BOSTON (WWLP) – A pilot program was launched to provide grants to in-home family child care centers to support space improvements and build program capacity.
Senate budget funds free Community College for all Homeowners who have a licensed child care program can apply to this new Family Child Care Capital Grant Program for up to $25,000 through August 16th. Providers can apply funds to purchase and install equipment, such as washing machines or refrigerators that exclusively support program operations and security equipment like cameras and access control systems.
Funds can also be used to make improvements to spaces where care is provided such as:
- Installation of fencing to enclose outdoor play areas
- Improvements to heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems, including windows and HVAC equipment, especially as it results in the replacement of combustion heating systems in favor of high-efficiency heat pumps, and other energy efficiency measures for space improvements
- Modifications to the space to allow for greater accessibility or other improvements to support the inclusion of children and adults with disabilities
The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that a total of $2.5 million in funding is available. The new partnership is between the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency, and land bank, to support family child care programs’ capital needs.
To apply for the Pilot Family Child Care Facilities Grant visit MassDevelopment.com .
“Earlier this year we announced millions in capital funding for center-based early education and out-of-school time programs. I am pleased we are adding dedicated funding for our family child care programs as well to improve and expand affordable child care offerings for families,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are focused on making early education and care more 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 Family Child Care Capital Grant Program is a true demonstration of our whole of government approach to child care – agencies bringing their unique expertise together in ensuring affordable, high-quality early education and care. I am grateful that we are able to provide family child care programs the financial resources they need to invest in our youngest learners and strengthen local early education infrastructure, promoting economic mobility for families and stimulating our economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.
Local News
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Local News
