Leadership Transition in Connecticut’s Early Childhood Sector

Retirement of OEC Commissioner

Beth Bye, Commissioner of Connecticut’s Office of Early Childhood (OEC), will retire from state service on October 1 after more than six years. Governor Ned Lamont has announced that Deputy Commissioner Elena Trueworthy will serve as the interim successor, with plans for a permanent nomination. This transition occurs at a critical time for the state’s child welfare system, as the OEC becomes the third agency overseeing children’s services to be led by an interim head, alongside the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Office of the Child Advocate. This situation has implications for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), which emphasizes the need for effective, accountable, and stable public institutions.

Progress Toward Sustainable Development Goals in Early Childhood Education

Advancements in Quality Education (SDG 4)

Commissioner Bye’s tenure focused significantly on advancing SDG Target 4.2: ensuring universal access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education. Key initiatives were implemented to address a statewide shortage of early care and education workers and expand access for families.

• Early Childhood Education Endowment Fund: A transformative plan was developed to create a fund aimed at making early childhood education more accessible and affordable.
• Expanded Access: Efforts were made to provide child care for thousands of additional families, focusing on high-quality programs that support critical brain development in young children.

Socio-Economic Impact and Broader SDG Alignment

The policies enacted under Commissioner Bye’s leadership have direct impacts on several interconnected Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, gender equality, decent work, and reduced inequalities.

Contributions to Economic Goals (SDG 1, 8, 10)

The Early Childhood Education Endowment Fund is structured to directly support goals related to economic well-being and equity.

1. No Poverty (SDG 1) & Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10): The fund aims to eliminate the cost of infant, toddler, and pre-K care for families earning less than $100,000 annually. For families with higher incomes, costs would be capped at 7% of their household income. This policy directly addresses poverty by alleviating a major financial burden and reduces inequality by ensuring access to essential services regardless of economic status.
2. Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): In partnership with the legislature, a measure was passed to increase salaries for child care workers. This initiative supports SDG Target 8.5 by promoting decent work and fair wages in a critical sector.

Fostering Gender Equality (SDG 5)

By making child care more affordable and accessible, these initiatives support SDG 5 (Gender Equality). Reliable child care is a key enabler of women’s participation in the labor force, promoting their economic empowerment and recognizing the value of care work in the broader economy.

Future Leadership and Institutional Continuity

Appointment of Successor

Elena Trueworthy, the designated interim commissioner, has been with the OEC since 2019 and was appointed deputy commissioner in 2023. Her experience includes serving as the director of the Head Start State Collaboration Office. Governor Lamont has expressed confidence that her background will ensure a smooth transition and allow the office to “hit the ground running.”

Maintaining Momentum

The planned nomination of Ms. Trueworthy for the permanent position signals a commitment to continuity and the ongoing implementation of the state’s vision for an early childhood system that supports children and families. This focus on stable leadership is essential for maintaining progress toward the aforementioned Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the state’s child welfare institutions as outlined in SDG 16.

1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

SDG 4: Quality Education

• The article’s primary focus is on the Office of Early Childhood and its efforts to provide “high-quality early care and education.” This directly aligns with ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education, particularly in the crucial early years of development. The creation of the Early Childhood Education Endowment fund to “expand access to child care for thousands of families” is a central theme.

SDG 1: No Poverty

• The article discusses measures to make child care more affordable, which is a significant financial burden for many families and a contributor to poverty. The plan aims to allow “families making less than $100,000 to pay nothing for infant and toddler care and pre-K,” directly addressing the economic strain on low-income households.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• The article explicitly mentions that “the legislature also passed a measure to increase salaries for child care workers.” This action supports the goal of achieving decent work and fair pay, particularly in a sector known for low wages. It also addresses the “dearth of child care” caused by a lack of workers, which impacts the broader economy by limiting the ability of parents to work.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• By targeting affordability based on income, the state’s plan aims to reduce inequality in access to essential services. The policy ensures that families with lower incomes have free access, while those with higher incomes pay a capped percentage, thereby leveling the playing field for early childhood development opportunities regardless of a family’s economic status.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The article highlights that the focus of the Office of Early Childhood has been on high-quality care that “helps children’s development during an important time for brain growth.” This emphasis on the “development and wellness of the youngest members of our communities” connects directly to promoting health and well-being from the earliest stages of life.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified in the Article

Under SDG 4: Quality Education

• Target 4.2: “By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education.” The article’s discussion of the Early Childhood Education Endowment fund, which aims to expand access to “infant and toddler care and pre-K,” is a direct effort to meet this target.

Under SDG 1: No Poverty & SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• Target 1.2 & 10.2: Target 1.2 aims to reduce poverty, and Target 1.2 aims to promote economic inclusion. The plan described in the article to make child care free for families earning under $100,000 and cap costs for others directly supports these targets by alleviating a major household expense and ensuring economic status is not a barrier to accessing essential early childhood services.

Under SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Target 8.5: “By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men… and equal pay for work of equal value.” The legislative measure to “increase salaries for child care workers” is a concrete step toward ensuring decent work and better pay in the early education sector.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

For Target 4.2 (Quality Early Childhood Education)

• Number of families with access to child care: The article states the goal is to “expand access to child care for thousands of families,” implying that the number of children/families served is a key metric.
• Quality of care: The repeated mention of “high-quality early care and education” implies the use of quality metrics, such as educator qualifications, curriculum standards, or facility ratings, to measure progress.

For Targets 1.2 & 10.2 (Poverty Reduction & Reduced Inequality)

• Percentage of household income spent on child care: The article provides a specific indicator by stating the goal is for families making more than $100,000 to “pay no more than 7% of their annual household income.”
• Income threshold for free services: A clear indicator is the policy that “families making less than $100,000 to pay nothing for infant and toddler care and pre-K.” Progress can be measured by the number of families who qualify for and receive this benefit.

For Target 8.5 (Decent Work)

• Wages of early educators: The article’s reference to a measure to “increase salaries for child care workers” points to the average salary or wage of these workers as a direct indicator of progress toward providing decent work.

4. Table of Findings

Source: ctmirror.org