Early Childhood Development

"The brain develops to 90% of its capacity in the first five years of a child's life."

-- From the December 2004 edition of the Commission newsletter, "School Readiness and Early Reading Success"

Gov. Malloy creates Office of Early Childhood

On February 4, 2013,

The Early Childhood Education Cabinet was reformed in January 2010 and designated by Governor M. Jodi Rell to be the State Advisory Council specified in the Head Start Act of 2007. The purpose of the Early Childhood Education Cabinet is to develop a high-quality, comprehensive system of early childhood education among the wide array of early childhood programs in the state (including Head Start, child care and School Readiness). The Early Childhood Education Cabinet plays a key role in advancing the integration of services to young children and families.

First Words, First Steps: The Importance of the Early Years

What policies should Connecticut follow to promote the health and education of infants and toddlers? The Commission on Children and Department of Social Services (DSS) are working on a document answering that question. It will be reviewed and finalized by the Connecticut Early Childhood Education Cabinet.

Download the October 16, 2008 draft, (PDF, 34 pages)
Visit the Early Childhood Cabinet's website

Connecticut Summit on the Early Years

On October 29, 2007, the Commission held a summit where experts discussed the latest advances in neuroscience, molecular biology, genetics, and other areas of research in early childhood development -- all with an eye toward using them as the basis for public policy in Connecticut. Get summit materials here

UCLA's Halfon discusses the importance of early childhood development

Dr. Neal Halfon, director of the UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families and Communities, spoke about early childhood development (ECD) at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford on October 1. "The evidence for increasing our investments in ECD is overwhelming and growing," Dr. Halfon said, adding that such investments will go a long way in determining the future wealth of our nation. His visit was sponsored by the Commission and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.

Commission hosts visit by Singapore officials

Curious to know how Connecticut addresses early childhood development, delegates from the government of Singapore toured several facilities in Norwalk on July 24, 2007, as guests of the Commission on Children. Read more

Improving Children's Social and Emotional Development

Commission on Children Executive Director Elaine Zimmerman was one of three presenters at a May 17 audio and Web conference entitled, "School Readiness and Success: Improving Children's Social and Emotional Development." Visit this page

Every Grownup Is a Famous Storyteller

This booklet, created by the Commission and sponsored by the state Department of Education, uses a photo exhibit to make basic points about the importance of reading to children. Introduction by Dr. Alice S. Carter of Yale University's Department of Psychology. Download the PDF

Building a Bridge from Birth to School: A Presentation by Dr. Neal Halfon

Dr. Neal Halfon, a prominent pediatrician who directs the Center for Healthier Children, Families and Communities at UCLA, discussed ways to improve early childhood development at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford on August 8, 2006. Visit this page

CT Leads the Way with School Readiness and Early Reading Success

An overview, updated in 2005, of the 1997 school readiness legislation (Public Act 97-259), in which Connecticut made a comprehensive commitment to best practices in early learning. Download the PDF.

Hartford Blueprint for Young Children

In June 2004, Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez asked the Hartford Public Schools, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, and the Connecticut Commission on Children to chart a new course for the city to strengthen early childhood policy and services. This 12-page report is the product of that work. Download it as a PDF

School Readiness and Early Reading Success newsletters

These Commission newsletters (all in PDF format) concern implementation of the school readiness legislation.

Connecticut Early Childhood Research and Policy Council

Governor M. Jodi Rell created this panel to work with the Early Childhood Education Cabinet (see above) on funding options and recommendations. Its documents -- including its investment recommendations for the fiscal years 2007-08 and 2008-09 -- are posted online by The United Way of Connecticut. Visit this site Press release Executive order

Connecticut Department of Education

The Early Childhood Education section of the department's website contains links to variety of important documents on the topic. Visit this site