Advancing equity is a priority for the health and development of all young children
The Office of Early Childhood (OEC) is dedicated to:
- Removing barriers for historically disenfranchised people and communities
- Building on the strengths of these people and communities
- Ensuring fair access to OEC resources
- Working to dismantle systemic racism that may be embedded within policies and practices affecting all aspects of early childhood
Our focus on equity will ensure OEC can achieve its vision: that all young children in Connecticut are safe, healthy, learning, and thriving community members.
How we meet our goals
Partnering with communities
Dismantling inequities requires that we work with with historically disenfranchised communities. OEC:
- Listens to families, providers, and community stakeholders
- Works together to identify what works, what doesn’t, and what’s needed
- Elevates community voices
- Applies what we learn to improve current policies, practices, programs and resources
Working with families and child care providers
We ensure parents and providers have the tools they need to raise inclusive, empathetic children who are knowledgeable about issues of race. Research shows that providing these tools and supports early — even before a baby is born — can have long-lasting benefits across generations.
The parent cabinet — a diverse, parent-led advisory group to OEC — gives families across Connecticut a say in the laws and policies that directly affect their families. Learn more about the Parent Cabinet.
Taking an anti-racist stance in our work
Awareness, accountability, and responsibility are at the heart of OEC’s commitment to advance equity in all aspects of our early childhood partnerships, policies, and programs. We have diverse committees within the organization that engage in both internal and external work to achieve these goals.