Affordable Childcare
October 14, 2023
Iowa's example provides ideas for how Massachusetts can create more affordable childcare. Enter a grant-funded partnership with business where the state is cost-sharing with employers the cost of building and subsidizing childcare centers for their employees. The program reduced the state's child...
October 5, 2023
Investment in early education and childcare is essential to the success of young children, as well as those who work in the field. Last month, the Massachusetts State Budget for the 2024 Fiscal Year was finalized, and included victories and funding for early education and childcare. The budget...
September 3, 2023
As Casey Burns and Tempe Staples share in their guest column, " Today's families are busier than ever, often needing more than one income and desperately needing child care." They share updated data on the need in Worcester from a 100-plus-person interview project conducted by the Coalition for a...
June 1, 2023
“The system is so broken, it feels overwhelming,” said one parent. “Siento que nos falta mucha ayudar nos falta que se nos trate con igualdad,” said another. (I feel that we are lacking a lot of help, we are lacking equal treatment.) At forums organized by Equity from the Start, a joint effort of...
March 14, 2023
In 1852, Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to provide statewide public schooling. The rest of the country followed. Since then, public school districts have grown into stronger and better-funded systems. In 2022, Massachusetts spent $18,471,917,000 on the education of children in...
March 1, 2023
You’ve seen the news. Staffing shortages are affecting businesses across the state and country. The struggle to hire workers is hurting their bottom line and consumer access to goods and services. Affordable childcare offers an immediate solution with long term benefits. It allows more parents to...
February 15, 2023
Something’s not right here. Massachusetts childcare workers play a vital role in family, community, and economic life. They ensure parents can work and help prepare young children for academic and professional careers. Nevertheless, early learning staff earn less than a living wage in the state, on...
January 3, 2023
It’s a new year and young children want to make it the best one ever, but they need your help. They don’t have a seat at the policy table, so we went to see them at the kids’ table! Here’s what they had to say. 1.) I want to be ready for kindergarten and elementary school—even adulthood Please make...
December 14, 2022
The new year brings new opportunities, says State Senator-elect, Worcester native Robyn Kennedy. Elected by First Worcester District voters to fill the seat of retiring State Senator Harriet Chandler, Kennedy is eager to tackle complex issues. In the wake of the pandemic, she believes Massachusetts...
November 10, 2022
Dear Local and Statewide Elected Officials: Congratulations on your victory November 8th. We appreciate your commitment to serving our community. We’ve been celebrating with you. Now, the work begins. Tackle these five tasks and voters of all ages will benefit. Task #1: Get schooled in the...
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