2026 Children’s Champions
Each year, we recognize a select group of leaders for their commitment to improving outcomes for young children and their caregivers.
Join us in celebrating 2026’s Children’s Champions!
CT Early Childhood Alliance is proud to celebrate Governor Ned Lamont as a 2026 Children's Champion in recognition of his prioritization of funding the Early Childhood Education Endowment during budget negotiations in the 2026 Legislative Session.
CT Early Childhood Alliance is proud to celebrate Senator Martin Looney (11th District) as a 2026 Children's Champion in recognition of his prioritization of funding the Early Childhood Education Endowment during budget negotiations in the 2026 Legislative Session.
CT Early Childhood Alliance is proud to celebrate Senator Cece Maher (26th District) as a 2026 Children's Champion in recognition of her service as a co-chair of the Children's Committee, a tri-chair of the Early Childhood Education Endowment Advisory Board, and for her leadership on early childhood policies during the 2026 Legislative Session.
CT Early Childhood Alliance is proud to celebrate House Speaker Matt Ritter (1st District) as a 2026 Children's Champion in recognition of his prioritization of funding the Early Childhood Education Endowment during budget negotiations in the 2026 Legislative Session.
CT Early Childhood Alliance is proud to celebrate Representative Mary Welander (114th District) as a 2026 Children's Champion in recognition of her deliberate and thoughtful leadership as the chair of the Early Childhood Caucus, and her sustained commitment to advancing early childhood priorities through meaningful stakeholder engagement and consistent efforts to build shared understanding among her colleagues during the 2026 Legislative Session.
CT Early Childhood Alliance is proud to celebrate Representative Kate Farrar (20th District) as a 2026 Children's Champion in recognition of her service as a tri-chair of the Early Childhood Education Endowment Advisory Board, her work to establish the Endowment, and for her relentless efforts to ensure it received funding in a very lean budget year during the 2026 Legislative Session.
CT Early Childhood Alliance is proud to celebrate Representative Corey Paris (145th District) as a 2026 Children's Champion in recognition of his service as a co-chair of the Children's Committee, and for his steadfast efforts to advance the conversation on early childhood educator compensation and workforce stability during the 2026 Legislative Session.
CT Early Childhood Alliance is proud to celebrate Representative Robin Comey (102nd District) as a 2026 Children's Champion in recognition of her relentless advocacy on behalf of families and caregivers who rely on affordable, accessible early childhood education during the 2026 Legislative Session.
CT Early Childhood Alliance is proud to celebrate Representative Jillian Gilchrest (18th District) as a 2026 Children's Champion in recognition of her unwavering support of developmental and basic needs system funding, especially in the effort to make sure all families have access to clean diapers for their children, during the 2026 Legislative Session.
CT Early Childhood Alliance is proud to celebrate Representative Jennifer Leeper (132nd District) as a 2026 Children's Champion in recognition of her unwavering support of developmental and basic needs system funding, especially in the effort to increase funding for the Birth to Three program, during the 2026 Legislative Session.