Massachusetts makes it easier to access child care

Accessible, affordable child care makes it possible for parents to work — and ensures more babies experience the lifelong benefits of early learning.
 
Important actions by @MassGovernor to make government work better for everyone in Massachusetts.https://t.co/PEDRuH9q6x

— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) October 3, 2023

There’s good news for families who cannot afford child care.

Massachusetts is making it easier to apply for financial assistance.

It’s a change that should also benefit early education and care providers.

As a press release from the Healey Driscoll Administration explains, “Updated regulations and policies will simplify the application process for parents, reduce paperwork for families and early education programs, and better support homeless families, families with disabilities and families facing domestic violence who take advantage of this program.”

The changes include:

• improving communication with families using email and text campaigns

• streamlining the paperwork and reporting requirements that create an undue burden for parents

• waiving fees for homeless families

• easing reporting requirements for individuals with disabilities or those participating in treatment for substance abuse

• using more inclusive language that supports the dignity of receiving child care financial assistance and includes LGBTQ+ families and families with disabilities; and

• aligning more effectively with the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to reduce administrative burdens for families

Boston.com covers the changes here. The Boston Globe’s coverage is here.

“We’re proud to take this important step forward that we know will lead to increased labor market participation and economic mobility for families, and support children’s school and life success,” Governor Maura Healey says in the press release.

Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler adds, “With a focused intentionality on centering parents and simplifying the processes for providers, we are creating the child care financial assistance system that students and families deserve.” 

Today the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced significant improvements to the Child Care Financial Assistance programs in Massachusetts.

🔗 Press release: https://t.co/uh7LWvCHVe pic.twitter.com/7HVVv3AAZh

— MA Dept of Early Education and Care (@MassEarlyEdCare) October 2, 2023

And Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Commissioner Amy Kershaw says, â€œI want to thank the Early Education and Care Board, our early education and care programs and partners, and sister agencies who have worked collaboratively and intentionally with us to make changes that center families’ experiences and will bring greater equity and inclusion for the children and families participating in our child care financial assistance programs.” 

Amy O’Leary, Strategies for Children’s executive director, also praises the new changes, saying:

“There has never been more momentum, cooperation, and determination in Massachusetts to find effective solutions to systemic challenges. The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s child care financial assistance programs regulation and policy changes have been done in partnership with early education programs and partners to make substantial improvements that reflect the different perspectives and experiences of families. These will greatly improve access and affordability for low-income families, and support more providers to participate in the state’s child care financial assistance programs.”

To follow the progress being made, be sure to watch the next meeting of the Board of Early Education and Care on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.

And be sure to check in on Strategies’ 9:30 Call. On Tuesday, October 17, 2023, EEC’s Deputy Commissioner of Family Access and Engagement, Tyreese Nicolas, will join us to discuss the changes to EEC’s child care financial assistance. Register here to join this call.