Connecticut is making an additional investment of approximately $320 million into Connecticut’s recently established Early Childhood Education Endowment.
The Endowment functions as a permanent funding source dedicated to strengthening Connecticut’s early childhood education system.
The Comptroller's Office credits the 2026 budget for being able to set aside this year’s investment, combined with last year’s initial investment of $300 million.
The funding can be used to support workforce initiatives, quality improvement efforts, provider business operations and sustainability, facilities construction and renovation investments, and other system-building strategies for early childhood education across the state.
Beginning in July 2027, eligible families are expected to begin benefiting from no cost or reduced-cost early childhood education opportunities supported through the endowment.
Eligible families enrolled in state-funded childcare spaces through the Early Start CT program who earn up to $100,000 annually will have access to childcare at no cost, while family contributions above that threshold will be capped at no more than 7% of the household income.
