Parents desperately searching for a day care spot could get relief soon. On Wednesday, state leaders announced a multimillion-dollar grant to help child care providers open and expand.

The money will have a big impact at Watch Me Grow in Stamford, where work is play.

“It’s really not work,” said owner Nichelle Waddell. “I love what I do.”

But Waddell said keeping a day care afloat is hard work. It’s the main reason Connecticut doesn’t have enough child care slots.

“This is a lot more than babysitting,” she said. “It’s a lot more than just playing with the children. You know, you're running a business.”

Paying workers enough is a the biggest challenge. Earlier this year, child care employees took to the streets in Stamford, Norwalk and Bridgeport to demand increased public funding.

The group asked Gov. Ned Lamont and the General Assembly to create a dedicated early childhood funding source. That includes approving components of the $2 billion plan recommended by the Governor's Blue Ribbon Panel on Child Care.

Waddell got help from the Women's Business Development Center. On Wednesday, the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood awarded the group an extra $6 million over the next three years. The money comes from the federal Child Care Development Fund.

Half of the money will go directly to providers; the rest will go to support services, like coaching business owners how to do payroll and apply for grants.

“It enables parents to focus on their work, knowing that their children are in safe and nurturing environments,” said Catherine Marx, the Small Business Administration’s Connecticut director.

The child care shortage has improved dramatically. In 2021, the state was short 50,000 slots, but WDBC grants have already opened up 38,108 child care slots and created 9,041 jobs.

“Through COVID, so many of our child care and early childhood learning centers closed, and we had to literally build it back up,” said Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz.

Watch Me Grow has already expanded to Norwalk. They’re also adding staff and day care slots. But despite the progress, Waddell still has a one year waiting list. And the state still needs 22,000 infant and toddler spaces, according to OEC. Her best advice for parents?

“I would say, keep looking, keep searching,” Waddell said. “Social media is fantastic. Look for parent referrals.”

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