Home-Based Child Care Jobs Apprenticeship Program

December 8, 2023


The holiday season is officially underway as some of our friends celebrated the start of Hanukkah last night. Now is the time for generosity, empathy, and kindness. This is why I am part of a vigil against hate and antisemitism on Saturday in Orange. You are invited to join us, so keep scrolling to find out where the event will take place. 

The state is launching its first-ever apprenticeship program for home-based child care jobs. This is an opportunity for folks to get training for a job that's in high demand. Please look below to learn how you can apply.

If you are looking for a different job, beware of scammers. The Connecticut Department of Labor is seeing an uptick in criminals trying to steal money and valuable information from people who are searching for new employment. I'll break down how you can avoid becoming a victim.

And, I want to point out the Holiday Festival and Lighted Tractor Parade is rescheduled for Saturday, December 9! There is more information in the Orange Events and Community Calendar section.
Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
  • Vigil Against Hate and Antisemitism
  • Tackling Maternal and Child Health Issues
  • School Trip
  • Home-Based Child Care Jobs Apprenticeship Program
  • Beware of Phishing Scheme Targeting Job Seekers
  • Opportunity To Learn About Horizontal Curve Sign Plan
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events and Community Calendar
  • Woodbridge Events and Community Calendar
 
Vigil Against Hate And Antisemitism
Hate has no home in Orange. Please join faith leaders, activists, friends, and neighbors at a vigil against hate and antisemitism on Sunday, December 10th at 2:30 P.M. at the gazebo on the Orange High Plains Fairgrounds. Several of my colleagues and I will be speaking and condemning hate speech and hateful acts.
 
At the same time please support Food 2 Kids by dropping off your food donations from 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. at the Community Center. Donations must be single serve packaged foods that require no or water only preparation.
 
Tackling Maternal and Child Health Issues
Rep. Mary Welander, Maryland State Delegate Jennifer White Holland, Kentucky State Representative Kimberly Moser, Alaska State Senator Löki Gale Tobin
This past weekend I had the opportunity to travel to Austin, Texas for a special conference addressing forecasted issues surrounding Maternal and Child Health hosted by the National Conference of State Legislators. 
This bipartisan event allowed legislators from across the country to hear from experts about trends and data that we may need to address, and how other states are working toward providing solutions. I would like to thank Speaker of the House Matt Ritter and House Majority Leader Jason Rojas for nominating me to attend this conference and be part of these important conversations. 
 
School Trip
On Thursday I joined several colleagues on a visit to the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford. The delivery of special services to students is different in every school, and I appreciated the opportunity to see the incredible work being done by the educators in this school as they meet the needs of the children in their care.
Like every other school in our district and across the state, the number of students at ASD who need more specialized care is growing. We will need to look at how the state funds these educational services as well as the funding coming from the federal level.
 
Home-Based Child Care Jobs
Apprenticeship Program

I have great news for parents who are struggling to find and pay for high quality childcare. Connecticut has created its first home-based child care apprenticeship program, which will provide a new class of expert instructors. This program will be a guide for those looking for a high-demand job in home-based child care.

The apprenticeship is designed to support everyone including aspiring caregivers and children of different cultures and who speak different languages, especially Spanish. This is vital for our diverse community. The program will also improve the quality of early care and education with coursework in child development.
Do not forget that you can earn while you learn! The workforce training program is federally backed and requires a minimum of 2,000 hours working on the job and hundreds of hours of classroom learning. Once a participant completes the program, that person receives credentials, which in turn raises wages and improves the quality of home-based care.
Click Here To Learn How To Apply
 
Beware of Phishing Scheme
Targeting Job Seekers

If you’re looking for a new job, beware of scammers trying to get your personal information! The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) says criminals are asking victims for banking, credit card, and social security information while pretending to work at the state’s job bank, CTHires.

If you are in any of the following scenarios while applying for a job, hang up immediately:

  • You’re asked to pay a fee to apply or to be considered
  • You’re asked for your social security number, bank account number, or credit card details to complete your application
  • You’re told to give up valuable information or you’ll lose a job opportunity
More Tips To Avoid Becoming a Victim
Visit the CTDOL fraud watch page if you think you may be a victim of this or other scams.
 
Opportunity To Learn About
Horizontal Curve Sign Plan

You’re getting an opportunity to learn more about the state’s plan to set up new horizontal curve signs on local roads before installation is set to begin. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is hosting several virtual public information meetings this month to answer your questions.

According to the CTDOT, horizontal curve signs are cost effective and make our roads safer. The signs will warn drivers about sharp curves ahead and post speed limits. CLICK HERE to see where crews will be installing horizontal curve signs in our district.
The CTDOT informational meeting affecting our communities will take place on Tuesday, December 12 at 6:00 P.M. You must register if you wish to participate. 
Click Here For Registration Information
Construction is expected to start in summer 2024. The CTDOT says the projects are fully funded by the federal government.
 
Derby Events Calendar
Check out the event below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar.
Derby Public Library is hosting a fun holiday event on Saturday, December 9 from 10 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Sing songs, make some crafts, design cards, enjoy cookies, and so much more. No registration is required for this family-fun event.
Stop by St. Mary’s Church on Saturday, December 9 from 10 A.M.-1:00 P.M. on Elizabeth Street to buy some home-made cookies for the holidays! For those with nut allergies there is a table of nut free cookies to choose from.
Derby Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Take a look and click on the fliers below and check out the button below to learn about upcoming events in Hamden.
More Hamden Events
 
Orange Events and Community Calendar
Check out the fliers and community calendar in Orange below.
The Holiday Festival, Tree Lighting, and Lighted Tractor Parade will take place on Saturday, December 9 from 2:00 P.M. -6:00 P.M. The parade will begin around 4:30 P.M. from Meetinghouse Lane to High Plains Community Center. CLICK HERE to learn more!
Orange Community Calendar
 
Woodbridge Events and Community Calendar
Check out the event below and click the button under that to access the community calendar.
Woodbridge Town Library is hosting a gingerbread house decorating party on Saturday, December 9 from 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. in the meeting room. There is a $20 registration free at the information desk. Seating is limited.
Woodbridge Community Calendar