CT HB06899

Establishes an early childhood care and education salary enhancement grant program, effective July 1, 2025, administered by the Office of Early Childhood to pay annual grants to programs based on the difference between employees' base salaries (as of December 31, 2024) and the state compensation schedule, plus a $7,500 benefits amount per employee.

Family child care homes receive annual salary enhancement grants of $20,000 per licensee, $6,000 per full-time assistant or substitute staff member, and $3,000 per part-time assistant or substitute staff member.

Requires all employees of early childhood care and education programs to be paid according to the state compensation schedule beginning July 1, 2025, unless their current salary exceeds the scheduled amount.

Mandates the Commissioner of Early Childhood develop program administration policy by October 1, 2025, including eligibility criteria, registration process, and grant distribution requirements.

Requires the Office of Early Childhood to amend the compensation schedule by January 1, 2026 to include employees of early childhood care and education programs, covering child care centers, group child care homes, private preschools, and Early Start CT programs.