Board of Early Education and Care Improves Access to Child Care Financial Assistance

NEEDHAM — The Board of Early Education and Care voted unanimously to improve access to Child Care Financial Assistance (CCFA) programs, reinforcing Massachusetts’ commitment to expanding affordable, high-quality early education and care for families across the state.

These regulation changes codify the state’s FY 2025 budget changes to the program and achieve a key priority of the Healey-Driscoll administration’s Gateway to Pre-K agenda: raising income eligibility for CCFA from 50% to 85% of state median income.

The approved Child Care Financial Assistance regulations include several key improvements, including expanded eligibility, priority access for early childhood educators, and protection of benefits.

“We have been working to build the Child Care Financial Assistance programs that our children, families, and educators deserve,” Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler said. “Today’s vote is another important step forward in that work, highlighting our commitment to affordable care for working families and supporting educators’ economic mobility.”

Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw added that “the Healey-Driscoll administration is committed to increasing affordability and accessibility, and our Child Care Financial Assistance programs are one of the most important tools we have in that work. These changes are another step in ensuring these programs are able to reach families who need assistance and that they’re engaging with a modern, dignified system.”