On March 10, 2015,  94 educators, legislators, municipal leaders and others gathered at Molto bene in Ansonia for a breakfast to kick off the seventh annual Early Childhood Task Force “Read Across the Valley” day.

93 readers visited various pre-school classrooms, kindergartens, day care centers and older elementary age children .  Readers also included Derby High School students. The books read to the children were given as a gift on behalf of the Early Childhood Task Force.  The children truly enjoyed having a “special guest” read to them.

At the breakfast, Kyn Tolson, Executive Director of “Read To Grow”, discussed the importance of early literacy and its connection to brain development.  “Promoting reading development in young children costs little for a family or society as a whole”,  said Tolson .

This event was made possible by a sponsorship provided by The Valley Community Foundation.

At the November 10, 2014 Early Childhood Task Force (ECTF) meeting, members thanked Rich Knoll, CEO, TEAM, Inc.  for all of his support of the ECTF efforts over the years. Rich always stepped up to provide fiduciary support and guidance for many individual Valley towns  and regional efforts on behalf of our Valley families. We wish him well in his retirement!  Thanks Rich!!