Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens $4 Million for Large Scale Renovations at Early Education and Out-of-School Time Programs

Boston — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) has opened an application with $4 million in total funding available for large scale capital projects at early education and care programs. Center-based nonprofit child care and out-of-school time programs that serve low-income families can apply for $500,000 - $1,000,000 per project to acquire property or renovate a facility, expanding capacity and promoting quality learning environments for young children. These grants will improve program facilities, add classrooms, and aim to increase the number of state-subsidized child care spots across Massachusetts.

“In November we announced $14 million in capital funding for Early Education and Out-of-School Time programs – and I am pleased we are adding another $4 million for larger scale projects to improve and expand affordable child care offerings for families,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are focused on making early education and care more affordable, accessible and equitable across the state. 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.”

“The Governor and I have had the privilege to travel around the state and visit some of our incredible child care programs, where kids have access to innovative and high-quality outdoor and indoor spaces that spark curiosity and promote learning and exploration. I am grateful that we are able to provide more programs the financial resources they need to invest in our youngest learners and strengthen local early education and care infrastructure, promoting economic mobility for families and stimulating our economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.

These grants are available through the Early Education and Out-of-School Time (EEOST) capital funding to offset expenses to acquire property or expand, repair and/or renovate existing early education and out-of-school time facilities. This can include major systems replacements, reconfiguration of classrooms, 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 child care financial assistance.

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to advancing affordability and equity in early education. This critical grant funding will support child care centers and community organizations that provide accessible, safe, and inclusive spaces for children of all backgrounds and abilities,” said Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler. “By infusing funds into our local communities to renovate, repair, and expand child care facilities, we are making Massachusetts a better place to live, go to school, work, raise a family, and build a better future.”

“Our goal is to increase affordability and expand access to high quality programming for all families in the Commonwealth. A critical tool in this work is providing capital opportunities for programs to create updated, child focused spaces for children to learn and play and for their educators to work,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw.

The EEOST grants are financed through the state's capital budget and leverage private investments with matching funds. They are administered by EEC in partnership with the Children’s Investment Fund (CIF), an affiliate of the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC). The Healey-Driscoll Administration's FY24 - FY28 Capital Investment Plan increased these grants by $4 million a year for 4 years. This large-scale grant opportunity builds off the $14.3 million the Administration announced for smaller scale early education and care capital projects in November 2023.

“This program invests in high-quality, large-scale improvements to early childhood education facilities. We are thrilled to offer these grants of up to $1M for the first time since 2020,” said Theresa Jordan, Director of the Children’s Investment Fund.

The grant application for large scale projects opened December 20, 2023 and closes February 1, 2024. Find the application online and sign up for an information session.

###