Corey P. Paris

Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, State Representative Corey Paris (D – Stamford) and members of the Stamford legislative delegation, along with local leaders held a press conference in Stamford highlighting the Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County's (CLC) work to address education disparities and ensure students had access to high-quality education during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The press conference highlighted a $1.4 million award CLC received through the Office of Early Childhood's Ready, Set, Rebuild Stabilization Fund program. The funds were used to support operating expenses allowing for an increase in wages for CLC teachers and staff, playground renovations, and strengthening education programs offered by CLC, including Head Start and Early Head Start.  

“It’s a priority of our administration to ensure that these federal dollars we receive get into the hands of those who know how to use them most effectively, and that’s what we see here today,” Governor Lamont said. “This type of collaboration is what makes Connecticut great, and what our administration is focused on. We know we all need to work together in order to bounce back from the pandemic, especially to overcome the time our children missed socializing and being together in school. I am grateful to everyone throughout the state, particularly early childhood learning centers like this one in Stamford that are making these opportunities a reality.” 

"Access to child care remains a significant concern in our state, even as we begin navigating our post-pandemic recovery. If parents cannot get back to work, then Connecticut cannot get back to work. The Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County have been valuable resources throughout the pandemic and have worked to ensure Stamford's youngest charges have access to high-quality early childhood education programming and care," said Rep. Paris.  

Using $346 million in federal funds through the American Rescue Plan Act, OEC launched the Ready, Set, Rebuild initiative to help stabilize Connecticut's child care industry during COVID-19. Eligible programs must be open and currently serving children or will be reopening and serving children within 30 days of applying. Funding can be used towards rent, mortgage, or utilities, payroll and benefits, professional development, cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment, and more.  

CLC, established in 1902, is the state's second largest child care provider with eight locations in Stamford. It has provided early childhood education as well as health, nutrition, and family support services for children between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years of age.  

 

 

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