Progress Report Details Year Two of Early Education and Child Care Task Force

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration recently released its year two progress report, as well as a year three outlook, from Gov. Maura Healey’s inter-agency Early Education and Child Care Task Force, highlighting significant progress taken to expand accessible, affordable, and equitable high-quality childcare across Massachusetts.

In year two, the task force advanced a whole-of-government strategy to strengthen the state’s childcare system by establishing inter-agency working groups, sharing data and best practices, and launching new, innovative programs to best support providers and early educators. These efforts include expanding healthcare benefits for early educators; improving economic development support for small, local childcare businesses; and expanding career pathways through apprenticeships and higher education opportunities.

This progress builds on the 22,000 childcare seats Massachusetts has added since before the pandemic and 20% increase in educator compensation statewide.

“Affordable, accessible childcare remains vital to the competitiveness of Massachusetts and to the long-term success of our families, our economy, and our workforce,” Healey said. “Since taking office, we have expanded childcare access for thousands of families, increased wages for educators, and invested in the programs and partnerships that make this system stronger. I’m grateful to the members of the task force and the many parents, providers, and educators who shared their perspectives and ideas. Their work is helping guide the steps we’re taking to strengthen childcare across Massachusetts.”

Healey created the task force to make Massachusetts a national leader in early education and childcare. The task force is co-chaired by the secretaries of Education, Labor and Workforce Development, and Economic Development, and includes participation from secretaries (or designees) from Administration and Finance, Energy and Environmental Affairs, Health and Human Services, Housing, Public Safety, Technology, Transportation, and Veterans Services.

In its first year, the task force conducted 14 listening sessions with hundreds of parents, childcare providers, and community stakeholders to examine innovative practices across other states and countries. That work resulted in nearly 30 actionable recommendations across five core areas: broad access and availability, high-quality programming, sustainable business conditions, affordability for all families, and a strong, supported workforce.

“Addressing the childcare challenge requires us to turn over every rock and look across benefits, workforce pathways, and business supports,” acting Education secretary and Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw said. “By working across state government, we’re delivering practical solutions that help providers grow, retain educators, and serve families in every community.”