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. 

 

In Berkshire County:

Universal access to preschool is 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.  

 

"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."

 

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. 

 

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.