Changes to Connecticut's Early Childcare and Education Programs

October 10, 2024
Great news for families across Connecticut: Gov. Ned Lamont recently announced several changes to our early childcare and education programs that will expand the number of children able to access these programs while also lowering the costs for parents.
 
Effective Jan. 1, 2025, family fees for Care 4 Kids - the state program supporting low to moderate-income families with the costs of childcare - will be capped at 7% of household income, down from the current rate of 10%. This change is estimated to save parents an average of $200 per month.
 
And effective Oct. 1, 2024, families participating in Care 4 Kids can remain enrolled until their household income reaches 85% of the state median income, an increase from the current limit of 65%. This means parents are less likely to worry about whether accepting a raise at work means they cannot receive childcare assistance anymore.
 
I'm also happy to see the capacity of these programs expanded:
  • An additional 1,500 children will be enrolled in Care 4 Kids using existing state and federal funding
  • An additional 900 children will be added to the School Readiness and Child Day Care program by maximizing existing state funds

Here in Connecticut, we are easing the burden of paying for childcare while expanding who can receive assistance. These changes are a win for parents, children, and our state.