State Budget

Two weeks ago Governor Lamont delivered his annual ‘State of the State’ address, praising child care educators for their role during the pandemic — but offering no new child care funding. This comes at a time when providers’ expenses are up, enrollment is down, parents can’t pay full tuition, and there is no more pandemic relief in sight. 

Fortunately the Governor’s budget is only the first step in a months-long process. Legislators are reviewing his proposals and hearing from the public. Educators like Katherine Lantigua, Owner/Director of KColorful Daycare in Bridgeport, are testifying about the budget’s impact on families and educators, and communicating with the Governor and state legislators to request $700 million in new state child care funding. The money would be used to improve Care4Kids rates and educators’ compensation next year and serve as a first step in a five-year proposal to expand child care for all Connecticut families.

This is a moment of extraordinary opportunity! It will take every educator and parent across the state to persuade elected officials to invest in child care. Here's what you can do to take action:

Eliminating Housing and Zoning Discrimination Against Home-Based Educators



All Our Kin is working to pass a state bill that will strengthen protections for family and group child care programs. If you have experienced challenges with a landlord or housing and zoning and would like to share your story, please reach out to Jade at [email protected]

Come Together to Discuss All Our Kin’s Response

Please join us on February 28th from 6:30-8 pm, as educators from New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk, Danbury and Hartford come together on Zoom to discuss All Our Kin’s response to the proposed state budget.

New COVID Guidance

As of February 15th, the vaccination and testing requirement for child care facilities is no longer in effect. Starting March 1st, the Office of Early Childhood will no longer require mask wearing for children and child care staff. The OEC will continue to issue guidance to programs based on the recommendations of the CT Department of Public Health and the CDC. 

CT Legislative Forum

The CT Early Childhood Alliance held a legislative forum on February 7th to talk with state policymakers about Connecticut’s early care and education industry. We’re proud to recognize family child care educator, Nichelle Waddell, who spoke about her experience trying to serve families in Stamford. Check out the recording here. Nichelle’s remarks start at the 18 minute mark.

Apply for Free Internet Access!

With the support of the CT Office of Early Childhood, All Our Kin is looking to help provide Hotspot Internet devices to family child care educators in Connecticut, through the GEER project. If you have not received a hotspot device already and would like to apply, please fill out this form: Fill out this survey to apply today! 

For more information, contact Molly at [email protected] or at 203-876-8000.