Connecticut Office of Early Childhood

09/03/2026

The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood is excited to share a new video introducing the Early Childhood Education Endowment, Connecticut's dedicated, permanent fund supporting high-quality, affordable early childhood care and a strong early childhood workforce, so every child and family can get the care they deserve.

Watch our video today to learn more:

08/31/2026

A great week of learning, connecting, and thinking together at the Early Childhood Education Funding Design Institute hosted by the Center for Early Learning Funding Equity (CELFE)!

Grateful to have members of our OEC team participate alongside our partners Jennifer Putetti of the CT Office of the Treasurer, Merrill Gay of the Early Childhood Alliance, and Eva Bermudez Zimmerman of Child Care for CT.

There is so much value in stepping away from the day-to-day to learn together, challenge our thinking, and bring new ideas back to Connecticut. Even better when we get to do it alongside partners who are equally committed to strengthening our early childhood system. 💙

08/20/2026

What changes when we view challenging behavior as communication?

Part 2 of our “Reframing Behavior” webinar continues the conversation with practical ways early childhood providers, caregivers, and families can understand behavior and respond in ways that support children’s social and emotional development.

️▶️ Watch the recording: s.uconn.edu/piec-ll-2
▶️ Explore the full series: s.uconn.edu/pyr-playlist



Connecticut Office of Early Childhood National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations Pyramid Model Consortium

08/14/2026

This month's session Pyramid Model Practice Lunch & Learn from our Parent, Infant & Early Childhood team is happening next week on Tuesday, August 18 at 1:30 PM ET!

The session will focus on strategies that support your regulation, stress, and mental state so that you have the capacity to care for children in a group setting. The social and emotional development of young children starts with the adults around them.

🖥️ August Pyramid Model Practice Lunch & Learn
📅 Tuesday, 8/18, 1:30–2:30 PM ET
🎟️ Register: s.uconn.edu/piec-8-18

Learn more about our PIEC team's work: s.uconn.edu/piec

Connecticut Office of Early Childhood

08/13/2026

We are so proud to see our partners at Eastern CT Family Bridge out in the community for World Breastfeeding Week 2026 (August 1-7). From Mohegan Park in Norwich and around the Eastern CT region, their team joined local families, community partners, and dedicated advocates to host activities focused on breastfeeding awareness education, support, and resource sharing. This global campaign gets the word out about breastfeeding being a key factor in improving infant and maternal health. Families who take part in the activities surrounding World Breastfeeding Week receive guidance and encouragement in their breastfeeding journey, and new parents enjoy support networks in their communities.

Thank you to the Eastern CT Family Bridge staff and everyone who participated in making these events a success. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier future for families across Eastern Connecticut.

08/04/2026

07/14/2026

📢 New time beginning this month!

Based on feedback from families and caregivers, our Parent, Infant & Early Childhood (PIEC) team is moving the Pyramid Practice Lunch & Learn to a new time that better aligns with toddler and preschool nap/rest schedules.

Join us Thursday next week to explore practical strategies for supporting young children's social and emotional development through play.

🖥️ July Pyramid Model Practice Lunch & Learn
📅 Thursday, July 23 | 1:30–2:30 PM ET
🎟️ Register: s.uconn.edu/piec-7-23
✳️ Already registered? No action needed—your registration will automatically transfer!

Connecticut Office of Early Childhood

07/01/2026

The Office of Early Childhood is excited to share that Governor Ned Lamont is directing $411.7 million in state surplus funding into the Connecticut Early Childhood Education Endowment; the endowment’s total value is now more than $700 million. The Endowment will expand child care spaces statewide, make care more affordable for families, support early childhood educator compensation, strengthen program quality, and expand access, among other initiatives. This new funding will help make all of these goals even more possible.

The endowment is administered by the State Treasurer’s office under the leadership of State Treasurer Erick Russell. The fund is guided by an advisory board, tri-chaired by OEC Commissioner Elena Trueworthy, Rep. Kate Farrar, and Sen. Ceci Maher, responsible for helping ensure investments advance the goals of affordability, access, quality, workforce stability, and long-term sustainability.

For more information, read the press release here: https://portal.ct.gov/governor/news/press-releases/2026/06-2026/governor-lamont-directs-surplus-funds-deposited-into-the-early-childhood-education-endowment?language=en_US

06/30/2026

Elevate, CT’s quality improvement system has 3 levels of engagement: Member, Member+, and Member Accredited.

Learn more about Elevate levels 🔗👇https://www.ctoec.org/elevate/membership/.

Requirements and role responsibilities Members of the Parent Cabinet must: As part of their responsibilities, they spend around 72 hours per year on their work : How are members chosen? OEC creates a selection committee — composed of an OEC staff member, parent leader, and community leader — to...

06/25/2026

Play is important for your child’s health and overall development. Running, jumping, and climbing outdoors with your preschooler is a great way to help them take safe risks with movement to improve their motor skills.

Find more ideas for playful learning to engage your child’s learning: ctoec.org/play🤸‍♂️

Play is good for everyone! It helps young brains grow and supports children to learn about themselves, their families and communities, and the broader world. Get involved! When adults support — and join in —children’s play, they can make a big difference in brain development. You can: By takin...