By D.M. Livingston

Published Nov. 18, 2025 4:19 a.m.

WATERBURY, CT — Connecticut is taking a major step toward transforming early childhood education. In June 2025, Governor Ned Lamont and state legislative leaders approved the Early Childhood Education Endowment, a landmark investment that represents the largest expansion of early childhood education access in state history.

The endowment will function as a permanent savings account dedicated to funding early childhood programs across Connecticut. Money invested now will grow over time, helping the state sustain and expand programs that support young learners for decades to come. The initiative includes clear milestones, spending rules, and an advisory board responsible for ensuring transparency, accountability, and long-term stability.

To help families, providers, and community members understand how the new endowment will work, the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) is hosting a series of public listening sessions throughout November — including an in-person session here in Waterbury.

Read more of local education matters

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Upcoming Listening Sessions

The OEC will hold four sessions, including one virtual Spanish-only meeting, and three in-person events. Residents are invited to attend, learn more about the endowment, and ask questions about how the funding will shape early childhood education in their communities.

📅 Thursday, November 6

Virtual (Spanish Only) — Zoom
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM

📅 Wednesday, November 12 — New Haven

Dr. Reginald Mayo Early Learning Center
185 Goffe Street, New Haven, CT
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM

📅 Tuesday, November 18 — Waterbury

North End Recreation Center
268 N Main St, Waterbury, CT
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
🍕 Pizza and salad will be served.

📅 Thursday, November 20 — Norwalk

Norwalk City Hall, Community Room
125 East Ave, Norwalk, CT
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
🍕 Pizza and salad available.

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What the Endowment Aims to Do

The Early Childhood Education Endowment is part of Connecticut’s commitment to expanding Early Start CT and strengthening the entire early childhood system. The investment intends to:

• Increase access to early childhood education statewide
• Reduce waitlists for infant, toddler, and preschool programs
• Provide stable long-term funding for providers
• Support families with more affordable, high-quality early learning options
• Improve workforce conditions for early educators

The OEC says it is committed to listening directly to families and providers as the state shapes how the funding will be used in the coming years.

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Learn More / Register

To register for any session or for updates on the Early Childhood Education Endowment, visit:

👉 ctoec.org/early-childhood-education-endowment

Attendees at in-person events will be provided pizza and salad.