Sen. Boucher receives Stepping Up for Children Award

Hartford, CT— State Senator Toni Boucher (R-Wilton) was recognized recently by the Stepping Stones Museum for Children for her continual work making Connecticut a better place for children to live and grow.

Stepping Stones Museum in Norwalk recognized Senator Boucher with the “Stepping Up for Children Award” for her commitment to nurturing and advocating for Connecticut’s youngest children, birth to five and for improving early education programs and training.

Sen. Toni Boucher holding her Stepping Up for Children Award received from the Stepping Stones Museum.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized by a group that is distinguished in our community. These leaders share my strong value and commitment to early childhood issues,” said Sen. Boucher.

Last year, Senator Boucher was chosen as a 2012 Children’s Champion by the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance 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 including ushering in legislation aimed at improving outcomes for young children centering on health, nutrition and safety.

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.

According to the Connecticut Commission on Children 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 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, a State Board of Education Commissioner and Chief Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate and Assistant Minority Leader in the House. She also worked with the founders of the Stepping Stones Museum for Children to bring the museum to Norwalk and helped to provide this treasured resource to the region’s families.