Connecticut Office of Early Childhood webinar highlights free and low-cost summer activities for families

Hartford — State and local experts on a Connecticut Office of Early Childhood webinar on summer activities recommended practical, low-cost ways for families and providers to keep children engaged without adding financial strain.

Elena Truworthy, deputy commissioner of the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, opened the session and said the program would "explore ways to create summer fun for children on a cost friendly budget." The webinar combined a keynote, campaign videos and a panel of library staff, child-care providers and state officials.

Why it matters: Panelists framed the discussion as both a child-development and mental-health issue. Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves of the Department of Social Services said in a recorded message that "the most important thing that you can do for them is really just spend time with them," linking low-cost interactions to stronger development during the early…