State Awards $4 Million for Renovations at Early-education and Care Programs
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration recently announced that the Department of Early Education and Care has awarded $4 million for large-scale capital projects at six center-based early-education and care programs that serve low-income families.
These grants are made through early-education and out-of-school-time (EEOST) capital funding to acquire property or renovate a facility, expanding capacity and promoting quality learning environments for young children. The funding will improve program facilities, add classrooms, and aim to increase the number of state-subsidized childcare spots across Massachusetts, which will lower costs for families.
Locally, Square One in Springfield recieved $500,000 toward a project to construct a 26,000-square-foot building where it will operate classrooms and outdoor experiential learning, as well as space for other services, including workforce development, therapeutic intervention, and family support. When completed, the project will have four preschool classrooms for 80 children. One classroom located near the entrance may be utilized for 24-hour care, including a full bathroom with shower for families to utilize for emergency drop-in care after hours.
Other grantees include Community Action Agency of Somerville in Cambridge ($500,000), Harborlight and Pathways in Beverly ($1,000,000), Leo Inc. in Lynn ($500,000), North Star Learning Center in New Bedford ($500,000), and People Inc. in Fall River ($1 million).
“We are focused on making early education and care more affordable, accessible, and equitable across the state,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “Providing capital funding to programs is an essential part of that work, helping families struggling with the high cost of living make ends meet and ensuring their kids can get a high-quality education in modernized facilities. That’s why we increased funding for this program in our capital plan, and it is great to see that funding at work to build more childcare programs and expand capacity.”
Awardees were eligible to receive between $500,000 and $1 million per project for major systems replacements, reconfiguration of classrooms and administrative and staff spaces, and redesign and renovation of outdoor space. Further, programs can make physical-environment modifications to address accessibility or other improvements to support inclusion of children and adults with disabilities. For a program to be eligible, at least half of the children enrolled must receive a public subsidy, like childcare financial assistance.