Gov. Ned Lamont signed an executive
order Friday in an effort to make child care in the state more accessible to
all residents.
The executive order has created a
Connecticut Blue Ribbon Panel on child care, and the panel will be responsible
for designing a plan for the next generation of care.
The panel is made up of parents,
early childhood educators, business leaders and others who have a hand in child
care in the state.
"What we think about how we
can continue to expand access to each and every person who needs them that
needs this type of support systems, so their kid gets the very best head start
in life," said Lamont.
The state is also calling on
businesses to support child care for their employees offering a 25% tax credit
for businesses who begin to offer support.
"Programs
that are being opened on-site but also if employers are subsidizing community
based childcare programs for their workers," said Beth Bye, early
childhood commissioner.
A Ridgefield
business is already ahead of the game - it opened up its on-site child care
center in 2006.
"Having Apple
Blossom here on-site is such a difference maker for parents," said Melissa
Giambalvo, a working parent.
The
panel hopes to be able to make a difference as well.
"It is our
responsibility to create access and opportunity for those who may not have
that," said Dr. Monette Ferguson, executive director at Alliance For
Community Empowerment.
After their first
meeting in April, the panel will hold an educational forum in May and will hold
monthly meetings with the goal to have a final report by the end of the year.