Investing in the Early Years: A Great Return for Kids and for Connecticut (March 2008)

Cyd Oppenheimer, J.D.

The early childhood years are a time of rapid cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and motor development. However, Connecticut's funding for infant and toddler care does not adequately address parents' needs for high-quality care, and the state's funding for preschool expansion is insufficient and does not take into account the obstacles to growth -- in particular the need for reliable, increased reimbursement rates for under-funded child care providers. Connecticut can improve quality and access to its early care system by: increasing funding for Care4Kids child care subsidies; adequately funding initiatives like State-Funded Child Development Centers, Head Start and School Readiness; enacting paid family leave; and investing in professional development opportunities and other quality enhancement initiatives. (March 2008)

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