ALL CHILDREN ON TARGET BY 3, READY AT 5, FINE BY 9
BUILDING A BETTER SYSTEM
Connecticut’s evolving early childhood framework – based in early relational health – brings the opportunity to connect siloed services and develop a network of information to improve care for children and families, and accountability for agencies and policy makers.
It envisions a bundle of universal supports for all families and targeted services for families and children at risk of or experiencing developmental, mental health and other challenges associated with trauma, economic, educational and health access risk, or racism.
Early childhood systems work best when they’re built around early relational health – the everyday, nurturing interactions between young children and the adults who care for them. These relationships shape how children grow, learn, and connect with the world, so they’re at the hert of a strong statewide system
Connecticut’s developing approach shows what this can look like in practice. Instead of families having to navigate a maze of disconnected programs, the goal is to bring agencies together around shared priorities, coordinated date, an clear accountability. When everyone is working from the same playbook, families get smoother, more consistent support.
This kind of system depends on real collaboration across sectors – health, mental health, early learning, family support, child welfare, economic well-being, and food and nutrition. When these partners coordinate their work, while uplifting community voices, families experience a connect and equitable set of services – from universal supports available to everyone to more specialized help when it’s needed.
When these sectors operate as one system, guided by early relational health principles, Connecticut can identify needs earlier, respond more effectivelty,and create the conditions where children and families truly thrive.
Information Under Development
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EARLY RELATIONAL HEALTH:
THE WAY FORWARD
Information Coming soon