United Way of Southeastern Connecticut (UWSECT) has received funding from General Dynamics Electric Boat to launch a new initiative focused on expanding access to affordable, high-quality early childcare and education across New London County.
The funding will support the Family Childcare Provider Capacity Pilot for Access & Affordability, developed in partnership with Electric Boat. Launching in March 2026, the pilot aims to address childcare shortages by strengthening and expanding the network of licensed Family Childcare Providers (FCCs), particularly in areas considered childcare deserts.
“Access to reliable, affordable childcare is critical for working families and for the strength of our regional workforce,” said Dina Sears‑Graves, President & CEO of United Way of Southeastern Connecticut. “We are grateful for our partnership with General Dynamics Electric Boat that will allow us to support childcare providers as small business owners while increasing access to care for families throughout New London County.”
Family Childcare Providers are a proven solution to increasing childcare availability, yet many face barriers that limit their ability to grow or sustain their businesses, including lack of access to technology, training, and systems support. The FCC Capacity Pilot is designed to address these challenges while helping providers navigate upcoming changes from the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood.
The pilot includes two components:
- Technology capacity building for 20 currently licensed FCC providers, offering equipment, training, and systems support to strengthen business operations and access state childcare programs
- A new family childcare provider pipeline, will create new businesses by recruiting and supporting prospective FCC owners in targeted areas to increase the number of licensed, accredited providers
By expanding the number of Family Childcare Providers able to participate in state subsidy programs, the pilot will increase affordability and access for parents while strengthening the early childhood workforce.
“With Electric Boat’s continued growth and expansion in southeastern Connecticut, it’s extremely important to ensure our employees and our communities have access to affordable childcare. Growing our partnership with the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut is critical to increasing the childcare capacity in our region” said Sean Morrone, Manager of Workforce Development & Community Engagement”
This initiative is supported through collaboration with the Women’s Business Development Council and the Connecticut Association for the Education of Young Children, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable childcare solutions that benefit families, employers, and the broader community.
Learn more about the SECT Childcare Collective here: www.uwsect.org/sect-childcare-collective