Early Start CT is the new state-funded early care and education program that launched July 1, 2025.
It combines 3 existing programs — Child Day Care Contracts, School Readiness Grants, and State Head Start Supplement Grants — into 1 new program.
This new program will have benefits for providers and families:
- Less paperwork and more predictable pay schedules for providers
- Improved access to high-quality early care and education programming for families
- Increased focus on family and community needs through Local Governance Partners (LGPs)
- Streamlined early care and education system by aligning eligibility requirements and standardizing family co-pay scale
Learn more about Early Start CT
Trainings and office hours resources
The Office of Early Childhood’s new Early Start CT Team hosted several virtual trainings throughout the month of June to support programs transitioning to and joining Early Start CT. These trainings covered several different topics related to enrolling families in your program, while meeting the requirements of Early Start CT. All PowerPoint presentations, video, and FAQs from those trainings will be found below.
| Topic | Dates | Resources |
| Overview of Early Start CT, and Eligibility & Enrollment of Families | June 3-5, 2025 | Video of Overview, Eligibility & Enrollment Webinar Eligibility & Enrollment PowerPoint Presentation Eligibility & Enrollment FAQs Eligibility & Enrollment FAQs (Spanish) |
| Family Fees & the Sliding Fee Scale | June 10-12, 2025 | Video of Family Fees & the Sliding Fee Scale Training Family Fees & the Sliding Scale PowerPoint Presentation Family Fees & the Sliding Scale FAQs Family Fees & the Sliding Scale FAQs (Spanish) |
| Attendance & Reimbursement | June 17-18, 2025 | Video of Attendance & Reimbursement Training Attendance & Reimbursement PowerPoint Presentation Attendance & Reimbursement FAQs Attendance & Reimbursement FAQs (Spanish) |
| Data & Reporting | June 24-26, 2025 | Video of Data & Reporting Training Data & Reporting PowerPoint Presentation |
Our RFA and RFP have closed
The opportunity to become a state-funded Early Start CT provider has closed. But when new opportunities arise, we’ll share information here and with the field.
Already submitted an application? We’ll send you an email in May letting you know the status of your application.
We want to hear from you!
We will post upcoming feedback opportunities here as they are scheduled.
Thank you to everyone who has already provided input. Your continued partnership is critical to providing high-quality early care and education for Connecticut’s children.
We’re happy to help. Email us.