CT SB00006

Office of Early Childhood designated as lead agency for administering the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (42 USC 1766), with requirements to annually advertise the program to non-participating child care providers

Connecticut Smart Start grant program expanded to include kindergarten preparatory academies, with capital grants increased from $75,000 to $105,000 per classroom and operating grants increased from $5,000 to $7,000 per child or $75,000 to $105,000 per classroom

Department of Education required to develop guidance by July 1, 2026 for kindergarten preparatory academies serving children who turn five after September 1st and are ineligible for regular kindergarten enrollment

Municipal day camps now require youth camp licensing from the Office of Early Childhood, removing the previous exemption for programs operated by municipal agencies

Help Me Grow program expanded to provide trainings and support to teenage parents in communities with teen birth rates exceeding 10%, and to serve children referred to but found ineligible for the birth-to-three early intervention program