30 school districts in partnership with community-based preschool programs receive funding

Boston - The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that 30 school districts in partnership with community-based preschool programs are receiving $20.3 million in Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI) grants to support their continued efforts to expand access to high-quality affordable preschool. Universal access to preschool is a core part of Governor Maura Healey’s ‘Gateway to Pre-k’ agenda to make?early education and child care more affordable and accessible for all families across Massachusetts. The goal is for children to have access across all cities and towns, starting with Gateway Cities and rural communities.  

Massachusetts’ Fiscal Year 2025 budget includes funding to maintain the state’s expanded universal access to high-quality preschool from fiscal year 2024, supporting 203 preschool classrooms that represents 2,981 seats for children across public schools, family child care, YMCAs, Head Start, and other community-based preschool programs.  

“Our administration delivered historic investments in early education and child care in our first two budgets, and I’m thrilled to see that funding at work. This funding is providing access to high-quality affordable preschool, lowering costs for families and helping parents stay in or return to the workforce,” said?Governor Maura Healey. “We are grateful to the Legislature for their partnership in this year’s budget. Our administration is committed to building on these successes and working toward expanding access to child care in more communities, making it more affordable, and?ensuring our hardworking providers have the support they need to deliver high-quality care.”?? 

“As a former Mayor, I know how important access to high-quality preschool is for children, families, businesses and communities,” said?Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.?“This funding is going to local school districts and community-based early education and care programs, highlighting our commitment to supporting cities and towns from Pittsfield to Cape Cod in meeting the needs of their residents and making Massachusetts a more affordable and equitable place to live, learn, work and play.” 

The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) currently administers CPPI, which establishes a district–wide preschool program across classes in public and community-based early education and care programs, leveling the playing field for kindergarten readiness. Through CPPI funding, participating families can enroll in a preschool classroom at no or low cost. Funding may also be used to provide full day/full year services to families who need it. CPPI further helps communities?coordinate, intentionally align, and strengthen curriculum, policies, assessments, professional development and job-embedded supports for educators across settings.?This grant program additionally promotes equitable access to special education to ensure full inclusion of children with disabilities across all settings. 

“Early education and child care is a top priority for the Healey-Driscoll Administration. That’s why our first two budget proposals focused on setting us on the path toward universal access to pre-k, helping Massachusetts reach its potential by educating our youngest learners and investing in vibrant, livable communities. We will continue to work with communities and the Legislature to expand high-quality pre-k access,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. 

“We know how important access to high-quality affordable preschool is for families and for closing the learning gap before children enter kindergarten, which is why universal preschool access is a core part of our Gateway to Pre-K agenda,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “As Commissioner, I have had the privilege of visiting many of our grantees to see the impact of this work firsthand and the importance of expanding preschool access through our mixed-delivery system. We look forward to continuing to work with school districts and community-based programs to support children to gain the academic and social-emotional skills they need to enter school ready to succeed.” 

“It’s a pleasure to work with the Department of Early Education and Care on this initiative to benefit our youngest learners,” said Acting Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Russell D. Johnston. “When more students have access to high-quality pre-kindergarten, more students arrive in kindergarten ready to learn.” 

Grantees either received funding to continue their planning or implementation of a plan towards achieving universally accessible high-quality preschool. The planning grants support districts in building partnerships with local community-based early education and care programs, developing a leadership team, conducting a needs assessment, and drafting a strategic plan.

Fiscal year 2025 continuing planning awardees:

Fiscal year 2025 continuing implementation/maintenance awardees: