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
More than half of parents with young children in Connecticut struggle affording basic needs, according to new study
Fox 61 | September 19, 2025
Parkerson says child care was one of the most significant concerns that parents have, with many being forced to work part-time or not at all to care for their children, and slashing their household income.
Finding child care in Connecticut is like ‘the wild, wild West,’ some say
CT Insider | September 9, 2025
For many Connecticut families, child care has become less and less affordable and accessible.
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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FFYF Releases State Fact Sheets, Highlighting Unique Local Landscapes
This summer, FFYF released updated state fact sheets, which draw on numerous data sources to offer details about the early childhood opportunities in each state made possible through federal and state …
Connecticut: Federal Support for Early Learning & Care Opportunities
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