Implementation Reports on the Preschool Expansion Grant and the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative Grant

In 2016, EEC implemented the 1st year of the Preschool Expansion Grant and the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative, which provided grants to communities to develop plans to expand preschool. EEC issued reports of findings for both initiatives.

Federal grant evaluation and report

The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) contracted with Abt Associates to conduct an evaluation of the programs funded by the Preschool Expansion Grant. The evaluation includes four components:

1. An implementation study.

2. A longitudinal study of children's school success in elementary school.

3. An impact evaluation, including impacts in elementary school.

4. A cost study. 

EEC released a report of findings from students who attended preschool in the first year of the grant. The evaluation found that the classrooms in all 5 communities provided high-quality learning environments and the children showed positive developmental results.

Additional Resources

Preschool Expansion Grant Year One Evaluation

Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative

In 2015, EEC awarded Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative grants to 13 cities and towns to conduct needs assessments and develop local plans for expanded access to preschool in their community. The Commonwealth Preschool Partnership hopes to use partnerships between the public and private sectors similar to the Preschool Expansion program model. The Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative grantees listed below completed their strategic plans in June 2016.  EEC also issued a Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative Report to the Legislature.

• Athol
• Brockton
• Cape Cod
• Fall River
• Holyoke
• Lawrence
• Lowell
• New Bedford
• North Adams
• Pittsfield
• Somerville
• Springfield
• Worcester