At OEC, we know that families come in all shapes and sizes – and we celebrate them all! ❤️ No matter what your needs are, OEC wants to be there to help. Go to to learn more!

Have you heard about the Even Start Program? 🌟 Child care programs in Middletown, Torrington, or New London can help parents with young children earn either a GED or ESL credential while their children are well taken care of. 📚 Learn more at

Many children have a ball making a mess, but when it’s clean up time, it can be a challenge to teach them to pick up after themselves. 🧸🧹 This sample scripted story shows a child learning the steps to cleaning up toys:

Babies cry. But caring for a baby who cries constantly can be overwhelming. If baby won’t stop crying even after you’ve tried to soothe them, take a time out! 🛑 When you’re calm, return to your baby. To learn more tips, visit

The Office of Early Childhood (OEC) honors Barbara Bowman! 🌟 Last year, Bowman passed away at 96 years old, but her legacy and commitment to making a positive impact on our young children from under resourced communities lives on through the work we do at OEC every day! 💙

✨ It's the start of 2025! ✨ How many Sparkles can you earn this year? Earn a "Sparkle" for each play activity or Parent Tip you complete in the Sparkler app. 🌈 Download the Sparkler app now to get started earning Sparkles and growing! 💫

Elevate, CT’s quality improvement system has 3 levels of engagement: Member, Member+, and Member Accredited. Learn more about Elevate levels

Being a provider to a little one isn’t always an easy job. From social and emotional skills, to big life lessons and so much more, you have a huge impact on a child’s early development. 🧸 OEC wants to help you. Go to to learn more!

No matter the child care experience you are looking for, 211 is a great place to start your search. 🌟 Get a list of local programs, both center-based and family child care homes. 📞 Call 211 or visit

National Book Month is a great time to cuddle up and read! 📚✨ Books offer a chance to share a story, talk about illustrations or photos, and learn new things. So grab a book to share with your little one and share the wonder of reading with them! 💖

At the OEC, children and families are at the center of all we do. 💙 We aim to make sure all of Connecticut’s families have what they need for them and their children to thrive now and into the future. 🌱

For many families, changing a child’s diaper can be a major battle. While it can be challenging, it is also an opportunity to build a positive, nurturing, and responsive relationship with your child.💖 Learn more about proven strategies to help diapering:

CT child care providers are doing the amazing work of supporting the most critical years of child development, and Elevate is here to support them! 🌟 Learn more -

There’s no moment more special than having your first bundle of joy! 💕 Our Nurse-Family Partnership program helps first-time, low-income parents have a healthy pregnancy and birth by connecting them with specially trained nurses. 🌟 Learn more at

📚✨ If you haven’t heard of Even Start and you’re a parent working toward your GED or ESL degree, keep reading! This program gives parents and children alike a great education. 🌟 Learn more about Even Start and how it can benefit you and your child at

👶💭 Baby won’t stop crying? When you get overwhelmed, try to practice mindfulness. You can’t make a baby stop crying, but you can take positive steps to calm yourself.💆‍♀️💖 For more tips, go to

Before you toss any used wrapping paper, don't miss the opportunity to crinkle, tear, snip, and glue with your scraps. ✂️🎁 You can offer your child a sensory-rich experience that also strengthens the small muscles in their fingers. 👉 Learn more in Sparkler!

🎄✨ Wishing you a very Happy Holiday from the Office of Early Childhood! As we prepare to start a new year, we hope that you are ringing in the holidays with your families and loved ones. Sending all the joy and light to you and yours! 🥳❤️

Parenting is anything but easy, and parenting through a pandemic adds even more challenges into the mix. 2-1-1 can help! For educational programs, youth enrichment programs, networking for parents and more, visit 🌟

Investing time in your professional growth as an early childhood educator will benefit both you and the children you serve. Check out professional development opportunities on the OEC's professional development calendar. Get connected >