Sen. Boucher Honored for Tireless Efforts for Children

Senator Boucher receiving her award

HARTFORD, CT— State Senator Toni Boucher (R-Wilton) was commended today for her continual work making Connecticut a better place for children to live and grow.

The Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance recognized Boucher as a “Children’s Champion” for ushering legislation aimed at improving outcomes for young children, taking special interest in the issues facing young children, and engaging with advocates on early childhood legislation centering on health, nutrition and safety.

“It is an incredible honor to be named a ‘Children’s Champion’ and to stand among these distinguished community leaders and elected officials who share my strong value and commitment to early childhood issues,” said Sen. Boucher.

Awards were presented to Boucher and other state legislators at the State Capitol. The room was packed with a number of parents, early childhood advocates and activist leaders from across the state.

Sen. Boucher received this award for her efforts to promote early childhood issues both locally in her profession and at the State Capitol.

“Sen. Boucher was chosen as a 2012 Children’s Champion for demonstrating a strong level of commitment to early childhood through leadership on policy issues during the 2012 legislative session, and active involvement on local early childhood initiatives,” said Maggie Adair, Executive Director of the CT Early Childhood Alliance.

The Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance is a statewide membership and advocacy organization committed to improving developmental outcomes in the areas of learning, health, safety and economic security for children ages birth to eight. They have member organizations which employ over 3,000 Connecticut residents and provide care and education for nearly 20,000 children.

“I want to thank the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance for strong advocacy surrounding pre-school education and early childhood education,” said Sen. Boucher.

Senator Boucher also recognized Elaine Zimmerman of Connecticut Commission on Children for her work on the science of early learning. She has highlighted the fact that 80% of what a child learns is learned from birth to the age of 5.

Sen. Boucher stated, “An investment in this age group will give us the greatest return and help us close the widest in the nation achievement gap.”

Sen. Boucher also received the Children’s Champion award from the Alliance in 2009. Sen. Boucher is a Ranking Member of both the Education Committee and Higher Education Committee and dedicates much of her time to issues involving youth programs, children’s issues and education. She has also been a chairman of Wilton Board of Education, State Board of Education and Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate and Assistant Minority Leader in the House.