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ActiveConnecticut Office of Early Childhood · 2026

Early Start CT and Smart Start Programs

Quick Facts

Agency: Connecticut Office of Early Childhood
Funding: Varies
Deadline: Check Source
Status: Active
Eligibility: Child care programs, family child care providers, Head Start programs, and public schools in Connecticut.

About This Grant

Early Start CT and Smart Start Programs is sponsored by Connecticut Office of Early Childhood. Offers state-funded early care and education programs in Connecticut, including Early Start CT and Smart Start, to support affordable, high-quality services.

View Original RFP

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Opportunity Details

Extracted from the opportunity page linked on this listing to help you evaluate fit faster.

Early Start CT - Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Elevate Member Accredited Elevate for License Exempt Programs Self-reflection Checklists Explore Elevate Focus Areas Support Child Development Create an Elevate Program Plan Instructions for Submitting an Elevate Program Plan in the OEC 360 Provider Portal Sample Elevate Program Plans for Family Child Care Sample Elevate Program Plans for Centers and Group Homes After Your Plan is Approved Get Help from a Service Navigator Air Quality and Ventilation Respiratory Illness Guidance Program Improvement Resources Accreditation Quality Improvement Support (AQIS) Applying for AQIS Individualized Support Business Support: Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) Partnership Program Support for Social and Emotional Development Pyramid Model for Programs Connecticut Pyramid Partnership (CPP) Staffed Family Child Care Networks (SFCCN) Resources for State-Funded Early Care and Education Programs Early Care and Education (ECE) Reporter Quality Assurance Policy for Early Start CT and Smart Start Funded Programs Early Start CT Chronicles Past State-Funded Programs Child Day Care (CDC) Contracts Provider Resources State Head Start Supplement Grant Provider Resources Qualified Staff Member (QSM) Requirements for State-Funded Programs Smart Start Provider Resources Standards, Curriculum, and Assessment Use our interactive map to find provider information and spaces by Early Start CT site location.

Early Start CT is one of the Office of Early Childhood’s state-funded early care and education programs that launched July 1, 2025 . Early Start CT is a state-funded early care and education (ECE) program that provides funding to eligible ECE programs across Connecticut to support the cost of care for eligible families.

This program benefits providers and families by: Less paperwork and more predictable pay schedules for providers Improved access to high-quality early care and education programming for families Increased focus on family and community needs through Local Governance Partners (LGPs) Streamlined early care and education system by aligning eligibility requirements and standardizing family co-pay scale Find contact information for your LGP .

Learn more about Early Start CT Learn about Local Governance Partners (LGPs) We want to hear from you! We will post upcoming feedback opportunities here as they are scheduled. Thank you to everyone who has already provided input.

Your continued partnership is critical to providing high-quality early care and education for Connecticut’s children. We’re happy to help. Email us .

Last updated August 29, 2026

Eligibility Requirements

Child care programs, family child care providers, Head Start programs, and public schools in Connecticut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for Early Start CT and Smart Start Programs?

According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Child care programs, family child care providers, Head Start programs, and public schools in Connecticut. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.

Who funds Early Start CT and Smart Start Programs?

Early Start CT and Smart Start Programs is funded by Connecticut Office of Early Childhood. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.

Which states are eligible for Early Start CT and Smart Start Programs?

This opportunity targets applicants in Connecticut. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.

How do I apply for Early Start CT and Smart Start Programs?

Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.

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