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While some may think of academics and play as mutually exclusive, others argue that it’s important to embed the brain-boosting practice of play into the skill-building activities of academics. This summer, the Gesell Program in Early Childhood partnered with New Haven Public Schools to launch a play-based learning pilot focused on pre-K through grade 3.

The Connecticut Documentation & Observation for Teaching System (CT DOTS) is a framework to guide early care and education providers in monitoring children’s progress on the skills, abilities and behaviors in the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS). This article provides information about the development and implementation of the CT DOTS.

This winter, Maritime Odyssey Preschool launched a new two-generational initiative that directly benefits parents, children, and the preschool itself: the Career and Family Coaching Institute.

Each of PEER’s partner communities is crafting its own approach to supporting children and families during the transition to kindergarten. In Stamford, a major focus is improving communication between preschool teachers and kindergarten teachers.

The Yale Department of Psychiatry’s Psychology Section will sponsor a screening of the documentary “The Thick Dark Fog” at 3:00 pm May 15, 2019, at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Kroon Hall, 195 Prospect St., New Haven.

PEER has partnered with the Office of Early Childhood, the State Department of Education, and the University of Connecticut to evaluate the Preschool Development Grant (PDG) program in Connecticut. PEER will use existing data to examine the association between PDG participation and child outcomes in the kindergarten year.

“Young adulthood is more challenging than ever, especially when making choices,” explains psychologist Jacob Tebes, PhD.

"You've got your whole life ahead of you," young adults are often told—but that's of little comfort to the many 20- and 30-somethings who face "adulting" challenges like career uncertainty, overwhelming student loan debt, and relationship difficulties.

In an effort to promote coordinated, high quality SEL programming and supports for the young children and families of Bridgeport, a number of local stakeholders came together in the summer of 2018 to launch the Bridgeport Early Childhood SEL Initiative (BECSELI). The initiative is led by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, and PEER is contributing as an evaluation partner. Several of PEER’s member organizations serve on the BECSELI Steering Committee.