B-3 Update: February 17, 2021
Published on Feb 17, 2021 14:09

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February 17, 2021

B3 is sending this newsletter out biweekly, but will still provide
up-to-date and relevant information as it becomes available. If you are
looking for information from past newsletters, please click here to access
all of them. Some crucial, ongoing information, such as the COVID
contacts, will remain in each letter for ease of access.


For Directors 

exclamation pointDirectors Alerts – EEC

  • new!Supplemental PPE Supplies: Child Care programs now have access to needed PPE supplies at no cost to them through an EEC contracted vendor. Available PPE include masks for children and adults, gloves, hand sanitizer, and more. EEC has established generous monthly PPE amounts to ensure consistent availability and prompt delivery of PPE resources. Orders arrive directly to the program within 1 to 2 weeks. Order limits are also available in LEAD and on the order form. Information is available on this page.
  • The Board of Early Education and Care met on February 9th. You can watch a recording of the meeting here and find materials here.
  • The Cambridge Directors Support Zoom meeting, led by B3 mentors, takes place every other week. Days and times will alternate between Tuesday and Wednesday for these meetings. You can access the schedule for October through May here.
  • Rescheduled: Using and Communicating Data to Advance Racial Equity in Early Childhood Policy, February 17, 2021 | 3PM
    To develop equity-focused, data-driven policies requires equity principles be applied to how we think about and use data. This includes what research and policy questions we ask, how we engage with stakeholders to interpret data, and how we communicate. Join Carlise King and Esther Gross of Child Trends, combining with a state perspective, for a critical look at how to incorporate racial equity principles into how you use and communicate data in your advocacy work. Click here to register.

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For Directors, Providers, Home Visitors, Educators & Families

heartHealth & Wellness

  • new!Get the Facts! Vaccine Chat: B3 is pleased to announce a special evening Q&A with Dr. Epstein on February 25 from 6:30-7:30PM. Dr. Epstein will discuss the background of the COVID vaccine and answer questions you have about it, including its safety and effectiveness. All professionals who work with or support early childhood are welcome to attend! Learn more. *All those who register will receive a Zoom link the day before the event! Please send questions you would like answered to [email protected].
  • Find It! Updating, Accounts, and Connecting: Find It Cambridge is a website that serves as a one-stop-shop to find activities, services, and resources in Cambridge. It’s also a free promotional opportunity and a great referral tool to share with families. Please update your program’s information on Find It. Andrew can be reached by email or phone (617.686.2998).
  • On Tuesday, April 6 at 2PM, The Hunt Institute will probe the challenge of transitioning children into kindergarten following a year of quarantine during which many American children have opted out of group-based preschool settings. You can register to join us by clicking the link here.
  • The Home Visiting Guide has been updated! Access it here.
  • Peer to Peer Dialogue for home visiting program leaders and supervisors: please gather with others to dig deep into some of the challenges of our work particularly during this trying time, a bucket filling meeting where you will leave feeling connected and rejuvenated about your work. Register here.
  • Dominique Jean, a school nurse, will answer your urgent COVID-19 symptom questions (Is this dry cough from COVID-19 or due to allergies?). She can be reached at: 781.803.0766. 
  • For non-urgent COVID-19 related calls, please call 617.665.3648. One of two nurses will reply to all hotline phone calls and emails after they have checked the phone line or email account.
  • For more complex medically related questions, Directors should contact MA Dept. of Public Health’s epidemiologist Dr. Katherine Hsu at 617.983.6948 or [email protected]
  • EEC’s Reopening Plan requires programs to provide contact information for their local Board of Health.
    • This information should now be:
      Address: 119 Windsor St., Cambridge, MA 02139
      Phone: 617.665.3648
      Email: [email protected] 

Managing Stress and Anxiety

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For Teachers

pushpinsCurriculum Support & Professional Development

  • Check your email for B3’s Online Training Resources for the Early Childhood Workforce List.


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For Families

happy faceResources for Families

  • Center For Families Resource: The Fuel Assistance Program assists households in Cambridge and Somerville with winter heating costs between November 1st and April 30th. Renters and homeowners in both cities are eligible to apply if they meet federal income guidelines. If you are in a no-heat situation or facing immediate utility shutoff, fuel assistance can be provided within 24 hours to eligible applicants. Call 617.349.6252 for immediate assistance. Find out more here.
  • The Center for Families and the Agenda for Children Literacy Initiative created a calendar for February with activities for families to do at home with their children, birth to 4. It’s available here.
  • Now enrolling: Riverside Early Head Start is a home-based early childhood program that provides comprehensive parenting and family support to low-income pregnant women and families with children zero to three years of age. They work with families residing in Cambridge, Medford and Somerville. They are currently providing virtual home visits using different platforms such as Phone, Zoom and WhatsApp. Learn more hereApply here.
  • Cambridge Public Schools Home Based Early Childhood Program is recruiting families! Children must be between the ages of 18 months and 3.5 years old. Home visits can occur on a porch, in a yard, at a park, or virtually. Each visit includes free books and materials, as well as fun and engaging activities. Contact Joy Harper 617.349.6724 [email protected] or Peggy Beucler 617.349.6849 [email protected].
  • The Center for Families offers free programming and supports for all families living in Cambridge with children birth-8 years old. Center staff are available to support families in connecting with community resources, provide one-on-one support, and provide access to the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, which helps parents understand more about their child's development. You can find information on current programs in their monthly newsletter here. Want to learn more about the Center for Families and connect? You can also reach them via email or call at 617.349.6385.
  • Parents and caregivers who are experiencing any kinds of problems related to their children can call the Parental Stress Line for support: 1.800.623.8188. The Parental Stress Line is staffed by volunteer counselors who are sympathetic and nonjudgmental and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
Activities for Families Resources for Mothers Suffering from Postpartum Depression
or Anxiety
  • Postpartum Support International (PSI)
  • MCPAP for Moms
  • JF & CS Postpartum Depression Support Group: “This Isn’t What I Expected”, Tuesdays, 1-2:30PM. For more information, please contact Debbie Whitehill via email or 781.647.JFCS (5327) x1925. Register for the video support group. (New participants should register at least 24 hours in advance.)
 
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Birth to 3rd Grade Partnership

135 Berkshire Street, Cambridge, MA 02141
www.cpsd.us • 617.349.6554





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