NEW HAVEN, Conn. — New Haven's city leaders are launching a new grant program that focuses on expanding child care programs as well as retaining employees.
Mayor Justin Elicker and education leaders in the city are addressing what they call a growing need in the city.
That's why the city is investing $3.5 million to help grow child care opportunities for students up to five years old, which is the largest investment in the state.
"This is the foundation, this is going to set the course for what they’ll become in the future," said Madeline Negron, the Superintendent of New Haven Public Schools.
There's a child care crisis around the nation and here in Connecticut; programs currently available either don't have enough seats for young students or don't have enough teachers.
It's estimated there are more than 2,200 infants and toddlers in the City of New Haven that have unmet child care needs, according to the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood.
Elicker said the goal is not only to expand early care but develop the early care and education workforce.
"Just that difference in the first few years of a young person's life will change their trajectory," said Elicker.
City leaders said they're also trying to create a more equitable education system.
With these expansion plans, child care centers across the state can apply for a grant to grow their program, allowing providers to provide incentives and bonuses to retain employees as well as paid training.
The hope is that the grants will increase the pipeline into the industry.
Elicker said he has set his sights on addressing the concerns of parents, hoping with this expansion more parents can return to work.
"The system isn’t really built for working families or in particular a single parent or parents working full time," said Elicker.
The grant program will begin taking applications on Nov. 6. Another expansion program is expected to be announced in early 2024.
Lindsey Kane is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at Lkane@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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