State Issues $2.7 Million in Capital Grants for Family Childcare Programs
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration recently announced $2.7 million in capital grants awarded to more than 150 family childcare providers. These grants were the first round of the administration’s first-ever capital program for Family Child Care (FCC) programs, designed to enhance learning environments, expand childcare capacity, and strengthen the infrastructure of early education and care at the community level.
The administration also announced that FCC programs will be able to apply for the second round of grant funding starting Oct. 1 with $4 million available in total. Grants will range from $500 to $25,000 to support physical space improvements that enhance program quality and increase capacity. This includes indoor and outdoor upgrades, HVAC and energy efficiency improvements, emergency repairs, accessibility improvements, and installation of new program-dedicated equipment such as washing machines, refrigerators, security cameras, and access control systems.
“We know that too many families are struggling to find local and affordable childcare options,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “That’s why we have been focused on providing capital opportunities that improve and expand care offerings for families. Our Family Child Care capital grant program is already helping 150 small businesses, and this second round of funding will have a significant impact on reducing costs for families and ensuring kids get a high-quality early education.”
This grant program is administered through a partnership between the Department of Early Education and Care and MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency and land bank, to support family childcare programs’ capital needs. These efforts are also part of Healey’s Early Education and Child Care Task Force, which is working to strengthen the early education and care sector and ensure equitable access to high-quality childcare for families across Massachusetts.
“Family childcare providers are a critical part of our early education and care system, supporting economic mobility for families and economic development for communities,” Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw said. “This capital grant program recognizes their essential role by giving them the tools to make meaningful improvements to their spaces. These investments help ensure that children can learn and thrive in safe, engaging environments while providers build long-term sustainability for their programs.”