Bill > HB06840

This bill requires the Office of Early Childhood to conduct an annual comprehensive study of child care services throughout the state, starting January 1, 2026. The study must detail the number and location of child care centers and homes, including the total number of slots available for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children, and specify which slots are filled, open, subsidized, or unsubsidized. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Commissioner of Early Childhood develop a plan to address child care service shortages for low-income families, using the findings from the annual study. The plan must include strategies for identifying families in need, increasing the number of subsidized child care slots, and ensuring low-income families can access these slots. Both the study results and the child care service plan must be submitted to the legislative committees responsible for children and appropriations by January 1, 2026, with annual updates thereafter. The bill becomes effective on July 1, 2025, and aims to improve understanding and accessibility of child care services for families in the state.

Budget and Finance, Education

Committee on Children

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB06840&which_year=2025