CT Early Childhood Alliance Honors Branford State Rep. With Friend of Early Childhood Award

BRANFORD, CT — The CT Early Childhood Alliance recently presented State Representative Robin Comey (D-Branford) with the Friend of Early Childhood Award at Duck Pond Learning Center. This award was in recognition of Rep. Comey's commitment and advocacy of young children.

"Throughout my career I have advocated for high-quality affordable early care and education," Comey said. "As a policymaker, I was thrilled to bring a state-wide focus to provide groundbreaking investments in early childhood education."

Comey noted that the CT Early Childhood Alliance has been a "key partner with us in this work."

"I’m honored to receive this acknowledgement and I will continue working to ensure every child and family has access to high-quality, affordable early care and education—because when our children thrive, our communities and economy do too.," the state representative said.

As a member of both the Committee on Children and the Education Committee, Rep. Comey is focused on the nurturing, education, and care of young children. She is also a key member of the legislature's Early Childhood Caucus.

"The Branford early childhood community is proud of Representative Robin Comey for receiving The Friend of Early Childhood Award," said Amy Donegan, Director at Duck Pond Learning Center.

During the 2025 legislative session, Rep. Comey was a co-sponsor and helped lead passage of HB 5003: An Act Concerning Childhood Care and Education and also supported SB 1 which establishes the Early Childhood Education Endowment, an investment that aims to provide free and affordable, high-quality child care across the state.

"Along with her recent work at the legislative level, Rep. Comey was a lifeline during the challenging times navigating COVID-19 in the early childhood community," Donegan said. "Rep. Comey worked diligently with local early childhood educators as our voice and to make sure that we were well-prepared to run successful programs during uncertain times."

CT Early Childhood Alliance is a membership organization of over 80 businesses, non-profits, research organizations, and more, whose mission is to improve outcomes for young children and their families and caregivers in the areas of education, health, and economic security.

"Representative Comey has been a long-time advocate on early childhood issues and has taken that passion and dedication to the Capitol," Executive Director of the CT Early Childhood Alliance, Merrill Gay, said. "It is our pleasure to present this Friend of Early Childhood Award to her in recognition of her continued commitment."