HARTFORD –Gov. Ned Lamont has proposed the largest expansion of preschool access in Connecticut history, enabling thousands of additional children to enroll in high-quality, early childhood education services, which have been unattainable for many families.
“I want Connecticut to lead on early childhood education, and that means making preschool affordable and accessible for all of our kids,” Lamont said. “Access to early childhood services is massively important to the state’s success, not only because these programs provide valuable tools for children that will lead them to professional achievements in the future, but also because being able to enroll your child in care right now means that parents can join the workforce and earn an income that supports their family.”
The governor’s proposal, which was highlighted in Lamont’s budget address, includes depositing a portion of the state’s anticipated surpluses over the next several years into a brand-new fund known as the Universal Preschool Endowment. The endowment will be seeded by $300 million from the fiscal year 2025 surplus, and in the following years any unappropriated surpluses from the General Fund will continue to be transferred into it.
The endowment would be managed by the treasurer’s office, and the commissioner of the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood may expend up to 10% of the balance of the endowment in any fiscal year.
The proposed use of the endowment aims to expand affordable preschool options for families by:
- Making preschool available at no cost to families earning up to $100,000 per year
- Limiting the cost-share for families earning between $100,000 per year and $150,000 per year to a maximum of $20 per day
- Creating 20,000 new preschool spaces by 2032
- Reducing the cost to families for approximately 19,000 existing preschool spaces; and
Being simple, easy to access, and flexible to meet family needs.
“It (the endowment fund) will stabilize the early care and education industry by increasing compensation for teachers and staff,” Connecticut Early Childhood Commissioner Beth Bye said. “This investment builds on the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Child Care, which brought together voices from across child care providers, businesses, government, and parents to provide a roadmap to guide ongoing investments in early education.”
Walter Gilliam, executive director of the Buffet Early Childhood Institute, believes such a fund would make Connecticut a leader in establishing universal preschool.
“Governor Lamont’s proposal for universal preschool will make Connecticut a national leader among states because of its comprehensive approach to supporting children and families,” said Gilliam. “It supports early learning and allows working families the ability to work. The focus on quality of care and options that meet family needs also stands out.”
The proposal, House Bill 6867, has been referred to the Education Committee.
