Early Start CT is the new state-funded early care and education program that launched July 1, 2025. It combines 3 existing programs — Child Day Care Contracts, School Readiness Grants, and State Head Start Supplement Grants — into 1 new program. Stafford Public Schools was awarded 50 Early Start CT slots at the West Stafford School location.
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The goals of Early Start CT are to:
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Empower families to amplify their parent voices to better meet the needs of Connecticut children
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Strengthen system collaboration and a shared vision to build lasting partnerships between community stakeholders
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Improve equitable access to affordable, high-quality care and early childhood services and supports that meet a range of family needs
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Promote best practices to enhance providers’ ability to support children’s learning and development
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STEAM is an after school program located at Stafford Elementary School and is open to all children enrolled in grades 1-5. The program operates on full school days only. Children are admitted into the program on a first come, first serve. There is a limit of 80 children. Your child(ren) may only attend on the days they are in school. The daily schedule includes a snack, physical activity, academic support with tutors, and a structured STEAM activity. Students in 5th grade are part of a mentoring program that assists younger students during the STEAM activities.
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The Stafford Family Resource Center believes that parents are the foundation of a child's development. The Stafford FRC works to support families by providing accessibility to community - based resources as well as parenting education programs.. We believe that through partnering with families, community agencies and the public school system, we can create positive health and developmental outcomes for children.​ The Stafford FRC provides a NAEYC accredited quality childcare program during the school year, for West Stafford Students enrolled in AM Pre-Kindergarten.
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AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
EARLY START CT
STEAM
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
