This past week marked a milestone moment for Connecticut and for the future of early childhood education in our state: the passage of bold and visionary legislation. As CT Office of Early Childhood Commissioner Beth Bye said, “With this legislation, Connecticut provides an early childhood education model for the nation.”
On Tuesday, June 10th, I had the joy of joining families, providers, advocates, and legislative champions at the State Capitol to celebrate this achievement. We heard from Governor Lamont, Commissioner Bye, Senators Looney, Maher, and McCrory, and Representatives Ferrar and Paris, all of whom played a critical role in shaping this promise to our children and communities.
Throughout the week, I’ve continued to reflect on what this means. One partner put it best: “We won this leg of the race, but this is just the beginning.”
This legislation lays the groundwork for a system where:
- Every family can access affordable, high-quality early care and education from infancy onward;
- Early educators and child care business owners can thrive;
- Parents can fully participate in the workforce without the barrier of inaccessible or unaffordable care.
But to make this vision real, the work of implementation is essential. That means expanding access, helping families easily find and afford care, and ensuring early educators are paid fairly, have healthcare, and can build lasting careers.
When you’re building the first model of its kind in the nation, the responsibility is significant. We must continue to show up: to support, to invest, to expand.
I’m incredibly hopeful. The leaders, educators, and advocates I’ve met over the last five years have shown deep dedication, courage, and creativity, even among immense challenges at the local, state and national levels. Together, we have a historic opportunity to deliver on this promise, not just for today’s families, but for tomorrow’s as well.
– Skye Cornell, Director of Nonprofit Consulting, Social Impact Partners