Latest Reports

Date:
March, 2011
Abstract:
The attachments show the current early care and education landscape in Connecticut without a department of early education and the second shows a streamlined, efficient landscape if a department were put in place. The puzzle is still incomplete, as more is discovered to make the picture even more convoluted.
Author:
Senator Beth Bye

Date:
March, 2011
Abstract:
A thought-provoking report by BUILD on the importance of the first few years of a child's life and the rare moment we find ourselves in, with new and innovative thinking and philanthropic foundations uniquely positioned to advance this work.
Author:
Kristie Kauerz, Ed.D. & Abby Thorman, Ph.D, BUILD Initiative

Date:
March, 2011
Abstract:

Author:
Care4Kids Advisory Committee

The meeting minutes for the March 2011 Care4Kids Advisory Committee in Hamden.

Date:
March, 2011
Abstract:

Author:
N/A

The plan describes the Child Care and Development Fund program for 10/1/2011-9/30/2013. This is the draft for public comment.

Also attached is the presentation made by Peter Palermino, Department of Social Services, to the Alliance on 3/3/2011.

Link:
CT Voices for Children: Impact on ECE
Date:
February, 2011
Abstract:

Author:
Cyd Oppenheimer and Annmarie Hillman, CT Voices for Children

Overall, during a year with one of the largest budget deficits, the Governor’s proposed budget does an admirable job of preserving programs, with beginning – but very incomplete – movement towards an integrated early care and education system.
 
Funding proposals to note include:
Proposed increases in funding over FY 11 expenditures for state-funded child care centers, School Readiness competitive school districts, and the Graustein Memorial Fund’s Discovery communities initiative.

Link:
CT Voices Early Childhood Progress Report
Date:
February, 2011
Abstract:

Author:
Cyd Oppenheimer and Annemarie Hillman, CT Voices for Children

A new report by CT Voices for Children finds that progress has already been reversed in early childhood funding in recent years. Some key findings include:

After several years of improvement and expansion in early care and education, the state has recently reversed progress in funding. Overall funding declined by 6.3% between Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010, the first decline since 2004.

Link:
Education Recommendations
Date:
January, 2011
Abstract:
Governor Malloy's transition team met on January 10 to issue final reports in 12 areas, including education and children's services, to make sure the policy-making process was reflective of the many voices in the state. Each gave priortiy initiatives and short- and long-term initiatives. Attached, you will find the document that shows that early care and education is considered a priority. Among the priorities for the 2011 legislative session regarding education -- adopt a plan to achieve universal access to preschool for every 3- and 4-year-old in Connecticut. Priorities to be addressed by 2012/2013 -- developing a statewide student and teacher longitudinal data system for PreK-12 through postsecondary education and pursue a comprehensive campaign to improve parent engagement and support families. Among the 2011 legislative session priorities regarding children's services, to create a Governor's Children's Cabinet, giving the current early care and education advisory committee budgetary authority to blend and braid funding streams across agency programs, include Care 4 Kids in DSS point of entry plan/modernization project and address the reading crisis in the state.
Author:
Governor Malloy's Transition Team

Link:
Parent Engagement Toolkit
Date:
December, 2010
Abstract:
First 5 LA commissioned a toolkit to sustain and improve parent engagement, discuss what success looks like, create a roadmap or checklist, and achieving success.
Author:
First 5 LA and Center for the Study of Social Policy

Link:
Investing in America's Economy
Date:
November, 2010
Abstract:
Strategic public investment The report states A sound fiscal path must acknowledge that public investments are essential for near-term job creation and for the promotion of long-run economic growth. The recession has led to increased levels of unemployment and poverty, while putting downward pressure on wages and family incomes. Targeted investments would strengthen the economy for the future while repairing the infrastructure systems that serve the country. The blueprint details a number of areas where we believe increased investment is not only needed, but would boost long-term growth and productivity. These include: Early childhood education, Quality child care, Infrastructure, Public transit, Rural broadband connectivity and Research and development
Author:
Demos, EPI and The Century Foundation

Link:
BCAC State of the Child Report
Date:
November, 2010
Abstract:

Author:
Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition

Its 25 anniversary report shows that while some gains have been made between Bridgeport's children and the state as a whole, the city failed 15 of 21 indicators on the well-being of the city's children.