How Early Start CT Works

Early Start CT is a 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 program.

Extensive public feedback during Connecticut’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Child Care drove the recommendation and design of Early Start CT. Learn more about the Blue Ribbon Panel and read the report here.

The goals of Early Start CT are to:

• Empower families to amplify their parent voices to better meet the needs of Connecticut children
• Strengthen system collaboration and a shared vision to build lasting partnerships between community stakeholders
• Improve equitable access to affordable, high-quality care and early childhood services and supports that meet a range of family needs
• Promote best practices to enhance providers’ ability to support children’s learning and development

OEC’s Guiding Principles in implementing Early Start CT

1. Put children and families at the center of the early care and education (ECE) system
2. Invest in and support the ECE workforce by providing greater financial stability to programs
3. Develop a high-quality, mixed-delivery early care and education system that is responsive to Connecticut’s needs and maximizes current resources
4. Value local expertise and empower communities to meet their unique needs

Timeline

Early Start CT is being implemented in phases with ongoing opportunity for input.

July 2025 to July 2027

• July 2025: Early Start CT launches
  • Local Governance Partners and their Intermediary begin work supporting Early Start CT”
  • Programs will directly contract with OEC

July 2027 onwards

• All contracts for infant, toddler, and preschool spaces will be awarded through a competitive state-wide RFP process that will be informed by a forthcoming OEC local community needs assessment
• The local community needs assessment will help determine the unique and specific early care and education needs at the local level

What’s next?

We’ll be rolling out more information about Early Start CT on this website in the coming months. Check back for updates and explore our resources.

Learn more about Early Start CT