What is the Parent Cabinet?
The CT OEC Parent Cabinet is a diverse, parent-led 15 member statutory statewide advisory committee to OEC (P.A. 23-160, Sec. 40). It meets regularly to help advise the agency on how to make improvements in the lives of children and families across the state. There are 2 to 3 members representing a region of the state (according to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) map). When we use the term parent we mean all who care and raise children in a parenting role.
To build strong connections, listen intentionally, and partner with Connecticut families of young children, communities, and OEC to incorporate the expertise of all parents throughout the early childhood system to ensure family-driven equitable policies and programs.
We represent parents across Connecticut
Parent Cabinet members are a vital part of the feedback loop to the local level in their regions to local Parent Ambassadors, Parent Groups, Community Groups, and others to provide insight on OEC initiatives, programs and services as well as elevating up parent voice to the state level to inform state decisions and policies that affect families.
Parent Cabinet members in this role:
- Advise OEC on how to improve its programs, policies, and laws related to young children and their families
- Elevate the needs of families from all backgrounds from across Connecticut — from parents and others — so they’re heard at the highest levels of state government
- Help OEC form lasting and effective partnerships with its members
- Increase awareness around OEC services and supports
- Increase their own knowledge of early childhood supports and further develop their leadership skills
Overview of our impact
- Gave feedback on the Blue Ribbon Panel on Child Care to shape a 5-year plan for child care in CT
- Served on advisory panels, like the Birth to Three System Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC), OEC Strategic Planning External Steering Committee, the Early Childhood Cabinet, the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Child Care, and more.
- Presented or spoken at multiple local and national conferences to date.
To see more of our impact — and learn more about our current members — check out our membership page.
CT OEC Parent Cabinet Newsletters
| Date | Materials |
| Winter 2025 | |
| 2024 | English Spanish Portuguese Hindi Haitian Creole |
Watch a video about the Parent Cabinet
Connect with your Parent Cabinet representative
Have questions or suggestions for the Cabinet? To find the parents serving your area to send them an email, use the map below or choose your town from the dropdown list. You can also learn more about our current members.
Parent Cabinet news and updates
Want to learn more? Would you like a Parent Cabinet member to attend a meeting you’re hosting?
Contact us at OEC.ParentCabinet@ct.gov. We’ll respond in 1-2 business days.