WORCESTER—The Healey-Driscoll administration brings its early education agenda to Worcester this weekend, spotlighting the first-ever round of state capital grants for family child care providers.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw, Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, and MassDevelopment CEO Navjeet Bal are scheduled to visit the Guild of Saint Agnes on Mill Street on Saturday, Sept. 6, to celebrate the $2.7 million in awards.
The new Family Child Care Capital Grant Program is distributing funds to more than 150 providers across Massachusetts. Several Worcester programs are among the awardees, receiving between $3,000 and $25,000 for improvements ranging from accessibility upgrades to emergency repairs and energy-efficiency projects. Local recipients include sites on Mill Street, Grafton Street, Cambridge Street, and across the 01602, 01603, 01604, 01606, and 01607 ZIP codes.
“This is a smart investment in our children, our workforce and our future,” Gov. Maura Healey said in the announcement. “By unlocking these first-ever capital grants for family child care providers, we’re giving these essential educators the resources they need to expand and improve their spaces. Strong family child care programs mean stronger communities. These grants are about making sure local providers have the tools they need to offer safe, high-quality care that parents and caregivers can rely on.”
The Guild of Saint Agnes event features breakfast and networking at 10 a.m. followed by a speaking program at 10:30 a.m. Interpretation is available in Portuguese and Spanish.
In total, awardees across the state received grants of $500 to $25,000. The money supports physical space improvements such as HVAC upgrades, outdoor learning areas, safety equipment, and accessibility features.
The program is funded through the state’s FY24 budget and builds on the work of the governor’s Early Education and Child Care Task Force. Officials said a second round of grant funding will open later this year.
“Investing in the physical environments of family child care is investing in the future of our youngest learners and their families,” said Commissioner Kershaw.
For more information, visit Mass.gov/EEC.
