CT Early Child Care Programs Get A Shot In The Arm

CONNECTICUT — Several changes to Connecticut’s early child care and education programs will result in more children being able to receive access to these programs, while also lowering the associated costs to their parents, Gov. Ned Lamont announced Tuesday.

Effective Jan. 1, 2025, family fees for Care 4 Kids – the state program that supports low to moderate-income families with some of the costs of paying for child care – will be capped at 7 percent of household income, which is down from the current rate of 10 percent. This means that the fees required to participate in Care 4 Kids will decrease for all participating families. On average, it is estimated that this change will save families about $200 per month, according to the Governor's Office.

Lamont made these announcements Tuesday during a news conference at the Enfield Child Development Center.

Additionally, effective immediately, families participating in this program will be able to remain enrolled until their household income reaches 85 percent of the state median income, which is an increase from the current limit of 65 percent. This means that if a parent receives a promotion or pay raise from their employer, it is more likely they can accept the pay increase and not worry that it will prevent their child from continuing to receive this care.

Both of these changes bring Connecticut in alignment with federal requirements and can be implemented using existing federal funds," Lamont said.

An additional 1,500 children will be enrolled in Care 4 Kids, bringing the total number of children served under this program from 21,500 to 23,000, using existing state and federal funding.

In addition to the Care 4 Kids changes, the state is adding 900 new state-funded early care and education spaces for young children through the School Readiness and Child Day Care program by maximizing existing state funds, according to the governor.

Lamont said these changes and their impacts on Connecticut’s workforce and its economy are projected to increase the state’s gross domestic product by $351 million and state revenue by $29.7 million. For every dollar invested in adding these child care slots, there is an expected one-year return of approximately $13.50 in total economic benefits.

These programs are administered by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood.