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STATE OF CONNECTICUT TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) STATE PLAN 2021-2023  SECTION A - PART I C. SERVICES & NON-ASSISTANCE MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT (MOE) PROGRAMS EFFECTIVE DATE 10/1/20 – 9/30/23  Initial Submission 12/29/20  Revision Page 15 TANF Purpose #2: End the dependence of needy parents on government benefits by promoting job preparation, work and marriage. Funding: Separate State Program that utilizes state maintenance of effort funds.

C. 5. School Readiness – Office or Early Childhood The initiative is designed to ensure that children from low-income families have access to high-quality early learning experiences by combining the strengths and resources of the public and private child care and school systems. Funds are made available to School Readiness Councils in communities with large numbers of low-income children. The Councils assess community needs, identify gaps, and allocate funds. Each Council is allocated funds to increase the number of 3- and 4-year old children served in early care and education programs and to improve the quality of those services. The Councils are required to ensure that full-day early childhood care and education services are available year-round. Additionally, funds are made available on a statewide basis to train new early childhood teachers. These services are offered on behalf of families with a gross income less than seventy-five percent (75%) of the State Median Income (SMI). TANF Purpose #3: Prevent and reduce the incidence of out-of-wedlock pregnancies. Funding: Separate State Program that utilizes state maintenance of effort funds.