Family ACCESS of Newton Closing June 25

One of West Newton’s longest-running child care anchors is preparing to close for good. Family ACCESS, a nonprofit that has provided child care and family supports for more than a century, says it will permanently shut down next month, citing a tough combination of declining enrollment and rising operating costs. Programs will continue operating through Thursday, June 25, 2026, and staff say they will work with enrolled families to line up alternative care.

Official Announcement And Timeline

In a letter on its website, Family ACCESS said Board Chair Jim Rapoport and Executive Director Maisie Pollard had “exhausted all options” before deciding to close the Early Learning Center, Early Literacy Services, and Counseling Services. The post explains that programs are expected to run as usual through 6:00 p.m. on June 25 and closes with a long list of thank-yous for employees, families, and community supporters who have backed the organization for more than 100 years.

Programs That Will End

The closure will shutter Family ACCESS’s Early Learning Center, Early Literacy Services, and Counseling Services, according to The Boston Globe. The Globe also reports that children currently enrolled are expected to receive care through the final day and that staff are working with families to identify new providers before the doors close.

Home Base: The Davis School

Family ACCESS operates out of the former Davis School on Waltham Street in West Newton, a historic school building that continues to pop up in local planning discussions. The City of Newton lists the organization at that address and has backed efforts to preserve and renovate the longtime home of the program.

Why This Matters For Local Child Care

Family ACCESS is not the only community-based early education provider under financial pressure. Across Massachusetts, programs have struggled with higher expenses and shifting enrollment patterns since the height of the pandemic. Analyses from MassBudget note that staffing, utilities, and other operating costs keep climbing while some families’ preferences and funding streams have changed, squeezing already-thin margins.

Next Steps For Families And Staff

According to the organization, Family ACCESS will continue to operate normally through June 25, with staff committed to helping families secure new care options before then. Families with questions are encouraged to contact the nonprofit at 617-969-5906 or through its website. In its public note, Family ACCESS also urged community members to support affected staff and expressed appreciation for volunteers and funders who have sustained the work over the decades.

Local Fallout

Local reporting suggests the shutdown will result in layoffs and a significant gap in services for many Newton families, with some coverage noting that the nonprofit employs dozens of people who will be directly affected. Fig City News has examined the organization’s long history in the city and the financial pressures that ultimately led to the decision to close.