SHARE

Stamford State Senator Recognized As Children’s Champion

STAMFORD, Conn. – State Sen. Carlo Leone, a Democrat from Stamford, was honored by the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance at Palmer's Hill Child Development Center. He was named a “Children’s Champion” by the organization due to his support of many early childhood initiatives in 2014.

State Senator Carlo Leone (D-Stamford), center, pays a visit to the Palmer's Hill Child Development Center in Stamford, where he was recognized as a “Children’s Champion” by the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance.

State Senator Carlo Leone (D-Stamford), center, pays a visit to the Palmer's Hill Child Development Center in Stamford, where he was recognized as a “Children’s Champion” by the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance.

Photo Credit: Contributed

He worked with other legislators to establish three new early childhood initiatives. The goal of each was to increase access to quality pre-kindergarten programs. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed the bill on these programs in June.

The three initiatives in Public Act 14-41 include the creation of the Office of Early Childhood, 1,020 new School Readiness Program slots and the Connecticut Smart Start program.

The Office of Early Childhood will be responsible for coordinating and improving the existing early childhood programs in the state to make pre-K possible for all children. The School Readiness Program will benefit Priority, Alliance and Competitive school districts through grants of $8,670 per year. The Smart Start program will help needy children go to preschool through grants of $5,000 per student, up to $75,000 per classroom and up to $300,000 per district.

“Connecticut’s young learners are the best investment we can make in a strong future for our state and our nation,” Leone said. “Children who receive a high-quality early education come to school prepared for success. They have higher high school graduation rates, fewer academic issues and are more prepared for success as adults.

Four state representatives from Stamford were also honored at the event – Daniel Fox, Gerald Fox III, Patricia Miller and William Tong.

“For years, we’ve worked with legislators to make early childhood a priority issue, both at the Capitol and in the districts, and we’re seeing results of that work,” said Karen Rainville, Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance co-chair and executive director of Connecticut Association for the Education of Young Children. “The Children’s Champions stepped up this year for their youngest constituents.”

The Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance has members across the state. Its ultimate goal is for all children are well prepared and in a position to succeed when it is time to enter kindergarten.

to follow Daily Voice Stamford and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE