In quotes: Connecticut’s new business model for family child care providers

“This month Connecticut will be the first state to pilot a new business model for child care centers in seven communities. Under a 2021 law, the state can issue licenses for family child care businesses at non-residential properties. 

“It’s a hybrid of sorts that will [help] people who want to become child care providers, but don’t have the ability to start them in their homes, to get licensed to offer them at a location in New Britain, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, Hartford, Danbury, and Waterbury. 

“Tracey Madden-Hennessey, executive director of the YWCA in New Britain, said these are women who want to open a daycare in their home, but can’t because they rent or because they simply don’t have access to capital. 

“Madden-Hennessey said they found housing authority space for four new female entrepreneurs who can take up to 32 children. 

“The new pilot allowed the YWCA to apply for funding to secure the space and help the women start their businesses.

“With access to fully equipped and furnished space at a low rent the new incubator program, which expires in 2026, is taking the facilities cost out of the equation for the new business owners.”

— “Connecticut Launches Innovative Child Care Model to Address Shortages and Empower Entrepreneurs,” by Christine Stuart, CTNewsJunkie, January 3, 2024