- Department of Early Education and Care
- Executive Office of Education
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Kim N. Le, Director of Communications
Boston — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today 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 will 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 (EEC) 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.
“Child care programs are an essential part of our communities, and every family deserves access to programs where kids can learn, play and grow,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re investing in child care 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.”
"Investing in child care means investing in the places where children spend their days learning, playing and building relationships," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will help programs across Massachusetts make the improvements they need – from modernizing classrooms and play spaces to improving accessibility and building safety – so they can better serve children and families.”
The EEOST Small Capital Grant program provides funding for projects that sustain and improve Massachusetts' essential child care infrastructure. Eligible projects include renovations and upgrades that enhance health and safety; improve accessibility and inclusion; modernize classrooms and indoor and outdoor play spaces; address critical building needs; and advance climate resilience and sustainability.
“High-quality learning environments are foundational to student success, and that starts with our youngest learners,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “These investments will help early education and out-of-school time programs create safe, accessible and engaging spaces where children can learn, grow and build the skills they need to thrive.”
"A safe and welcoming learning environment supports curiosity, development, and a sense of belonging," said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. "These grants will help programs make lasting improvements that enhance children's daily experiences and strengthen early education across the Commonwealth."
Projects funded through this round include:
- Improvements to outdoor play spaces;
- Upgrades to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) 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.
“A critical component of expanding access to high-quality, affordable early education and childcare is ensuring that centers have safe and appropriate facilities for their students,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “These grants will help childcare and before/after school program providers upgrade their facilities, enhance safety, and improve quality of care.”
“Strong economies depend on strong child care programs, which provide nurturing environments for children to learn and grow and empower parents and guardians to participate in the workforce as they choose,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Navjeet Bal. “We are glad to see these grants support crucial upgrades to 19 child care facilities across the state, creating safer, more accessible classrooms and play spaces for children and educators.”
This $6.6 million investment builds on Governor Healey’s efforts to strengthen child care across Massachusetts, including $4.3 million announced last week to strengthen family child care programs across the state.
The administration is also investing in the early education workforce, including $15 million for the state’s first-ever loan repayment program for early childhood educators and $1.4 million to train and place more than 250 early childhood education apprentices. These investments are helping strengthen and expand the child care system. Since Governor Healey took office, Massachusetts has added more than 22,000 child care seats, while C3 funding has helped more than 8,000 child care programs remain open.
FY2027 Early Education and Out-of-School Time (EEOST) Small Capital Grant awardees:
- Boys & Girls Club of Lynn: $310,000
- Boys and Girls Club Family Center: $499,999
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester: $479,805
- Children's Aid and Family Service, Inc.: $340,000
- Community Action Pioneer Valley, Inc.: $256,592
- Crispus Attucks Children's Center: $372,585
- East Boston Social Centers, Inc.: $250,000
- For Kids Only After School, Incorporated: $240,604
- Girls Inc. of Lynn: $209,300
- Guild of St. Agnes: $499,999
- New North Citizen Council: $212,353
- NorthStar Learning Centers, Inc.: $498,799
- Robbins Children's Programs, Inc.: $400,574
- SMOC: $360,000
- The Athol Area YMCA: $425,326
- Waltham Boys & Girls Club, Inc.: $375,038
- Woburn Council of Social Concern, Inc.: $204,750
- YMCA of Central MA: $220,645
- Young Men's Christian Association Southcoast: $460,000
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