A local lawmaker has received the Children's Champion Award from the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance.  The presentation was made Monday to Wilton State Senator Toni Boucher during a visit to the YMCA Children's Center in Bethel.  The Alliance is a statewide advocacy group that works toward improving outcomes for children from birth to age 8 in the areas of learning, health, safety and economic security. 

YMCA President and CEO Marie Miszewski says Boucher is an important member of the Bethel community and has always fought for the needs of children in Connecticut.

This is Boucher's fifth time receiving the honor.  In accepting the award, Boucher said children and educational quality and access have always been top priorities in her public service work.

Among the legislation passed, a bill that gives early childhood educators additional time to obtain their degrees, a bill that addresses safe sleeping practices for infants, a bill that implements a comprehensive mental, emotional and behavioral health plan; a bill that expands School Readiness seat eligibility by allowing programs to serve children who don’t live in the district; and a bill that would require law enforcement agencies to inform child care centers in emergency conditions.