CT SB00266

Private equity entities are prohibited from receiving Early Childhood Education Endowment funds until all other eligible early care and education programs have been funded first

"Private equity entity" is defined as any individual or company (publicly or non-publicly traded) that collects capital investments and purchases direct or indirect ownership shares in early care and education programs

Eligible programs must receive Early Start CT financial assistance, participate in the Office of Early Childhood quality improvement system, and participate in the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program

Waivers from the Child and Adult Care Food Program requirement may be granted by the Commissioner of Early Childhood, and public school preschools offering free/reduced lunches are exempt from this requirement

Effective date: July 1, 2026