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. 80 slots were awarded to The Wondernest Academy.
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
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.
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.
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS IN STAFFORD
EARLY START CT
STEAM
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
NEED HELP PAYING FOR CHILD CARE?
Care 4 Kids can help.
What is Care 4 Kids?
The goal of the Care 4 Kids (C4K) program is to make child care affordable for low to moderate income families in Connecticut. The program is a partnership between the State of Connecticut, the families in the program and the providers who take care of the children.
Care 4 Kids is funded by the Federal Child Care Development Fund (CCDF). CCDF is the primary federal funding source for helping low-income families pay for child care.
CT Care 4 Kids – Connecticut Office of Early Childhood
If you think that a child is not developing at the same pace or in the same way as most children his or her age, you can get in touch with the Birth to Three System and ask for an evaluation, free of charge. Based on that evaluation, your child may be eligible for early intervention supports.
Parents don’t have to wait for a referral to early intervention: A doctor’s referral is not needed. If you’re concerned about your child’s development, you can self-refer to the Birth to Three System, by:
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Using our online referral form
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Calling 1-800-505-7000
Birth to Three is a program built to help all families who have children age 3 and younger with developmental disabilities or delays (or have a condition that poses a high risk of developing one). We can:
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Assess your child’s development
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Look for signs of autism (if they’re 16 months or older)
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Create a personalized family support plan for your child
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Connect you with experts who can meet with your family
If your child needs Birth to Three support, it won’t cost you anything. All of our support is covered by state and federal funds, Medicaid, and private insurance.