CT SB00937

Office of Higher Education, in collaboration with Office of Early Childhood, administers an early childhood educator loan reimbursement grant program beginning fiscal year 2021.

Eligible recipients must be employed at a licensed child care center with annual salary less than $50,000 and hold either an associate or bachelor's degree with concentration in early childhood education from a regionally accredited institution approved by the Board of Regents and Office of Early Childhood.

Annual grants reimburse up to 10 percent of federal or state educational loans, with maximum reimbursement of $5,000 per year for a period not exceeding 10 years.

Reimbursement continues only while recipients maintain employment eligibility requirements at licensed child care centers.

Unexpended appropriated funds do not lapse at fiscal year-end but carry forward for expenditure in the next fiscal year; program takes effect July 1, 2019.