Substitute Bill No. 6 is designed to enhance resources and support for infants, toddlers, and disconnected youths in Connecticut, with an effective date of July 1, 2025. The bill designates the Office of Early Childhood as the lead agency for administering the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program, while also modifying the existing child nutrition outreach program to focus on increasing participation in the federal School Breakfast Program and the Summer Food Service Program, thereby removing references to the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Additionally, it mandates the executive board of the Connecticut Preschool Through Twenty and Workforce Information Network to submit an annual report on disconnected youth, incorporating data from various state agencies. The bill also introduces provisions for kindergarten preparatory academies, requiring the Department of Education to develop guidance on their administration, including meal subsidies and eligibility for child care subsidies.

Moreover, the bill amends existing laws to enhance funding for local and regional boards of education in establishing or expanding preschool programs and kindergarten preparatory academies, increasing the maximum grant amount for capital expenses from seventy-five thousand dollars to one hundred five thousand dollars per classroom, and raising the annual grant for operating expenses from five thousand dollars to seven thousand dollars per child served. It also introduces new licensing requirements for youth camps and establishes the Early Childhood Cabinet to oversee early childhood education initiatives. The bill updates the composition of the Early Childhood Advisory Council, adding representatives from various sectors, and mandates the Office of Early Childhood to create a document outlining developmental milestones for children ages birth to five. Overall, the bill aims to improve access to early childhood education and ensure quality standards are met in preschool and kindergarten preparatory programs.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 10-215h, 10-506, 10-514
KID Joint Favorable Substitute: 10-215h, 10-506, 10-514
File No. 199: 10-215h, 10-506, 10-514
APP Joint Favorable: 10-215h, 10-506, 10-514