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Healey-Driscoll administration expands universal access to preschool education in 16 school districts

Emmanuel Paul
Emmanuel Paul - Journalist/ Storyteller

The Healey-Driscoll administration has taken an important step in improving access to quality preschool education in the state of Massachusetts.

In an announcement at the Cape Cod YMCA, it was revealed that 16 school districts will receive a total of $3.4 million in funding through the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI).

The goal of this initiative, as stated by the Governor’s office, is to improve access to affordable, quality preschool programs for children across the state, with a particular focus on “Gateway Cities” and rural communities.

Governor Maura Healey emphasized the importance of this initiative.

“We recognize that the high cost of child care is a barrier for our families, our providers and our economy. That’s why I’m proud to announce expanded access to affordable, quality preschool in 16 school districts, creating hundreds of new spaces for children in the Gateway Cities and rural communities across the state,” Governor Healey said in a statement on Wednesday.

The new program will add 488 spaces for children in the Gateway Cities and rural communities, according to the Governor’s office.

Lieutenant Governor Driscoll echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of quality preschool access for families and its role in closing the learning gap before children enter kindergarten.

Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi also praised the initiative, stressing the importance of offering every child in the Commonwealth the opportunity to start their educational journey on the right track.

The announcement is part of Governor Healey’s proposed “Gateway to Pre-K” program, which aims to invest an additional $15 million in fiscal year 2025 to bring Massachusetts closer to universal, quality preschool access for four-year-olds in all Gateway Cities by the end of 2026.

The CPPI grant program, funded by revenues generated by the Fair Share Amendment, establishes district-wide preschool programs in public and community early childhood education and care programs.

This collaborative effort expands access to a range of programs that meet the diverse needs of working families, ensuring equitable access to special education for children with disabilities, according to the Healey-Driscoll administration.

Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler underscored the administration’s commitment to expanding access to quality preschool, saying, “This investment is not only for our children and families, early childhood educators and local communities, it’s also an investment in the future success of our state.”

Amy Kershaw, Commissioner of Early Childhood Care and Education, welcomed the expanded access to more classrooms and the opportunity to serve more families through community centers and family child care programs.

The CPPI grant program was hailed as a successful collaboration between educators and community stakeholders.

Russell D. Johnston, Acting Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, praised the collaboration that has taken place in each community, underlining the solid foundation it brings to children’s education.

For his part, Mark Ells, Town Manager of Barnstable in the Cade Cod District, expressed his support for the Gateway to Pre-K program, recognizing its potential to make early childhood education and care more affordable and accessible for all Massachusetts families.

Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Barnstable Public Schools, also welcomed the CPPI Planning and Implementation Grant, recognizing its role in providing a strong preschool learning experience for children.

For his part, Paul Niedzwiecki, Executive Director of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of early education and childcare in strengthening the local workforce.

Kate-Marie Roycroft, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Alliance of YMCAs, applauded the administration’s commitment to expanding access to early education programs.

Expanding universal access to kindergarten in 16 school districts marks an important milestone in the Healey-Driscoll administration’s efforts to improve early childhood education in Massachusetts.

Through continued collaboration and investment, the state wants to ensure that every child has access to quality preschool education, which will set them on the path to success in both their academic and personal lives.

In addition, several schools have already received funding from the State of Massachusetts as part of the new program to strengthen access to quality preschool education.

These include:

First round of new CPPI recipients for school year 24 :

Fitchburg City School District
Serving the city of Fitchburg
Amount: $50,000
Quincy City School District
Serving the City of Quincy
Amount: $50,000
Pittsfield City School District
Serving the Town of Pittsfield
Allocation: $50,000
Gateway Regional School District
Serving Blandford, Chester, Huntington, Middlefield, Montgomery, Russell and Worthington
Allocation: $50,000
Barnstable Town School District
Serving the Town of Barnstable
Allocation: $50,000
Wareham City School District
Serving the Town of Wareham
Allocation: $50,000
Worcester City School District
Serving the city of Worcester
Amount awarded: $178,678

Here are the details of the districts that received grants as part of CPPI’s first expansion cycle for school year 24:

Brockton School District
Community Partners: Self Help Head Start, Brockton Day Nursery, Early Learning Center YMCA (new)
Grant amount: $216,812
Lawrence School District
Community Partners: Greater Lawrence Community Action Council/ Lawrence Early Achievement Partnership (LEAP), The Community Group
Amount of grant: $690,000
Lowell School District
Community Partners: YMCA Greater Lowell YMCA Nursery School, Community Teamwork, Lowell Day Nursery, Small Steps (new)
Award: $36,000
Lynn School District
Community Partners: Gregghouse, LEO Head Start, Lynn YMCA (new)
Prize: $404,602
Northampton Public Schools
Community Partners: Community Action Head Start, Gummybears Family Child Care, Meadowlark Childcare Center, Nonotuck Community School, Cloverdale Preschool, New Village/Farm Hands Family Child Care program, People’s Institute, Smith College Center – Fort Hill, Montessori School of Northampton, Gan Keshet Preschool (new)
Price: $330,000
Salem Public Schools
Community partners: Salem YMCA, Salem Community Child Care Center, Ashley Preschool and Daycare, Pathways for Children (new), Angela’s Preschool and Daycare (new)
Price: $250,000
Sandwich Public Schools
Community Partners: Joyful Noise, Montessori Beginnings, Maureen Raymond Family Child Program (new), Bobbie Jo O’Brien Family Child Program (new), Melissa White Family Child Program (new), Julie Coughlan Family Child Program (new), Diane Hill Family Child Program (new), Sandwich Montessori (new), It’s a Special Day (new)
Price: $250,000
Somerville Public Schools
Community partners: Maison Elizabeth Peabody, Dandelion Montessori, CAAS Somerville Head Start, Open Center for Children, Bigelow Cooperative Day, Pooh and Friends Child Care, Tree House Academy, Kingdom Rock Children’s Village, Somerville Child Care Center, JHC Allen Street Head Start (new)
Price: $103,000
Springfield Public Schools
Community partners: Community Partners for Community Action, Square One, YMCA of Greater Springfield
Endowment: $594,000

These grants aim to improve access to quality early education and childcare, ensuring that children from diverse communities have the opportunity to benefit from these essential services.