Honey Bear rallies with programs across the State to push for more investments in Early Childhood

By Honey Bear Learning Center, INC. | May 11, 2023
Two women at a protest holding signs advocating for affordable childcare.

At rallies across the state Wednesday—including in Stamford, Bridgeport and Stratford—the message to lawmakers was the same: fund child care. “We really need the state to invest in early childhood. Right now, things are failing,†said Catherine Vanicky, director of Honey Bear Learning Center in Stratford. “The child care system is completely broken,†added Katherine…

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Honey Bear Director, Cathie Vanicky, earns Charter Oak Employer of the Year Award!

By Honey Bear Learning Center, INC. | November 10, 2022
A diverse group of six professionals posing indoors against a gray wall.

Catherine Vanicky stands proudly with her Assistant Director, her family, Charter Oak President Ed Klonoski, and Charter Oak State College Foundation President Joyce Petrella.Left to Right: Richard Vanicky (husband), Aleksey Vanicky (son), Ed Klonoski, Catherine Vanicky (award recipient), Jacqueline Valle (award nominator), Joyce Petrella, Bridget McLoughlin (daughter), Joseph McLoughlin (son)

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Family Fun Day with The Amazing Andy

By Honey Bear Learning Center, INC. | August 19, 2022
People gathered outdoors in a sunny area with red buildings in the background.

Honey Bear’s annual Family Fun Day celebration kicked off with a magic show from The Amazing Andy. Amazing Andy and his “pink pepper pickled peanuts with ketchup on top” combine mesmerizing magic tricks and highly skilled talents into a hilarious slapstick style show. The children squeal and shout with glee as he tricks them into…

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Honey Bear recognized as a “Breastfeeding Friendly” worksite and child care by CT NAP SACC program

By Honey Bear Learning Center, INC. | September 29, 2021

Below is a list of breastfeeding related resources (with links) for families: Our program is committed to supporting families and staff on their breastfeeding journey.  Mothers are invited to breastfeed on site (within program hours) and/or may provide breast milk for their infant. Our breastfeeding lounge is located on the second floor of the Infant…

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Honey Bear contributes to round table discussion with Governor and OEC Commissioner

By Honey Bear Learning Center, INC. | June 1, 2021
Two women smiling in a bright office with computers and screens.

Director, Catherine Vanicky, and Program Coordinator, Jackie Valle, pose for a photo at the end of their zoom meeting with Governor Ned Lamont, OEC Commissioner Beth Bye, and Merrill Gay, Executive Director at Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance. Cathie and Jackie discussed the staffing crisis currently facing the Early Childhood community and advocated for additional funding…

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Honey Bear hosts forum with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro about expanding Care4Kids

By Honey Bear Learning Center, INC. | September 25, 2019
Two women smiling with two young girls in a warm indoor setting.

On Monday morning, a group of 20 parents and advocates meet with Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro at Honey Bear Learning Center in Stratford. They celebrated the first substantial Care4Kids increase in payments to child care centers in 17 years. That rate increase was made possible by additional CCDBG funds, championed by Congresswoman DeLauro in the last…

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Stratford Health Department uses grant money to sponsor garden at Honey Bear

By Honey Bear Learning Center, INC. | August 9, 2019
A group of children and adults posing in a garden with plants.

STRATFORD — The Stratford Health Department launched a daycare gardening program this summer using funds from a Stratford Rotary Club grant. The health department was awarded $5,800 in March from the Community Impact Grant program, which is given to organizations with goals to enhance the community. Eight Stratford daycare centers that had completed a program…

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