In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a crisis within the early education and care sector. As concerns over health and safety shuttered school and program doors, the essential role early educators play in helping families and communities thrive was brought into stark relief. The federal government responded by providing Massachusetts with millions of dollars in relief funds to help stabilize the sector and support its recovery, prioritizing the needs of the state's youngest and most vulnerable residents.
In the years since, the Massachusetts state government has maintained heightened investments in early education and care, resulting in significant system improvements. Seat capacity, access to child care subsidies, and early educator compensation are all on the rise. Now, to further this progress and leverage the current moment as a springboard toward a robust financial future, the sector is faced with a critical question.
How can the Massachusetts early education and care sector capitalize on its newfound level of investment to build a nation-leading, coordinated funding model?
Our new report, a collaboration with The Boston Foundation, pulls together a comprehensive list of funding sources supporting early education and care, analyzes their current impact, and offers recommendations for improving coordination and effectiveness to lay the groundwork for future investments.