House Bill 5051 (sHB5051 File No. 596), known as "AN ACT ESTABLISHING EARLY START CT," is a legislative proposal to create a state-funded early care and education system called Early Start CT, administered by the Office of Early Childhood (OEC). The bill aims to provide high-quality early childhood care and education programs to infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children, with a focus on promoting diversity, preventing developmental delays, and strengthening families. It establishes a sliding fee scale for families based on income and outlines the responsibilities of the Commissioner of Early Childhood, including maintaining existing regulations and adopting new ones. The bill allows for financial assistance to various entities for operating early childhood programs, with at least 60% of participating children coming from families at or below 75% of the state median income. It also sets minimum per-child costs for the program, requires accreditation for participating programs, and establishes local and regional governance partners to assist in the provision of early care and education.

The bill introduces changes to existing laws, including the establishment of a competitive grant program to enhance Head Start programs, the allocation of funds for professional development, and the setting of new minimum funding levels for fiscal years ending June 30, 2024, to June 30, 2026. It also extends the period for issuing licenses for family child care homes in specified areas and repeals several sections of the general statutes related to school readiness programs. The bill has received favorable reports from the Education Committee and the Appropriations Committee, with unanimous votes in favor during committee reviews. The effective date for most provisions is July 1, 2026, with some sections effective July 1, 2024, and the bill includes technical and conforming changes that do not have a fiscal impact.