Connecticut Senate Bill SB00664

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23

Caption

An Act Expanding The Birth-to-three Program.

Impact

The passage of SB00664 would modify chapter 319b of the general statutes, effectively broadening the scope of services available under the birth-to-three program. This would ensure that a larger cohort of young children has access to necessary developmental resources, even if they do not meet the criteria for special education. The expansion is expected to contribute positively to child development outcomes, fostering a more equitable opportunity for all children during these critical years.

Summary

SB00664 aims to expand the existing birth-to-three program to include services for children aged three to five years. The primary objective is to ensure that children who do not qualify for special education still receive essential developmental services. This expansion reflects a growing recognition of the importance of early childhood development and the need for comprehensive support during these formative years.

Contention

Though this bill focuses on strengthening early childhood services, there may be discussions around funding and resource allocation for the expanded program. Lawmakers might debate the adequacy of existing budgets to support this initiative and whether the expansion of services could lead to strain on educational resources or affect the quality of services provided. Balancing the needs of very young children with the overall educational commitments of the state could be a significant point of contention.