BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that 20 organizations across Massachusetts are being awarded $8.5 million in capital funding to renovate early education and out-of-school time program facilities that serve primarily low-income families. 

 

"Making early education and care more affordable and accessible is a top priority for our administration. Capital investments are an important part of that. These capital grants give our hardworking child care programs the financial resources they need to provide modern, healthy, and safe environments for our kids to learn and play. This funding also helps us make progress on our climate goals, which is essential for ensuring our kids have secure futures," said Governor Maura Healey.

 

Child Care of the Berkshires, of North Adams, was awarded $483,000 to fund new fencing, landscaping and play structure installation. The funds will also allow the organization to replace windows, flooring in two classrooms, the roof system and the steam boiler, adding a dual fuel burner and installing an air conditioning condenser. 

 

As part of the Administration's whole-of-government approach to addressing climate change, and in collaboration with the Climate Office, projects were prioritized that focused on clean energy and decarbonization. Projects that included security enhancements to prevent and respond to potential threats, such as active shooters and installation of security cameras and access control systems, were also prioritized. Examples of eligible funding use includes modifications to improve indoor air quality, roof replacements, upgrading electrical or security systems, and physical environment modifications addressing accessibility or other upgrades for classrooms, outdoor areas, and more.

 

"We are proud to be awarding $8.5 million in capital funding to 20 child care programs across the state, promoting accessible, safe, and inclusive spaces for children of all backgrounds and abilities to grow, learn, and play," said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. "It was great to be at East Boston Social Center today to learn how this grant will support their accessibility project to improve movement in and out of the center, especially for children and adults with limited mobility."

 

The capital opportunities are administered by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) in partnership with the Children's Investment Fund (CIF), an affiliate of the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC). This funding is available through the administration's FY24 - FY28 Capital Investment Plan Early Education and Out-of-School Time (EEOST) fund and from the Early Education & Care Provider Capital funding delivered in 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 who receive public benefits were eligible.