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Great Radio Documentary on the Perry Preschool Project

American Radio Works has done a great 50 minute documentary on the Perry Preschool Project in Ypsilanti, MI. Here are links to the web page, you can listen online, download the podcast, or read the e-book.

Almost Half of New Britain's 4 Year Olds Overweight

The New Britain Early Childhood Collaborative today released an analysis of the Body Mass Index data collected in the city's preschools. It shows that 48% of the four year olds are over weight with 30% weighing enough to be considered obese. The analysis is based on height & weight measurements of 539 four year olds enrolled in New Britain preschools, which represents over 60% of the children in this age group.

"This is a serious crisis," said Dr. Rob Dudley, pediatritian at the Community Health Center and medical advisor for the New Britain Schools. New Britain's 30% childhood obesity rate is substantially above the national average of 18.4%. "While New Britain's citywide statistics are scary enough the figures for the poorest children served by the Head Start program are more than double the national average," Dudley continued.

Obesity is associated with increased rates of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Children who are obese are far more likely to develop these diseases as young adults.

Those interested in working to solve this problem in New Britain, CT are urged to call Merrill Gay at (860) 229-6018 x 309 for information about the next committee meeting.

Herald Endorses the Blueprint for Young Children

In an editorial today the New Britain Herald endorsed the findings of the community Blueprint for Young Children.

Final Blueprint Released

The Blueprint for Young Children is done and the final plan is now availiable for download. A limited number of printed copies are also available from the office. Call 860-229-6018 x309 to request a copy.

Public Unvieling of the Blueprint Dec 2nd

The community Blueprint for New Britain's Young Children will be unvieled publicly on the evening of December 2nd 2009 at Vance Village elementary school. The event, which will run from 6:30 to 8pm will include a presentation of the plan, a chance to talk with some of the 120 volunteers who worked to develop it and the public endorsement of the plan by a number of community leaders.

Light refreshments and childcare will be provided. Click Here to RSVP

Community Blueprint for Young Children

Download the full report