Simmons Launches Stamford Early Childhood Scholars Initiative To Provide Tuition Aid For Families

STAMFORD, CT — Mayor Caroline Simmons and Stamford Early Childhood Education Coordinator D’Naysha Brown this week announced the launch of the Stamford Early Childhood Scholars Initiative, a new scholarship program designed to support families facing financial hardship while strengthening the city’s licensed early childhood education programs.

An announcement from Simmons' office says the initiative will provide tuition assistance scholarships to eligible families with children enrolled in licensed early childhood programs in Stamford that do not receive Early Start CT funding.

Scholarship funds will be sent directly to participating child care providers, helping families maintain stable, high-quality care during times of financial strain.

In addition to scholarship funding, participating early childhood programs will receive one-to-one consultations with the city’s early childhood coordinator, along with access to local resources and in-person support to help programs better serve families and sustain operations.

"Every child in Stamford deserves a strong start, and every family deserves support when unexpected challenges arise," Simmons said in an announcement. "The Stamford Early Childhood Scholars Initiative helps ensure that financial hardship does not disrupt access to high-quality early learning, while also strengthening the child care providers our families rely on every day."

Brown said the initiative "reflects a collaborative approach to supporting families and providers."

"By combining financial assistance with individualized support and local resources, we are strengthening Stamford’s early childhood system and ensuring that every child has the chance to thrive," Brown added.

Eligible families must submit a completed scholarship application, including a written explanation of financial hardship, a signed release of information form, and supporting documentation.

Applications must be submitted by 6 p.m.. on Friday, Jan. 23; incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.

Program directors are responsible for submitting completed applications on behalf of families to the City’s Early Childhood Coordinator. If program providers are unable to assist families with the application, families can work with the intake team who will be at the fourth floor cafeteria at the Stamford Government Center on Thursday, Jan. 15, and Friday, Jan. 16, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Questions may be directed to Brown at dbrown@stamfordct.gov.