Connecticut Launches Endowment to Strengthen Early Childhood Education

In a major step toward strengthening early childhood education, the State of Connecticut has created an Endowment to fund programs that support families and child care providers over time.

The Early Childhood Education Endowment launched this month and offers up to $36 million in funding for its first year. It works as a permanent savings account and will grow over time.

The Endowment represents a long-term commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable early care system in the state.

Boost for providers and families in Connecticut

The Endowment will be a funding source for the Office of Early Childhood’s (OEC) initiatives like Early Start CT, Smart Start, and other programs. Through these programs, the Endowment will help:

• Offer free child care (and more low-cost options) to families (starting in July 2027)
• Build and renovate child care facilities
• Raise wages for child care workers and improve OEC payment rates to providers

Benefits will roll out over time

Some funding from the Endowment will have an effect starting this fall. Other benefits will take effect later — like free and  lower-cost child care, which begins in July, 2027.  

Learn more

• Get more details about the Early Childhood Education Endowment on our website and in this fact sheet for providers
• Get more details about our newest program — which will be funded by the Endowment — Early Start CT