BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration revealed today that $8.5 million in capital funding will be distributed to 20 organizations across Massachusetts. This funding is earmarked for renovating early education and out-of-school time facilities, with a focus on serving low-income families.
Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler, Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw, and Director of Outdoor Recreation Paul Jahnige announced the grants at the East Boston Social Center. They emphasized how this investment will enhance the quality and capacity of learning environments. The upgrades aim to provide children with safe, healthy, and inclusive spaces for their development.
Governor Maura Healey stated, “Making early education and care more affordable and accessible is a top priority for our administration. These capital grants will help child care programs create modern, safe environments for children. This funding also supports our climate goals, ensuring a secure future for our kids.”
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll added, “This $8.5 million investment will significantly improve local early education and child care programs. The funds will enhance energy efficiency, ventilation, security, and accessibility, and upgrade outdoor play areas.”
In line with the Administration’s climate initiatives, projects focusing on clean energy and decarbonization were prioritized. Additionally, projects that include security enhancements, such as cameras and access control systems, received special attention. Eligible uses of the funding include improvements to indoor air quality, roof replacements, electrical system upgrades, and modifications for better accessibility.
Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler remarked, “We are proud to support 20 child care programs across the state, promoting safe and inclusive spaces for children. It was inspiring to see how this grant will help East Boston Social Center improve accessibility.”
Commissioner Amy Kershaw noted, “These grants are revitalizing local communities by expanding and modernizing child care facilities. Such capital investments are making Massachusetts a better place to live, learn, and grow.”
Paul Jahnige highlighted the importance of resilient facilities, stating, “Outdoor play and robust facilities are crucial for childhood development. These grants will support resilient, low-carbon facilities and improve the quality and accessibility of learning environments.”
The capital funding is administered by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) in partnership with the Children’s Investment Fund (CIF), part of the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC). This funding is part of the FY24 – FY28 Capital Investment Plan Early Education and Out-of-School Time (EEOST) fund and the fiscal year 2024 state budget. For the first time, for-profit child care centers and out-of-school time programs that serve at least 50% of children receiving public benefits were eligible.
Theresa Jordan, Director of the Children’s Investment Fund, expressed enthusiasm, saying, “Massachusetts continues to lead in state investment for early education facilities, with 20 projects receiving funding this year.”
Justin Pasquariello, Executive Director of East Boston Social Center, explained, “The grant will allow us to update our elevator, ensuring accessibility for all children. These funds help improve our facilities and allow us to better support our educators and children.”
Funding amounts range from $200,000 to $500,000 per project. Awardees and their allocations include:
Angela’s Preschool and Daycare (Peabody) – $500,000 for security system upgrades, HVAC improvements, and kitchen ventilation.
Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke – $421,000 for security upgrades and new fencing.
Bright Futures Early Learning Center (Springfield) – $500,000 for classroom updates and playground equipment.
Child Care of the Berkshires (North Adams) – $483,000 for fencing, landscaping, and infrastructure improvements.
Children’s Express Child Care (Dorchester) – $500,000 for an all-electric hot water system and HVAC transformation.
East Boston Social Centers – $246,000 for elevator upgrades and accessibility improvements.
Greater Holyoke YMCA – $500,000 for security cameras and facility egress improvements.
Guild of St. Agnes (Webster) – $500,000 for HVAC replacement and new video surveillance.
Kid-Start (Lawrence) – $500,000 for a new HVAC system and playground upgrades.
L.P. College (New Bedford) – $370,000 and $500,000 for HVAC systems, security, and play structures.
Pathways for Children (Beverly) – $246,000 for playground redesign.
Rainbow Child Development Center (Worcester) – $500,000 for window and door replacements.
South Boston Neighborhood House – $236,000 for building siding and bathroom updates.
South Shore Stars (Quincy) – $500,000 for security and HVAC system updates.
The Community Group (Lawrence) – $272,000 for playground and security improvements.
The Learning Tree Daycare and Preschool (Medway) – $500,000 for playground equipment and natural features.
Woburn Council of Social Concern – $500,000 for play structure replacements and bathroom updates.
YMCA of Central Massachusetts (Southbridge) – $495,000 for accessible play structures and landscaping.
YMCA of Greater Boston – $251,000 for door replacements and video access control systems.