Greater Lawrence Community Action Council. © Damianos Photography
Children’s Investment Fund, CEDAC, and the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) announced over $18M in funding for child care facilities this year. This unprecedented level of funding is the largest state investment in early childhood education and out-of-school time facilities in Massachusetts in a single year.
The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced this bold investment in the Early Education and Out of School Time (EEOST) Capital Fund in its FY24 – FY28 Capital Plan, with $10.85M allocated for the upcoming FY24 grant round. This funding level is more than double the $4M that the EEOST Capital Fund has historically received each year.
In addition, the Massachusetts Legislature appropriated $15M in the state operating budget for child care facility upgrades. Half this amount, $7.5M, is available for the first time to for-profit child care centers that serve low-income families.
Over the past three years alone, 72 programs have benefited from a variety of facility upgrades. New Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems provided cleaner indoor air, greater thermal comfort for children and staff, and are a response to growing climate change concerns. Renovated outdoor play spaces resulted in more physical activity for children. Organizations were able to address long-standing deferred maintenance issues such as leaking roofs and inoperable windows.
Children’s Investment Fund is administering three grant programs to distribute the funding. The small grant round awards $200,000 – $500,000 to licensed, center-based programs serving low-income children. The funding is intended to support renovations that address health and safety concerns and improve quality.
- The Early Education and Out of School Time (EEOST) Capital Fund small grant round – for non-profit centers
- The Early Education and Care Provider Capital Grant (EECPCG) small grant round – for for-profit centers
The large grant round will award $500,000 and $1 million for non-profit centers only. Large grants are given to major renovation projects, new construction, and property acquisition.
We look forward to supporting more providers and families with these historic investments. We thank the Administration and the Legislature for its commitment to improving early learning facilities across the Commonwealth.
