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Parent’s Corner

Helpful tools, trusted guidance, and everyday support for Connecticut families

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Parenting comes with a lot of questions, and sometimes a lot of paperwork too. This page is here to make things simpler.

Whether you're checking vaccine requirements for school, looking for child care, trying to build healthier routines at home, or figuring out how to support your child emotionally, you'll find practical resources here to help.

Think of this as your go-to place for trusted information, family support, and next steps you can actually use.

Select a topic to learn more.

Vaccines help protect children, classrooms, child-care settings, and the wider community. In Connecticut, certain immunizations are required for children attending licensed child care programs and K–12 schools.

This section is here to make the process easier, so you know what's required, where to find your child's records, and what to do if you need to catch up.

Child Care & Preschool Requirements (Birth to Age 5)

Children in licensed child care centers, family child care homes, and preschool programs must follow Connecticut's age-based vaccine schedule. Vaccines commonly required include:

  • DTaP
  • Polio
  • Hib
  • Pneumococcal
  • Hepatitis B
  • MMR
  • Varicella
  • Annual flu vaccine for children ages 6 to 59 months
Helpful reminders for families
  • Keep a digital copy of your child's immunization record.
  • Update your records after each well visit.
  • Ask your pediatrician if your child is due for any upcoming vaccines.

Kindergarten Requirements

Before starting kindergarten, families typically need to provide documentation for:

  • 2 doses of MMR
  • 2 doses of varicella, or a confirmed history of chickenpox
  • At least 4 doses of DTaP
  • 3 or more doses of polio
  • Completion of the hepatitis B series
💡 A helpful tip for parents

Schedule your child's well visit in late spring or early summer so forms are ready before back-to-school season.

Grades 1 through 12

Students must continue to meet Connecticut school immunization requirements throughout elementary, middle, and high school. Vaccines required include:

  • MMR
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis B
  • Polio
  • Tdap booster for Grade 7
  • Meningococcal vaccine for Grade 7 and Grade 12

If Your Child Is Behind on Vaccines

The good news is that children can safely get back on track using a CDC-approved catch-up schedule.

  • You do not need to restart a vaccine series.
  • Your child's provider can create a catch-up plan.
  • Schools can accept catch-up documentation when it follows CDC timing guidelines.

If you're unsure where your child stands, your pediatrician or school nurse can help.

Accessing Records Through CT WiZ

Connecticut uses CT WiZ, a secure statewide immunization system. Families can use it to:

  • View vaccination history
  • Download school and child-care forms
  • Print immunization certificates
  • Share records for camps, sports, and other programs

Search for Licensed Programs

Families can explore a range of child care options, including:

  • Child care centers
  • Family child care homes
  • Group child care homes
  • School readiness programs
  • Before- and after-school programs
  • NAEYC-accredited programs

Search tools can help narrow results by location, age group, hours, and program type.

What to Look for When Visiting a Program

  • Clean, safe spaces
  • Warm, responsive staff
  • Daily routines and age-appropriate activities
  • Clear family communication
  • Posted child-to-teacher ratios and licensing information

Common Types of Care in Connecticut

Child Care Centers

Larger programs offering full-day or part-day care for infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.

Family Child Care Homes

Smaller home-based programs that often offer a more flexible and family-style setting.

School Readiness Programs

State-supported early childhood programs for children ages 3 to 5.

Extra Support for Developmental Concerns

If you have questions about your child's development, Connecticut also offers helpful programs like:

  • Birth to Three, for early intervention and developmental support
  • Help Me Grow Connecticut, for referrals, guidance, and family support

Help Paying for Child Care

Some families may qualify for support through:

  • Care 4 Kids
  • School Readiness tuition assistance
  • Head Start and Early Head Start
  • Community scholarships or sliding-scale programs

Build a Balanced Plate

  • Half fruits and vegetables
  • One quarter whole grains
  • One quarter protein
  • Dairy, if it works for your family

Easy Parent Tips

  • Offer a variety of colors and textures
  • Let kids help pick out or prepare foods
  • Keep mealtimes low-pressure
  • Serve water regularly throughout the day

Smart Snacks for Busy Days

  • Fresh fruit
  • Yogurt and berries
  • Crackers and cheese
  • Hummus and vegetables
  • Apple slices with nut butter
  • Hard-boiled eggs

Support for Picky Eaters

Picky eating is common, and it usually takes time. A few strategies that can help:

  • Keep offering new foods without pressure
  • Pair new foods with familiar favorites
  • Make food fun with shapes, dips, or color
  • Stay calm and consistent

Connecticut Nutrition Resources for Families

  • WIC
  • School meal programs
  • SNAP
  • Connecticut Foodshare
  • Local food pantries and community food resources

Children have big feelings, and they do not always have the words to explain what is going on. Sometimes stress, sadness, worry, or frustration shows up through behavior first.

You might notice:

  • Changes in sleep or appetite
  • More meltdowns or tears
  • Trouble focusing
  • Clinginess or withdrawal
  • Frequent worry
  • Big reactions to small things

Ways to Support Your Child at Home

Create a calm-down space

A quiet, cozy area with comforting items can help children reset.

Keep routines predictable

Simple routines can help children feel more secure, especially during stressful times.

Practice calming tools together

Breathing games and simple check-ins can help kids learn how to manage emotions.

Name feelings out loud

Ask "How are you feeling right now?" and use visuals like emoji charts or feelings wheels if helpful.

Model calm when you can

Children learn a lot by watching the adults around them.

When It May Be Time for Extra Support

Reach out for help if you notice:

  • Big feelings lasting for weeks
  • Worry that affects school or friendships
  • Ongoing sadness
  • Changes in appetite or sleep
  • Pulling away from favorite activities
  • Negative self-talk
  • Any behavior change that feels concerning

A pediatrician, school counselor, therapist, or trusted community provider can be a great place to start.

A Few Good Reminders

  • Use the right car seat or booster for your child's age and size
  • Always supervise children near water
  • Make helmet use non-negotiable for bikes, scooters, and similar activities
  • Keep medicines, cleaners, and button batteries out of reach
  • Review online safety regularly as kids grow
  • Keep emergency contacts and plans easy to access at home

Family Safety Topics

  • Car seat and booster seat safety
  • Water safety
  • Helmet safety
  • Fire and home safety
  • Poison prevention
  • Safe sleep for infants
  • Internet and technology safety
  • Emergency preparedness

Technology and Internet Safety

Technology is part of everyday life for most families. The goal is not to fear it, but to guide children through it with clear boundaries and open conversation.

  • Keep screens in shared spaces
  • Use parental controls where appropriate
  • Talk often about privacy, kindness, and online behavior
  • Watch for changes in mood or secretive device use

Epi covers a lot of ground in her videos! This section is here so parents can stay in the loop — brushing up on the same topics your child is exploring, reinforcing healthy habits at home, and keeping the conversation going.

Topics Epi Covers

  • 🧼 Handwashing
  • 🏃 Physical Fitness
  • 🪥 Hygiene
  • 🥗 Healthy Eating Habits
  • 🦠 Germ Prevention Habits
  • 🛡️ Health & Safety Habits
  • 😊 Our Feelings

How to Use These Topics with Your Family

  • Watch a video together and ask your child what they learned
  • Try one new habit from the topic that week
  • Use the topic pages to find conversation starters and activities
  • Let your child be the teacher — kids love explaining what Epi showed them

When kids see their parents interested in what they're learning, it reinforces that healthy habits really matter.

Questions?
We're here to help!

Epi and her friends are always learning and growing — just like your family. Explore more resources throughout the site.

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Back to Epi's World