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2023-R-0249 November 1, 2023 Page 2 of 5

These contracts provide state financial assistance, within available appropriations, in the form of a grant, for (1) part of the program’s cost, as determined by the OEC commissioner, if the program is not federally assisted; (2) half the amount by which the program’s net cost, as approved by the commissioner, exceeds its federal grant; or (3) an amount at least equal to (a) the per-child cost set in state law for each child age three to five not yet eligible to enroll in school and (b) $13,500 for each child age three or under who is in infant and toddler care and not yet in preschool (CGS § 8- 210(b)).

The child day care programs include (1) full-time and limited part-time care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers and (2) before- and after-school and summer care programs for school age children. They must be (1) OEC-licensed and (2) either a Head Start program or accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Families contribute to program costs based on OEC’s fee schedule.

Head Start and Early Head Start Programs and Services Head Start and Early Head Start are early childhood programs and services for children from birth to age five, pregnant women, and expectant families. The federal government funds these programs through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families. Public schools, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, faith-based institutions, and tribal councils may apply for grants to receive federal Head Start funding. Head Start programs may combine federal, state, and local funding to provide services and must adhere to program requirements once they receive a federal grant award.

In Connecticut, the Connecticut Head Start Association partners with OEC’s Head Start Collaboration office, Head Start program providers, and others to provide early education and child care services, including early learning and development, health and wellness, family well-being, and family engagement programs.

Eligible families must meet federal low-income guidelines and have incomes at or below the federal poverty guidelines (see Table 1 below). Families may also qualify if they participate in (1) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), (2) Supplemental Security Income, or (3) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) services.