STAMFORD, CT — Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County (CLC) hosted its “Building Brighter Futures Together” event on Thursday, bringing together city and state leaders, educators, and business partners to celebrate Stamford’s innovative and collaborative approach to early childhood education.
The event highlighted Stamford’s model—anchored by a more than 20-year partnership among CLC, Stamford Public Schools (SPS), and the City of Stamford. Through aligned curriculum, shared professional development, and a deep, ongoing working relationship, CLC and SPS ensure a seamless transition from preschool to kindergarten. This partnership has become a cornerstone of Stamford’s success, preparing one in three local kindergarteners for school readiness while supporting the city’s workforce and economy.
“When early childhood education is strong, communities thrive,” said Monica Maccera Filppu, CEO of CLC. “Our partnership with Stamford Public Schools and the City of Stamford shows what’s possible when we align around children—investing in quality programs that prepare them for success in school and give parents the stability they need to work and grow.”
A panel discussion moderated by Ms. Maccera Filppu featured Mayor Caroline Simmons, State Representative Corey Paris, Dr. Tamu Lucero, Superintendent of Stamford Public Schools, and Kathryn Duras, Vice President of Human Resources at Stamford Health. Panelists discussed how Stamford’s early childhood system supports families and employers while addressing the promise and implementation of Connecticut’s new early childhood legislation, SB 1.
Panelists emphasized that while SB 1 is a major step forward, sustained advocacy and funding are essential to expand access, equity, and quality. They also recognized that Stamford’s success depends not only on the City–SPS–CLC partnership but also on the city’s broader network of community and family-based providers, which offers families the choice, quality, and stability they deserve.
A CLC parent shared the program’s impact: “Thanks to CLC, I was able to go back to work and my husband was able to go back to school. I first enrolled my eldest daughter, and after that wonderful experience, I returned with my second daughter, who considers CLC her second home. As a parent, you always want what’s best for your children, and for us, CLC has always been that place.”
The event concluded with Representative Corey Paris receiving the Friend of Children Award from Merrill Gay, Executive Director of the CT Early Childhood Alliance, honoring his leadership in advancing historic investments in early childhood care and education.
Contributed Photos from Dulce López / @DolcePhoto_
From left to right: Noah Lapine, CLC Board Chair; Monica Maccera Filppu, CLC CEO; Kathryn Duras, Vice President of HR, Stamford Health; Dr. Tamu Lucero, Superintendent, Stamford Public Schools; Mayor Caroline Simmons, City of Stamford; and Rep. Corey Paris, Chair, CT Committee on Children.