Nurture Connection

This March, Nurture Connection is honoring #DevelopmentalDisabilitiesAwarenessMonth and shining an #ERH spotlight on the unique journeys of parents and caregivers who care for children with significant health needs. Hear reflections from Bryn Fortune and Mia Halthon Jones about their personal experiences as parents of children with disabilities in this latest conversation: https://ow.ly/1AUf50VqPBY #DDAM #EarlyRelationalHealthMatters

Join Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, IDEA INFANT AND TODDLER COORDINATORS ASSOCIATION and ZERO TO THREE on April 2nd at 2PM ET: How Medicaid Supports Early Intervention for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities and Developmental Delays Register Here: https://lnkd.in/ekz4m6cs Why it matters:?Medicaid is a key source of funding for IDEA Part C Early Intervention programs in most states.?Early intervention services help reduce developmental delays by helping young children develop and improve their social-emotional skills, knowledge, and behaviors before entering the K-12 system. By assisting infants and toddlers in their primary stages of development, early intervention minimizes long-term costs and lessens the prevalence of severe disabilities as adults. What we will discuss:?This webinar will provide an overview on the ways IDEA Part C early intervention and Medicaid work together to support infants and toddlers with disabilities in states. Panelists will also discuss what proposed federal Medicaid cuts could mean for early intervention programs and young children who need Part C services. Speakers will include the parent of a child receiving early intervention services and experts in the fields of early childhood, Medicaid, and IDEA Part C. Learn more?in our newest brief,?Medicaid Provides Early Intervention for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities and Developmental Delays. Read more in our brief here: https://lnkd.in/eimN-wYJ

In celebration of World Doula Week, we are excited to spotlight reflections from Cynthia Hayes, and her advocacy work to advance Black maternal health access and outcomes! Cynthia is a founding leader and Director of the Advocacy Team for Doulas for Connecticut Coalition (Doulas4CT). She is also a mother, a practicing postpartum doula, and is a member of the Nurture Connection Steering Committee. Discover more of her journey here: https://ow.ly/9pNF50VnMNC #WorldDoulaWeek #ERHinAction #maternalhealth #EquityMatters

Happy World Sleep Day! ?? Early Relational Health (ERH) is cultivated through everyday moments between children, parents, and caregivers. Bedtime routines like brushing our teeth, reading a story, cuddling together, or singing a song are a great way to practice #EarlyRelationalHealth and develop strong, positive, and nurturing relationships with your child! ????????? How do you wind down with your family, at the end of a long day? Share your favorite bedtime stories and routines with us in the comments! #ERHinAction #ConnectionsMatter

From the Carolinas to Texas to Alaska, speakers and participants at this year's Early Relational Health Funders Summit hosted by Einhorn Collaborative shared how early relational health shows up in communities with different cultural and historical contexts. The Summit was designed to be a meeting ground where national and local funders can learn, collaborate, and do more together to ensure that children, families, and communities thrive and flourish. As a community of funders, practitioners, parent leaders, and policymakers, the possibilities of what we can do to promote strong, positive, and nurturing relationships between children and parents is truly unlimited. ???? Read more here: https://ow.ly/lPYX50VcZus

?? Big strides for Early Childhood Development in Connecticut! ?? The CT 359 Network, born from the Bridgeport Baby Bundle initiative, is pushing for systemic change to ensure all children are on track by age 3, 5, and 9. With a focus on #EarlyRelationalHealth, the network unites 60+ organizations to improve children’s health, development, and well-being. Key initiatives include enhanced developmental screenings, improved maternal health support, and a legislative push to build cohesive early childhood systems. By fostering strong, positive relationships from birth, we’re laying the foundation for healthier futures. ???? Let’s continue to #SupportEarlyChildhood and #ThriveTogether. Read more about the CT 359 network's inspiring work! https://ow.ly/LYsF50V9M9l

?? Building Strong Foundations for Bridgeport's Youngest! ?? In Bridgeport, Connecticut, a community-driven initiative is transforming early childhood care through the Bridgeport Baby Bundle. By uniting healthcare, education, and family support, the program ensures all infants, toddlers, and families receive the #EarlyRelationalHealth support they need to thrive. From universal home visits to expanding early literacy programs, the Baby Bundle has made significant strides in closing developmental gaps. With support from local partners and national grants, it’s improving health outcomes and giving children the best start possible. ???? This collaborative model is now being replicated across the state to ensure every child’s potential is nurtured from birth. Let's continue to invest in our future, one child at a time! ??#ERHinAction Learn more about this impactful initiative: https://ow.ly/J1ox50VaGxx

In this month’s newsletter . . . ??Discover how advocacy efforts in Bridgeport, Connecticut have led to the CT 359 Network, a statewide initiative that is transforming #earlychildhood health through community partnerships. ??Hear from Cynthia Hayes about the important role of organizations like Doulas4CT working to advance black maternal and infant health. Read more: https://conta.cc/4hKCMJP

This month, we are celebrating two years of #NurtureConnection! ???? Parent leaders Mia Halthon and Steven Thibert share their reflections with Founder David W. Willis, MD on the importance of centering family voices, culture, and wisdom to promote #EarlyRelationalHealth Hear more: https://ow.ly/4REV50V5HUo

A strong and stable #Medicaid program offers states a major policy and funding tool to advance #EarlyRelationalHealth, especially in ensuring families can get the right care and support at the right time. In this Reflecting Forward piece by Elisabeth Wright Burak, learn more about Medicaid’s foundational role in healthcare, state budgets, and — most important of all — supporting the health and economic well-being of children, families, and communities. ????? Read here: https://ow.ly/YFTc50UVnoF