Connecticut Office of Early Childhood

Yesterday, OEC Commissioner Elena Trueworthy attended the launch of Camp Sparkler, a summer-based part of the Sparkler app for families of children 0-5 years old. The Commissioner read to children on the first day of Camp Sparkler, showcasing how social and emotional learning can continue in fun-filled ways all summer long. Families can play their way through 10 weeks of FREE camp through their phones and tablets. A new “big idea” will be introduced weekly from our friends at Sparkler Learning, offering related songs, play activities, picture books, and more to explore together.

Open your Sparkler app or visit playsparkler.org/campsparkler2026 to learn more.

Today's the opening day of Camp Sparkler. ☀️ It's another fun-filled summer of growing & learning for families with children 0-5 years old! 👶✨

Starting today, families can play their way through 10 weeks of FREE, virtual camp by our friends at Sparkler and Tune Up Sparkler to explore topics related to social and emotional learning: from being flexible to calming down!

Each week, families will get introduced to a new “big idea” from our friends at Sparkler Learning and then they’ll find related songs, play activities, picture books, and more in the Sparkler app to explore together. 📚🎶

Open your Sparkler app or visit playsparkler.org/campsparkler2026 to learn more.

Camp Sparkler 2026 - Sparkler 10 weeks of free, virtual camp in the Sparkler app for families with kids 0-5 years old!

We see all you dads out there! Father’s Day is a time to let all the fathers and father figures in your life know how much they mean to you. 💙

Whether you treat him to a nice dinner or spend quality time at home watching the game, don’t forget to show your special dad some love today.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, doesn’t just celebrate the end of slavery in our nation – it celebrates the importance of liberty, justice, and Black history. Today is a great opportunity to honor this holiday and the positive change it represents for Black communities across America.

211 Child Development provides families and parents of young children with support during the early years of parenthood.

If you have questions about your child’s development, want to learn more, or just need some support, 📞 call 1-800-505-7000 or visit cdi.211ct.org. It’s free, confidential, and multilingual.

211 Child Development — United Way 211 Child Development Do you have questions or concerns about your child's development or your pregnancy?CDI Supports children’s healthy growth and development starting from pregnancyChild Development Infoline (CDI) is a specialized unit of United Way of Connecticut. Care Coordinators are available to answer the phone ...

The stories we share with our children have a big impact. Stories help shape their view of the world — and the kind of people they’ll grow up to be. Reading with your child can be a great way to celebrate people from all backgrounds, races, and cultures.

Check out our list of children’s books celebrating racial inclusion and choose one to share with your little one today: ctoec.org/childrens-books-celebrating-racial-inclusion 📖✨

Children’s Books Celebrating Racial Inclusion - Connecticut Office of Early Childhood The stories we choose to share with our children have a big impact. Stories help shape their view of the world — and the kind of people they’ll grow up to be. At the Office of Early Childhood (OEC), we believe that reading with your child can be a great way to celebrate people from Read More

Kids are so full of light and National Children’s Day is a time to let it shine! ✨

There are plenty of fun and meaningful ways to let the little ones in your life know how loved they are. Whether you take them out to play at the park or enjoy their favorite sweet treat, make today a day they won’t forget!

At the end of last month, Commissioner Trueworthy and Kristen Dudanowicz, Director of Systems and Policy Planning, OEC presented at the National Governors Association’s Health and Human Services and Education Policy convening. They joined state leaders from across the country to discuss approaches to strengthening systems that support children, families, and communities. They highlighted Connecticut’s Early Childhood Education Endowment.

When adults join in children’s play, it supports young minds to grow. 🧠

The Office of Early Childhood’s “Let’s Play” materials offer ideas that child care providers can use to create playful learning experiences.

Find out more: ctoec.org/play 🧸

Let's Play! - Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Play is good for everyone! It helps young brains grow and supports children to learn about themselves, their families and communities, and the broader world. Get involved! When adults support — and join in —children’s play, they can make a big difference in brain development. You can: By takin...