Early Start CT Grant
Connecticut's free preschool program — giving children ages 3 & 4 a strong foundation before kindergarten.
What Is the Early Start CT Grant?
Early Start CT is a Connecticut state-funded grant program that provides FREE, high-quality preschool to eligible 3- and 4-year-old children. The program is designed to close the opportunity gap and ensure every child arrives at kindergarten ready to learn, grow, and thrive.
SwaddleJoy Night & Daycare is proud to be an approved Early Start CT provider in East Hartford, CT. Our NAEYC-accredited program meets the high standards required to participate, giving your child access to exceptional early education at no cost to your family.
Who Qualifies?
Your child may be eligible for the Early Start CT grant if they meet the following criteria:
Age
Children who are 3 or 4 years old by December 31 of the program year.
Residency
Family must reside in Connecticut.
Income
Household income at or below 75% of the State Median Income (SMI).
Risk Factors
Children experiencing risk factors such as developmental delays, homelessness, or family stress may also qualify.
Priority
Priority is given to children who have not previously attended a state-funded preschool program.
What the Program Covers
Early Start CT provides comprehensive early childhood education at no cost to eligible families.
Free Preschool
Full program tuition covered for eligible children — no out-of-pocket cost to families who qualifies for specific grant programs.
Curriculum-Based Learning
Structured, play-based curriculum aligned with Connecticut's Early Learning and Development Standards.
NAEYC-Accredited Setting
Your child learns in our nationally accredited environment, held to the highest quality standards.
Social & Emotional Growth
Small group settings that nurture friendships, communication, and self-regulation skills.
School Readiness
Children develop literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills that prepare them for kindergarten success.
Safe, Nurturing Environment
A warm, welcoming space where children feel secure and excited to learn every day.
How to Apply
Getting started with Early Start CT at SwaddleJoy is simple. Follow these steps:
Contact Us
Call or email SwaddleJoy to express your interest and confirm availability for the program year.
Verify Eligibility
We'll help you determine if your child meets the age and income requirements for the grant.
Gather Documents
Prepare proof of residency, income documentation, and your child's birth certificate.
Complete Enrollment
Submit your application through SwaddleJoy. We'll guide you through every step of the process.
Secure Your Child's Spot Today
Early Start CT spots are limited and fill quickly. Contact us now to find out if your child qualifies and to reserve their place in our program.