The City of Stamford is home to 121,000 people located approximately 45 minutes north of Manhattan.  There are approximately 15,000 children ages 0-8 in Stamford, representing about 13% of the total population (2008).  Stamford’s population is ethnically, economically, and culturally diverse, and is inclusive of many religions.  Unlike other Connecticut cities, Stamford’s population has increased substantially over the last decade, due primarily to an influx of immigrants.  Thirty-five percent of the population speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 15% stateside. 

In November 2009, a group of community advocates, under the direction of the Stamford School Readiness Council, released the Stamford Early Childhood Blueprint and introduced three committees to guide the work:  Early Childhood Education, Health and Wellness, and Parent Outreach.   The Education Committee is focused on improving Early Childhood Education in Stamford, especially around the transition to kindergarten process.  The Parent Outreach Committee is tasked with improving family understanding of child development and access to early childhood information and services.  Finally, the Health and Wellness Committee is focusing on improving children’s healthcare and promoting wellness in Stamford, including physical, emotional, and oral health.   The Memorial Fund’s Discovery model of community input and feedback has been used throughout the planning process to develop a shared vision for the community.

Work continues in all three areas.  The full Blueprint, along with a current progress report, are located in the Resources.