Are you smarter than a third grader?

Let Branford Early Childhood Collaborative (BECC) be the judge of that -- and raise funds to enhance educuational outcomes of many Branford youngsters along the way.

Right now, BECC is seeking a few more sponsored adult teams, and selling tickets for all supporters, to be a part of the first annual BECC “ Are You Smarter Than a Third Grader?” live game show and silent auction.

The three-hour game session gets underway at the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club Fri. Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. with a Silent Auction, light fare (pasta station) cash bar. The live game show begins at 7 p.m., when a panel of third-grade experts will challenge eight teams of adults. All questions will be based on grade three curriculum material (child contestants will have completed third grade).

Individuals, friends, organizations and businesses are invited to join the antics by sponsoring at team of three adults to take on some of Branford’s most accomplished third grade graduates. For sponsor information, call (203) 415-5237, email branfordbecc@gmail.com or visit www.branfordbecc.org

Supporters and others looking for a fun family-oriented evening can join the audience by purchasing a ticket, $20 per adult and $10 per child. Tickets are available now at any of the following Branford locations: BECC/SACC office, 12 Melrose Ave (next to Indian Neck School); Branford Community House, 46 Church St.; Home Restaurant,1114 Main St. and Myers Flower Shop, 1008 Main St. All donations are tax-deductible through BECC’s fiscal agent, United Way of Greater New Haven. 

BECC is the single coordinating entity for all childhood issues in Branford birth-through age 8 and aligned with the State of Connecticut’s early childhood investment framework “Ready by 5, Fine by 9.”

According to a BECC press release, funds raised from “Are You Smarter Than a Third Grader” will benefit Branford children by helping BECC provide support in ways such as:

Expanding RecREADS, BECC’s and the Branford Recreation Department’s partnership tutoring program, supporting incoming first and second graders with help to stem the “Summer Slide;” Supporting East Shore District Health Department and Branford Cares “Healthy Smiles” program (a dental initiative to ensure that all Branford children receive proper dental care); continued publication of BECC’s newly updated, free “Children’s Resource Guide” for families (hard copy and online); supporting BECC’s quarterly “Early Childhood Roundtable” series for pre-school and early educators with helpful teaching tools and topics: and continued literacy investments in free books through annual “Week of the Young Child,” “Summer Camp Reading Corner” and Food Allergy Awareness Week.

In 2013, BECC distributed over 1700 books to Branford children.