State Launches $14.3 Million in Grants for Renovations at Childcare Programs
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration recently announced that the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) has opened capital opportunities for early-education and out-of-school-time facilities that serve low-income families.
A total of $14.3 million in funding is available to support renovations and construction projects to expand capacity and improve the quality and accessibility of learning environments for children, ensuring they have safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate spaces to learn, play, and grow. As part of the administration’s whole-of-government approach to addressing the climate crisis, EEC will prioritize projects that focus on clean energy and decarbonization. Projects that include security enhancements to prevent and respond to potential threats (such as active shooters), including installation of security cameras and access control systems, will also be prioritized.
“Our administration is committed to making early education and care more affordable and accessible. We’re proud that this capital plan increases funding to better ensure that these programs have the financial resources they need to provide modern, healthy, and safe environments for our kids to learn and play,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “These grants will also help us make progress on our climate goals, which is essential for ensuring our kids have secure futures. We’re grateful to the Legislature for their partnership in expanding capital opportunities in this year’s budget to improve and expand childcare offerings for low-income parents, supporting their economic mobility and strengthening our economy.”
These early-education capital grants will allow center-based early-education providers and family childcare centers to improve the spaces where children learn. The grant allows for a variety of improvements including, but not limited to, modifications to improve indoor air quality, emergency repairs such as roof replacement or upgrading electrical or security systems, and physical-environment modifications addressing accessibility or other upgrades for classrooms, outdoor areas, and more. Previous capital projects supported by EEC have ranged from outdoor sensory paths to new keycard security systems to adding multiple classrooms and bathrooms at a center.
“By injecting funds into renovations, repairs, and expansions at childcare and out-of-school-time facilities, we can make sure more students are experiencing classroom spaces that promote learning, growth, and positive educational experiences,” Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler said. “This critical grant funding will support our childcare centers and community organizations in providing accessible, safe, and inclusive spaces for children of all backgrounds and abilities, while helping us build a better and more sustainable future.”