New Childcare Spaces and Upgraded DSS Phone System

November 19, 2025


 

Thanks to the Early Childhood Education Endowment, an initiative that was passed by the General Assembly in the 2025 legislative session, the expansion of the Early Start CT program in 2026 marks an important step forward in meeting the growing demand for high-quality early childhood care and education across Connecticut.

Beginning in January 2026, up to 1,000 new spaces will be added to the state’s Early Start CT program, expanding access to affordable early learning opportunities for more families. In addition, the state will increase provider payments by up to 8% to help offset operational costs and support higher staff compensation. The endowment supports the governor’s initiative to implement the largest expansion of early childhood education services in Connecticut’s history. We are thrilled about this program and the tremendous benefits it will bring to children, families, and communities across the state.

Early Start CT is a state-funded early care and education program serving income-eligible families with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. The program is administered by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC).

To support this expansion, OEC will soon launch a Request for Applications (RFA) for child care providers interested in offering Early Start CT spaces. The RFA will be open to child care centers, group child care homes, family child care homes, and public school preschool classrooms throughout the state.

Click here for more information on Early Start CT.

Upgraded DSS Phone System

The Department of Social Services (DSS) has successfully launched a new streamlined and user-friendly experience for callers with an upgraded phone system. 

The Benefits Center phone number has not changed.  Customers still contact DSS at 1-855-6-CONNECT (1-855-626-6632). ​ 

The new system includes: 

  • A simplified phone menu designed to help customers reach the right service
  • A self-service experience for checking case status and benefit information 

Customers who enter their Client ID when calling will benefit from a customized service and be routed to the correct call queue. Additionally, for those who prefer to self-serve, the system now allows them to: 

  • Check if DSS has received their documents and when they were reviewed
  • View their case status and, if active, access benefit details 

Customers now have access to call-back options, allowing them to: 

  • Save their place in line, or
  • Schedule a call at a time that works best for them 

Food Assistance

Local food pantries across the state are providing essential assistance to those in need and are also seeking donations to help meet the growing demand.

Click here to find food programs and services available through 211 Connecticut. You can also call 2-1-1, or 1-800-203-1234.

Click here to find a Connecticut Foodshare food pantry or mobile food pantry.

For those neighbors who are not struggling please consider making a monetary donation or even donating your time. Click here to volunteer and/or donate to Connecticut Foodshare. 

Community Events

It's that time of year to send your letters to Santa! East Hartford children may drop their letters off to the Parks & Recreation main office (50 Chapman Place, lower level) from November 17 to December 12 to guarantee a response. Letters will be sent to the North Pole and children will get a reply!

Letters must contain the child's name and complete mailing address and letters must be dropped off. No phone or email requests are accepted. 

Call 860-291-7160 with any questions

Business Hours:
Monday - Wednesday: 8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.
Thursday: 8:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M.
Friday: 8:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

Click here for more information and to register to adopt a resident.