The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood

National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week (November 17-23) spotlights the needs of those dealing with housing insecurity. Connecticut State Department of Education is committed to dealing with housing issues through the federal McKinney-Vento Act, protecting the right to an education for all children and youth, no matter what. Learn more here on how to find a McKinney-Vento liaison, get answers, or access our tool kit to spread the word: https://lnkd.in/gFYAgqr7

The Office of Early Childhood is celebrating over 200 Elevate Member+ providers who have taken the steps they need to move their programs forward! ?? ? Join in and learn how you can become a Member+ program yourself by visiting ctoec.org/elevate.

Submitting your renewal for Elevate Member+ is easier than ever! Now through portal 360 you can review your last Program Plan, make updates and submit! Do it by Nov 20th and get a $1,480 bonus. ? Use the money for anything that improves your program—like teacher training, family engagement activities, or enhancing your program’s environment. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3NAAqjw

On October 29, the OEC and Governor Ned Lamont brought together state leaders and early childhood experts at the State Capitol’s Legislative Building for an event, titled “Shaping Connecticut’s Tomorrow: A Conversation with Early Childhood Leaders.” This event focused on the critical nature of the early years, with discussions built upon the Blue Ribbon Panel goals to drive positive policy and system changes for children and families. Following a keynote speech from Ellen Galinsky, attendees heard an insightful panel discussion between Galinsky and early childhood experts Michelle Kang and Dr. Barbara Cooper, moderated by Governor Ned Lamont. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/egw94D8d

Spread the word! ?? Licensed child care programs are eligible for a $1480 BONUS when they renew or apply for Member+ status in Elevate, Connecticut’s Quality Improvement Program, by November 20th. Develop an Elevate Program plan and submit via the OEC 360 Provider Portal—this is a new system that is a mobile-friendly, easy-to-use way for you to share your plans with OEC. Submit today: https://lnkd.in/eeNjmEn8 Not sure where to start?? Check out the step by step direction for developing your program plan: https://lnkd.in/e7ecasuU Reach out to the service navigator in your region or attend an office hours session: https://lnkd.in/eeNzF4PM Don't miss out!!

Parents, Families, and Caregivers, don’t miss the first of the Connecticut State Department of Education's Virtual House Calls series! In Part 1 you'll learn key insights into child development, tips for addressing challenging behaviors, advice on promoting overall family wellness, and more!

Calling all families and child care providers ?? ?? Share your voice at an upcoming Care 4 Kids listening session! This is a great opportunity to share your thoughts on the current Care 4 Kids services and program rules, and the development of new program rules. Your feedback will guide important changes and updates to make the program better for everyone! Learn more and register at?https://lnkd.in/e3gPXysu

This past Thursday I had the honor of being a part of this wonderful announcement from the The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood and Governor Lamont to increase access, affordability and reduce benefit cliffs around Child Care in CT! ?? I was joined by two of our Fathers on the Parent Cabinet at the Enfield Child Development Center! ?? —> Care 4 Kids, the state subsidy, will be capping the family fee to 7% effective January 1, 2025, a savings of $200 a month and effective October 1st 2024 families who get an increase in pay will remain on Care 4 Kids until their household income reaches 85% of the state median income from the prior 65% which will help reduce benefit cliffs families often face!! —>Also there will be an additional 900 state funded early care and education slots added! ?????????? Such a huge win for CT Families!! As someone who received Care 4 kids in the past I know how huge this is for families! #Care4kids #childcare #access #affordability #benefitcliff

Please join us virtually on Thursday, September 26, from 1:00pm-2:30pm to take part in OEC’s webinar: A Path Forward: Creating A Climate that Promotes Success for All. September generally marks the beginning of a new school year, offering an opportunity to set a tone and climate for the year. For our September webinar, we will focus on creating an environment where all children and adults can reach their full potential. Our goal of this webinar is to provide strategies for promoting positive, enriching, and culturally aware environments; share information about services that are available when challenges present; and support for providers and families as needed. Register today: https://lnkd.in/eJKUravr

Today, in advance of Suicide Prevention Month, Wheeler’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Sabrina Trocchi, PhD, MPA, joined state leaders, community providers, and parents for a special roundtable discussion, “Protecting Our Youth: A Community Approach to Suicide Prevention,” convened by Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. Participants provided unique perspectives, highlighting ways in which their organizations are addressing the issue. Sabrina provided an overview of Wheeler’s Mobile Crisis Intervention Services and described how the program serves youth and their families in Central Connecticut. If you, a youth in your care, or a loved one are in crisis and would like to speak with someone from a local crisis team, call 2-1-1, and press “1” to be connected to the Mobile Crisis Intervention Services team serving your town or city. If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or need emotional support, call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at “9-8-8.” Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Connecticut Department of Public Health, Connecticut State Department of Children & Families, The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, Connecticut State Department of Education, Office of the Child Advocate #teamwork