Welcome to Let's Grow CT!
Every child in Connecticut is ready to learn and ready to grow! Thank you for stopping by Let’s Grow CT. On this page, you’ll learn more about Sparkler and our Let’s Grow campaign, which is focused on helping families grow our babies’ and young children’s hearts, words, minds, and bodies.
Let's Grow, CT!
Let’s Grow is a statewide initiative supported by the CT Office of Early Childhood to raise awareness and access to early childhood development resources. The goal? Encouraging playful interactions that strengthen bonds and foster healthy early childhood development. Why are we focused on encouraging play? Early relationships and play lay the foundation for lifelong health and well-being.
Posters
Posters (in English and Spanish) encourage families to play — anywhere and everywhere — to grow early skills with their child!
- How Much Do I Love You?
- Just Breathe
- Silly Endings
- Name That Tune
High Contrast Books for Babies
“Let’s Grow, Sparkler Baby!” is a high-contrast book for parents/caregivers with babies that can be used to support babies’ early development. Babies can look at the black and white images. On the opposite page, families can learn about more activities they can try in Sparkler to support the development of important early skills.
Activity Booklets for Toddlers and Preschoolders
This activity book is designed to help children grow stronger hearts, words, minds, and bodies. For each activity in the booklet:
- Try the activity with your grown-ups!
- Count and record how many Sparkler friends you see!
- Find the Mystery Message letters on each. Use the clues to unlock the Mystery Message.
Scan the QR codes to find corresponding activities in the Sparkler app.
Let's Grow Stories
Families: Access the Support Your Child Needs
Developmental screening, available on Sparkler, can help you learn about your child’s development. After screening, parents/caregivers/providers can take the next step and access additional evaluations or services if they have questions/concerns. Help Me Grow Connecticut is a network of supports for families with young children, available through 211 Child Development.
Please learn more about the options available to CT families here or on these handouts:
Get the Let's Grow Toolkit!
Sparkler Learning is working with pediatric offices across the state of Connecticut to engage families with young children while they’re visiting their children’s doctors. Resources include:
- Posters that promote play-based learning at home and on the go, including when they’re sitting and waiting for a check-up at the doctor’s office;
- Large decals for public spaces that can promote playful learning on the go;
- A high-contrast booklet for families with babies;
- An activity booklet for families with toddlers and preschool-aged children; and
- Videos that can be played on screens in waiting rooms or shared with families digitally.
If you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out to our CT project director: bethanne@playsparkler.org! We’d love to hear from you.
Our Partners in Connecticut
The CT Office of Early Childhood provides Sparkler for free to all programs serving children prenatal to 5 years old and to all families with children 5 and under. Through Sparkler, Connecticut is helping families access screening and support from 211 Child Development and local programs/services. Sparkler is at the heart of the State’s Help Me Grow work. Questions? Email support@playsparkler.org.