What is the Parent Cabinet?
The CT OEC Parent Cabinet is a diverse, parent-led 15-member statutory advisory committee to OEC (P.A. 23-160, Sec. 40). It was co-created by a design committee of parent and community leaders from 2019-2021 to center parent voice directly in the agency. There are 2 to 3 members representing 1 of 6 DCF regions of the state (according to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) map). Members meet regularly to share local outreach themes, here from OEC and inform OEC to help improve. All parents receive compensation for their time and expertise to help the state. When we use the term parent, we mean all who care and raise children in a parenting role. Parent Cabinet members help create a feedback loop to the local level in their regions to connect and listen to local Parent Ambassadors, Parent Groups, Community Groups, and others.
To learn more about how the Parent Cabinet was co-created see the co-creation history page.
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.
Parent Cabinet members in this role will:
- Connect with and listen to local Parent Ambassadors, parent groups, Community organizations to elevate common needs of families from all backgrounds from across Connecticut to OEC, and increase awareness on OEC and other state resources
- Partner with OEC to incorporate parent voice, strengthen parent leadership and inform how to form authentic partnerships with its members
- Advise OEC on how to act to improve its programs, policies, laws, initiatives, and communication for young children and their families
- Increase their own knowledge of early childhood supports and strengthen their leadership skills
Learn more on the check out our roles and responsibilities page
Watch a video about the Parent Cabinet
Learn more about the Inaugural parent cabinet members, now Alumni on the Alumni page.
Overview of 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 — check out our Newsletters, Data, Plans, and Reports page.
Recent newsletters, plans, and reports
See below a snapshot of recent communication materials published. To see more — check out our Newsletters, Data, Plans, and Reports page.
| Recent Parent Cabinet Materials |
| Co-Creation of a State Agency Parent Cabinet Toolkit |
| Newsletter-Issue 2 (January-June 2025) English Spanish |
The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) is proud to share a new resource for agencies and organizations committed to authentic family engagement and parent leadership. Our Co-Creating a State Agency Parent Cabinet Toolkit offers practical guidance, lessons learned, and tools to support the co-creation of parent leadership advisory bodies.
Check out the Toolkit and more on the Co-Creation History page.
Questions? Contact OEC.ParentCabinet@ct.gov
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 to invite them to a community event or share common community feedback- use the map below or choose your town from the dropdown list. You can also learn more about our current members.
Parent Cabinet leadership and support
The OEC Parent Cabinet has no co-chairs. It is supported by the Parent Cabinet Coordinator, Chenae Russell.
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.