Connecticut Budget Boosted Early Childhood Education Fund to $620 Million

• Governor Lamont signed a fiscal year 2027 budget adding $320 million to Connecticut’s Early Childhood Education Endowment, bringing the fund’s total to $620 million

• The endowment was established in 2025 as a permanent funding source to expand access to quality early learning programs statewide

• State Democrats pushed for the expanded investment, arguing a permanent endowment is the most effective long-term approach to affordable child care

Credit: FatCamera / Canva

Connecticut’s Early Childhood Education Endowment, a permanent fund designed to expand access to quality child care and early learning programs across the state, grew to $620 million this week after the governor signed a fiscal year 2027 budget that added $320 million to the fund.

The endowment was established in 2025 as a permanent funding source for the state’s early childhood education system. An initial $300 million investment seeded the fund last year, according to the governor’s office.

Sen. Ceci Maher, D-Wilton, Senate Chair of the legislature’s Committee on Children, praised the investment as a necessary response to financial pressures facing Connecticut families.

“We’re all struggling in a cost-of-living crisis, and we need to take action to prevent that crisis from further escalating costs for all of us,” Maher said. “We’re working to provide needed support to our schools and our municipalities, as well as renewing our commitments to health care and child care aid, with the intent of benefitting the residents of our state.”

Gov. Ned Lamont said the investment reflected his belief that early education produces lasting benefits for children, families, and the broader economy.

“Having the ability to enroll children in these opportunities means that parents will have greater ability to join the workforce and earn an income that supports their family,” Lamont said.

The fund was designed to tackle persistent problems in Connecticut’s child care market, including unaffordable costs, scarce availability, and chronic underpayment of early educators. Starting in July 2027, families enrolled in state-funded child care earning up to $100,000 annually will have access to care at no cost. Contributions from families earning more will be capped at 7% of household income.

By Michelle Rappaport