Vernon, Wethersfield, A.I. Prince Technical School, Cheney Technical School, Norwich Technical School; International Center for Creativity & Imagination K Dr. Anita Kite, Consulting; Knowledge Works L The Last Green Valley; LEARN; Liberty Bank; Literacy Volunteers M Mansfield Discovery Depot; Mitchell College; Museums of Northeast Connecticut N Natchaug Hospital, Joshua Program; National Association for Music Education; National and Connecticut Associations for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC/CAEYC); National Math & Science Initiative (NMSI); Neag School of Education/University of Connecticut; NECCOG Regional Animal Shelter; Nellie Mae Education Foundation; New England Office of the College Board; New Haven Chamber of Commerce; New London Adult Education; New London County 4-H Program; New London Youth Affairs; Northeast Alliance for Economic Development; Northeast Area Superintendents’ Association (NASA); Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce; Northern Rhode Island Collaborative (NRIC); Norwich Adult Education; Norwich Youth & Family Services O OSA (Optical Society of America) Foundation; Office for Workforce Competitiveness

P Plainfield First Selectman Paul E. Sweet; Prevent Child Abuse CT; Prudence Crandall Museum Q Quiet Corner Grooming & Doggie Daycare; Quinebaug Valley Community College R Research for Better Teaching; Retired Seniors Volunteer Program S Special Education Resource Center (SERC); Statewide Birth-to-Three; St. Joseph Living Center; Sturbridge Village; Studio #5 T TEEG, Thompson; Thames Science Center; Thomas J. Dodd Center, University of Connecticut; Thread City Development; Three Rivers Community College; Tri-County Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC) U United Connection Action for Neighborhoods, Inc. (UCAN); United Social and Mental Health Services; U.S. Departments: Education, Health & Human Services, Housing & Urban Development, Labor; University Region Superintendents’ Association (URSA); University of Connecticut V Life Long Learning; Visiting Nurses Association W-Z WAIM (Windham Area Interfaith Ministry); Walgreen’s; The Wheeler Clinic, Inc.; William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund; Willimantic Public Library; Willimantic River Alliance; Willimantic Spanish American Merchants’ Association; Willimantic Weed & Seed; Windham Arts; Windham Chamber of Commerce; Windham Recreation Department; Windham Region Arts Council; Windham Region Community Council; Windham School Readiness Council; Windham Textile and History Museum; Town of Windham Mayor Ernie Eldridge; Write Source, Diane Gedeon-Martin

EASTCONN Program Locations

Administrative Offices & Conference Center 376 Hartford Turnpike, Hampton, CT 06247 T: 860-455-0707; F: 860-455-8026

Plainfield Head Start — Moosup Gardens 10B Gorman St., Moosup, CT 06354 T: 860-564-7199; F: 860-564-2630

Capitol Theater 896 Main St., Willimantic, CT 06226 T: 860-465-5636; F: 860-465-8115

Putnam Head Start 33 Wicker St., Putnam, CT 06260 T: 860-928-0004; F: 860-963-5357

Commerce Drive 10 Commerce Drive Columbia, CT 06237 T: 860-228-3240; F: 860-228-3206

Quinebaug Middle College 742 Upper Maple St., Danielson, CT 06239 T: 860-932-4100; F: 860-932-4950

Community Learning Center Windham Mills, Building 1, 322 Main St. Willimantic, CT 06226 T: 860-423-2591; F: 860-450-0853 Educational & Vocational Center P.O. Box 498, 14 Route 66, Columbia, CT 06237 T: 860-228-4317; F: 860-228-1147 Killingly Head Start 1620 Upper Maple St., Dayville, CT 06241 T: 860-779-0410; F: 860-779-1377 Killingly Head Start at Killingly High School 226 Putnam Pike, Danielson, CT 06241 T: 860-779-6709; F: 860-774-0846 Northeast Learning Center 111 Connecticut Mills Ave., Danielson, CT 06239 T: 860-779-3770; F: 860-779-3384 Northeast Regional Program P. O. Box 249, 508A Pomfret St. Putnam, CT 06260 T: 860-963-3328; F: 860-963-3332 Plainfield Head Start — Early Childhood Center 651 Norwich Rd., Plainfield, CT 06374 T: 860-564-7787; F: 860-564-6409

Southeast Regional Program P.O. Box 123, 651 Norwich Rd., Plainfield, CT 06374 T: 860-317-1022; F: 860-317-1047 Transportation 65 Willimantic Rd., Columbia, CT 06237 T: 860-228-6751; F: 860-228-6756 Woodstock Academy: Cooperative Resources 57 Academy Rd., Woodstock, CT 06281 T: 860-928-1132; F: 860-963-4931

EASTCONN/Vernon Public Schools Head Start Partnership • Center Road School, 20 Center Rd. Vernon, CT 06066, 860-870-6300 • Lake Street School, 201 Lake St. Vernon, CT 06066, 860-870-6085 • Maple Street School, 20 Maple St. Vernon, CT 06066, 860-870-6175 • Northeast School, 69 East St. Vernon, CT 06066, 860-870-6080 • Skinner Road School, 90 Skinner Rd. Vernon, CT 06066, 860-870-6180

EASTCONN will provide equal employment opportunities to all persons without discrimination because of race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, gender identity or expression, veteran status, disability or any other classification protected by state or federal law. Further, It is the policy of EASTCONN that no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be discriminated against under any program because of race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, gender identity or expression, veteran status, disability or any other classification protected by state or federal law. EASTCONN will neither knowingly use the services of, nor otherwise deal with, any business, contractor, subcontractor, or agency that engages in unlawful discrimination.

MISSION: EASTCONN will initiate, support and facilitate partnerships, collaborations and regional solutions that are responsive to the needs of all learners through exemplary programs, products and services.

www.eastconn.org

376 Hartford Turnpike Hampton, Connecticut 06247 Phone: 860-455-0707