Healey-Driscoll Administration launched a $4 million grant program aimed at improving and expanding early education and out-of-school time programs throughout Massachusetts. According to an announcement made earlier today, the funding is up for grabs for large-scale renovations critical to the development of young minds.
The pile of cash, targeted at nonprofit child care centers, is part of a state plan to make high-quality early education more affordable and available, especially to low-income families. Governor Maura Healey was quoted saying, “We are focused on making early education and care more affordable, accessible, and equitable across the state. Providing capital funding to programs is an essential part of that work, helping families struggling with the high cost of living make ends meet and ensuring their kids can get a high-quality education.” in a statement obtained by Mass.gov. Applicants eager to improve their facilities can dial up for grants ranging from $500,000 to $1 million.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll stated, "I am grateful that we are able to provide more programs the financial resources they need to invest in our youngest learners and strengthen local early education and care infrastructure."
The grant application period kicked off on December 20 and is set to close on the first day of February next year. Eligibility is reserved for programs where at least half of the kids enrolled benefit from public subsidy, like child care financial assistance. Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler remarked, “By infusing funds into our local communities to renovate, repair, and expand child care facilities, we are making Massachusetts a better place to live, go to school, work, raise a family, and build a better future." This quote was sourced directly from the aforementioned Mass.gov announcement.
Applications and additional details for interested parties are available online, with information sessions to boot. Theresa Jordan, Director of the Children’s Investment Fund, an affiliate of the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation that administers the grants with EEC, announced, "This program invests in high-quality, large-scale improvements to early childhood education facilities. We are thrilled to offer these grants of up to $1M for the first time since 2020." Interested applicants can find more information by visiting the Management Administration's webpage.
