Connecticut
Working families in Connecticut need accessible, affordable, quality child care and early learning opportunities for their children.
Currently, federal and state early learning programs reach thousands of young children and their families in Connecticut. But too many working families in Connecticut are missing out. As a direct result of child care issues, the Connecticut economy loses millions of dollars each year in the form of lost earnings, productivity, and revenue.
There are 221K children ages 5 and under in Connecticut – 71% of these children have all available parents in the workforce.
The typical annual cost of child care for an infant in Connecticut is around $18,000.
The Child Care and Development Block Grant only reaches 10% of eligible families in Connecticut. (This federal program helps low-income parents afford child care.)
On average, child care providers in Connecticut earn just $34,340 a year; this can make it a challenge to recruit and retain this workforce, leading to supply issues.
Connecticut’s economy loses $1.5B annually due to child care challenges
Connecticut: In The Headlines
Opinion: CT’s child care system a necessary investment. ‘Life for families has changed drastically’
CT Insider | aPRIL 23, 2025
Affordable early childhood education is critical to supporting working families, helping businesses to meet their employment needs, and growing our state’s economy.
Opinion: CT can’t afford to ignore our child care crisis
CT Mirror | fEBRUARY 14, 2025
For countless Connecticut families struggling to pay for child care that ranks among the most expensive in the nation, the chance at a free or affordable preschool seat certainly offers a welcome measure of relief.
Recent study shows pre-K enrollments provide lasting benefits for parents
NBC Connecticut | August 12, 2025
If you have a child in a pre-K program, you may have more money in your pocket. A recent study shows there are lasting benefits for parents and their careers with pre-K enrollment.
Connecticut Resources & News
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