State Awards $6.6 Million to Strengthen Early Education, Out-of-school-time Facilities

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration announced $6.6 million in grants to 19 early education and out-of-school-time programs across Massachusetts to support facility renovations and upgrades that aim to create safer, more accessible, and higher-quality learning environments for children and educators.

The grants are awarded through the Department of Early Education and Care’s Early Education and Out-of-School Time (EEOST) Small Capital Grant program, which is administered in partnership with MassDevelopment. Grants ranging from $200,000 to $500,000 support critical capital improvements at center-based early education and out-of-school-time programs across the state. The funding helps providers make renovations that improve the health, safety, accessibility, and quality of learning environments for children, families, and educators.

“Childcare programs are an essential part of our communities, and every family deserves access to programs where kids can learn, play and grow,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “We’re investing in childcare across Massachusetts, and that includes making sure providers have the resources to improve their classrooms, playgrounds, and facilities. These grants will help programs make important upgrades that benefit kids, families, and educators every day.”

The EEOST Small Capital Grant program provides funding for projects that sustain and improve Massachusetts’ essential childcare infrastructure. Eligible projects include renovations and upgrades that enhance health and safety, improve accessibility and inclusion, modernize classrooms and indoor and outdoor playspaces, address critical building needs, and advance climate resilience and sustainability.

Projects funded through this round include improvements to outdoor playspaces; upgrades to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; renovations to classrooms, bathrooms, and gross motor spaces; emergency repairs and critical upgrades to roofs, electrical systems, and other building infrastructure; accessibility improvements to better support children and adults with disabilities; and security enhancements, including security cameras and access control systems.