Fall 2016 Newsletter
CHAPA Receives Mav Pardee Award for Building Quality
On November 1st, Children’s Investment Fund and CEDAC presented Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) with the inaugural Mav Pardee Award for Building Quality in recognition of CHAPA’s advocacy for the inclusion of facilities financing in the 2013 Housing Bond Bill.
Named for the former program manager of Children’s Investment Fund, Mav Pardee, this award recognizes those who are carrying on Mav’s life’s work creating high quality early childhood education by addressing the need for physical environments that support quality, contribute to great outcomes for young children, and foster rewarding work environments for early childhood professionals.
CHAPA, whose mission is to foster diverse and sustainable communities through planning and community development, advocated for the creation of a state-funded capital grant program to help child care providers build new facilities or improve their existing buildings.
The 2013 Housing Bond Bill authorized the creation of the EEOST Capital Fund to upgrade child care centers serving low-income families. Due to the need across the Commonwealth, the expansion of slots for low-income children has become a priority for the program. This important legislation acknowledged the role that education plays in transforming families’ lives and the role that suitable physical environments play in offering high quality programs. It also highlights that child care is an important part of community development, providing a critical service to residents in affordable housing who are striving to improve their economic well-being and helping to build strong communities. The legislation authorized $45 million in bond spending over a five year period.
The EEOST Capital Fund program awards grants of up to one million dollars to early childhood education and out-of-school time programs for major capital projects. Children’s Investment Fund and CEDAC work closely with the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) to administer the program. In the first two competitive rounds of funding, over $11 million was awarded to 16 child care programs across the Commonwealth. CHAPA was a crucial partner in securing this important new resource to help strengthen families and build healthier communities.
(Pictured above, from left to right: Jeanne Pinado, Roger Herzog, Theresa Jordan, and Rachel Heller). Photo courtesy of CHAPA.