The Connecticut Office of Early Childhood has created the Parent Cabinet.  The members will serve as a statewide, diverse, parent-led advisory group.  They've been tasked with identifying ways to make improvements to the lives of children and families.  Commissioner Beth Bye says this will give parents and caregivers of children from birth to age 5 a greater voice and ability in shaping laws and policies that impact them.  The agency oversees childcare and Care 4 Kids--the state program that helps low to moderate-income families pay for childcare costs--along with home visiting, licensing, and early intervention.  The Office of Early Childhood held an extensive application process to seek parents who are interested in serving as members.  Among the members is Maria Vargas, of Danbury.  The mom of three has been working with families with young children as a Parent Educator in the Greater Danbury community for 25 years. She is part of the Danbury School Readiness Council, a Positive Discipline facilitator, a CDA Council Professional Specialist, and is a life coach for YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program.