Connecticut Completes Final Phase Of Child Care Wage Support Payments

CONNECTICUT — The state's Office of Early Childhood has completed the distribution of $70 million in state funding that was allocated in the most recently enacted state budget for bonus payments to the staff of child care and early childhood education providers.

The initiative, known as Wage Supports for Early Childhood Educators, is intended to help stabilize the child care industry and support its workforce.

Approximately 21,000 early childhood educators and staff statewide are receiving the bonus payments, according to a statement from the Gov. Ned Lamont's Office issued Wednesday.

The funding was distributed in two phases. The first phase totaled $15 million and was completed in the fall of 2022. The second and final phase totaled $55 million and was completed this month. Payments were made by the state to the operators of the child care and early childhood education providers, which had to apply for the funding and then are responsible for distributing the bonus payments to their staff.

The final phase includes a guaranteed per-person bonus payment based on the hours child care staff work. Full-time employees receive a $1,700 base payment and part-time employees receive a $650 base payment. Staff and programs can receive additional funds based on meeting specific criteria, such as certain Office of Early Childhood licensing, accreditation, and program participation in the Care 4 Kids program.

"Connecticut recognizes that the early care and education workforce is a vital part of our education and workforce system," said Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Commissioner Beth Bye said. "They support our youngest learners and their families every day. These funds are designed to help to retain early education staff and enhance their wages that are well below other education professionals."