Burlington Community Action Partnership
Burlington
County Council for Young Children
New Jersey has established in all 21 counties - County Councils for Young Children (CCYC) to strengthen collaboration between parents, families, and local community stakeholders with health, early care and education, family support, and other service providers. This shared leadership philosophy includes parents as active partners with service providers and community leaders helping to identify the needs, aspirations and successes of our collective efforts to positively impact the health, education and well-being of children from pregnancy/birth to age 8. Funding was made available to establish a statewide network of local County Councils for Young Children (CCYC) by the Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge grant.
Mission
To empower individuals to advocate for themselves and their families about services within their community.
The council gives Families and Community Partners a chance to voice their concerns and to create an environment that is inclusive, while engaging community leaders at the local level and gaining the support through training that can help strengthen our families and our communities.
Goals
- To have a council comprised of 51% of parents as active members and 49% of active community members.
- Create an environment where parents can become independent seekers of their own solutions.
- To reach out to parents through: Surveys, mail, focus groups, meetings, events and social media.
- Offer parents: personal growth, support, trainings and workshops
Vision
Educate parents with information to help reach their goals.
Strengthening families through community connections.
Effective partnership between government and community for long term sustainability. Sustainable positive internal changes to breaking down barriers -Linking community to programs.
Be a voice
in your community
HERE’S A LITTLE ABOUT OUR COMMITTEES:
Health Committee
This group addresses health-related issues impacting:
- Pregnancy, birth, infant, and child health including dental care
- Special childcare needs for children
- Health access for parents/caregivers, including insurance, routine medical and dental care, and access to services like smoking cessation, mental health, and substance abuse treatment.
Examples of health committee initiatives:
Prenatal support
PPD support
Support for parents with special needs children
Self-care
Social Services Committee
This group identifies and improves community resources and services, addressing gaps like transportation and cultural barriers. Initiatives include planning community baby showers, managing resource lists, and organizing kids' activities and donations.
Education Committee
- This group discusses issues and concerns regarding:
- Quality education programs like Child Care Centers, Preschool, and Elementary School
- Transitions for children and families within education settings
- Children with special educational needs
- Educational needs of parents and caregivers, including GED programs and vocational training
General Council meetings
The general council meetings is a space created for the CCYC Council to have meaningful conversations surrounding the needs and wellbeing of children and the community as a whole. We also discuss community activities and help in organizing events throughout the community. We also have various community partners sharing information about their program.
We invite and encourage parents and community partners throughout the community to engage in our CCYC General Council meetings. These will be held virtually, EVERY 2ND THURSDAY OF THE MONTH. This is organized by our Program Coordinator, which is an excellent opportunity for us to connect, exchange ideas, and foster open dialogue.
Calling all Families and Community Partners to lend a hand in :
Team building activities
Parent leadership training
Outreach events and more
Community Cafe
Burlington CCYC collaborates with other agencies, organizations, and stakeholders to enhance the connections for parents and provide even more information and resources through community events, speaking engagements, workshops and trainings.
We invite community partners and parents to engage in our informal Coffee Chats. This is organized by our Program Coordinator, which is an excellent opportunity for us to connect, exchange ideas, and foster open dialogue.
Check out our CCYC initiatives and join the adventure
BLOOM AND THRIVE SUPPORT CIRCLE
SUPPORT FOR EVERY STAGE OF YOUR PARENTING JOURNEY
A PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL SUPPORT GROUP
Journaling workskops
Self-care workshops
BURLINGTON COUNTY COUNCIL FOR YOUNG CHILDREN’S
Virtual and in person
meetups
Meet and connect with other moms in a safe and positive space
Mommy and Me Play group
Yoga sessions
Come out and enjoy play dates at the park, arts and crafts, children’s book clubs, adventure outings and more
HEALTH AND FITNESS CLUB
BI-WEEKLY BOOK CHAT HANGOUTS
A welcoming environment where families can connect and promote an active, healthy lifestyle together.
EMPOWERMENT CIRCLE
JOIN US FOR WEEKLY WALKS (CHILDREN ARE WELCOME), HEALTH AND WELLNESS WORKSHOPS, COOKING EVENTS, HEALTH AND NUTRITIONAL GUIDANCE AND MORE
Click here to sign up
VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON OPTION
A SAFE SPACE FOR FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: ENGAGE IN INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOPS, SELF-CARE WORKSHOPS, AND PLAYGROUPS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES TO CONNECT.
Program Focus
Implement a shared leadership model between community partners and parents (collaborating as a team for the benefits of the children).
Target and discuss needs concerning the health, education and well-being of children within the
community.
Provide training and workshops to parents and community partners
JOIN THE FUN AND BE A VOICE FOR OUR CHILDREN
CCYC invites various guest speakers and stakeholders to speak with parents about best practices and resources. CCYC also attends and plan Community Cafes, Health and Education Fairs, and set ups tables at events.
Uniting families and community partners to enhance the well-being of our children.
LET’S CONNECT
Isha Pearson
CCYC Program Coordinator
ipearson@bccap.org
609-386-5800 ext. 5131
