The first early childhood directory of community assets for the Meriden community was one of four goals developed from the 1995 Planning Phase of Meriden's Children First. A subcommittee was established whose charge was to determine community assets and to develop and disseminate the first directory of current services. The subcommittee always reported its progress back to the full Collaborative. The facilitator adhered to timelines and sought the most cost-effective and efficient ways to produce and distribute the updated Directory. Information and ideas were presented at the committee level and then shared with the Collaborative.

To improve the educational and life outcomes for young children and their families, Meriden's Children First Initiative strives to:

The Directory was designed to provide information to parents about community programs that support families and the community's children.

The original Directory was produced in a nine-month time span. Though it was smaller and more limited in information than later editions, much was accomplished in a short time. The Directory has been updated on an annual basis. Each time the Directory was produced, agencies previously submitting entries as well as new agencies were contacted.

Early funding came from the Graustein Memorial Fund. Additional funds were sought later to defray costs. Proposals were submitted to larger companies in the area to either print the Directory or contribute funds for CFI expenses. One company offered funds to help produce a Directory in Spanish. Others collaborated or offered in-kind services. Healthy Meriden 2000 incorporated the Meriden CFI Directory within their larger directory for its broader audience. Later on, the School Readiness Council contributed funding but asked that their programs be identified with a specific logo. Businesses began to be approached for advertising to defray costs.

The Directory has three sections: Children, Children & Parents, and Parents. The "Children" section covers early education and childcare programs and recreation opportunities for children age 0-8. The second section for "Children & Parents" lists educational and learning programs and support and advocacy programs. The last section on "Parents" has educational and learning programs and health and medical information.

Today Meriden has an extremely comprehensive early childhood directory. All agencies and, most importantly, parents now have access to various existing community assets. Focus groups have been held to discuss format, distribution, readability, etc. to ensure it is comprehensive and "user friendly." The 1998-1999 version of the Directory was produced in both English and Spanish. Discussion has occurred of having a statewide information center or the local United Way take on the Directory.

Meriden CFI had originally planned to update the Directory annually. It has proven to be a valuable tool for parents and community members and one that should be continued. The time involved and cost, however, need to be assessed. It has become larger and more challenging to produce.

At least four positive changes in the community are a result of the Directory. Parents and community members are more knowledgeable of community resources available to them. Parents now have a way to explore community resources on their own. Since it is an annual Directory, parents get updated information more often. Also parents, particularly first-time parents, do not feel isolated. The community has worked in partnership to distribute the information. This collaboration as well as the actual Directory helps agencies and organizations plan their programs collaboratively rather than in isolation.


Meriden Children First, (203) 630-3566