Kidsteps participates in Early Childhood Advocacy Day

Kidsteps staff recently gathered at the Connecticut Capitol in April to continue advocating for critical investments in early childhood services. This includes the Birth to Three Program.

For FY27, the Appropriations Committee’s budget aligns with the Governor’s proposal to increase Birth to Three funding by $2.4 million for the Office of Early Childhood (OEC). In addition, there is an increase of $1.6 million for the Department of Social Services (DSS).

While this is a positive step, it represents only a small portion of what is truly needed. In fact, the state-approved cost study identifies a much larger investment, $23.6 million for OEC and $17.7 million for DSS, over two years. This is required to fully support the system.

During our time at the Capitol, Kidsteps staff advocated the following needs:

• Restore the $1 million reduction to General Administrative Payment (GAP) funding in the proposed budget
• Reinstate the statutory GAP rate of $200 per eligible child
• Ensure the proposed tiered funding system is not implemented, and that previously agreed-upon funding levels are maintained

Our collective voice remains essential in ensuring sustainable funding and strong services for children and families across Connecticut.

Watch Julie Hall, Lumibility’s Deputy Program Officer, Children and Family Services, speak about our needs at the Early Childhood Advocacy Day Press Conference (12:30 mark)

Lastly, thank you to the Kidsteps staff who took their time out of their day to show up and advocate for the families and children we support. We appreciate the staff who supported families during this time as well.