OEC outlines steps, deadlines for Early Start Connecticut contractors

State officials with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) used a pre-contract information session to walk newly awarded Early Start Connecticut providers through registration, contracting and payment steps.

"Congratulations for a successful application to become an Early Start provider," said Kyle Pylon, manager of the OEC grants and contracts team, opening the session and outlining how attendees will get the slide deck, tip sheets and answers to submitted questions after the presentation.

Why it matters: these steps enable vendors to receive state payments and comply with contract terms. OEC staff emphasized that timely registration and accurate legal names on paperwork are essential for payment and for avoiding reconciliation that could reduce future payments.

What OEC told providers

Registrations and forms. Contractors must register as suppliers in Core-CT (the state's payment system) and complete two forms sent with award letters: SP-26MB (which contains the agency vendor form and a W-9) and the OEC pre-contract form. OEC warned providers to ensure the legal business name matches across documents.

Deadlines and contacts. OEC said all forms and confirmation of…