Brandon Chafee

Although vaccinations have helped combat our fight against the spread of COVID-19, this terrible disease is still with us, causing sickness and deaths. We're facing a long recovery period. For those front-line workers who had to deal with the disease from its beginning, we owe them our thanks and support.

As a thank you for their tireless work, Connecticut childcare workers will soon receive bonus payments. Governor Lamont released $70 million in state funding for the Wage Supports for Early Childhood Educators program. Through this program, full time childcare employees will receive $1,000 and part time employees will receive $400.

Individuals who work in licensed centers, group childcare homes, and family childcare homes, as well as license-exempt programs that receive school readiness or child day care contract funds are eligible for this bonus.

Childcare program operators will be required to apply for the funds and then disburse the payments to their childcare staff. The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood will contact eligible childcare programs and provide them with additional information. Click here to learn more.