Early Childhood Education and Care

High quality, affordable, accessible

We are deeply invested in the delivery of quality, affordable and accessible early education and care services through a comprehensive mixed delivery system operating in various settings including center-based, preschool programs, family childcare, out-of-school time programs, and Head Start/Early Head Start.

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Quality means promoting children’s cognitive growth, meeting their physical needs, supporting their social and emotional development.

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Quality means engaging families and providing supports and resources.

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Quality means children will be ready to enter our Kindergarten-12 education system.

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Quality means well-supported, dedicated early educators.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION & CARE IN MASSACHUSETTS

Are You Looking for High Quality Early Education and Child Care Options?

Do You Want to Learn More About How to Afford Care?

Are You An Early Educator Looking to Make An Impact on Children, Families and Communities?

Find a Childcare or Preschool Program in Your Area

Information for Job-Seekers

Programs & Services

Center and Family-Based Care

Center-Based Care offers a classroom environment that provides a complete education program staffed by qualified Early Education teachers. Many centers accept income-eligible families, vouchers and those who wish to pay privately.

Family-Based Care is a community-based network of educators who offer early education and care to children in a home setting. Educators are licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care, and offer early care and education for children from infancy to school age.

Head Start & Early Head Start

Head Start is a two-generational program for low-income children and families that promotes school readiness by providing comprehensive services to support healthy child development.

Head Start offers center-based family childcare and home visiting options on a part-day, part-year or full-time basis. Head Start’s comprehensive services support children’s physical, social-emotional, nutritional and dental health. Head Start programs monitor the progress of preschool children (ages 3-5) across eight domains of learning in order to promote positive child outcomes.

Early Head Start offers the full array of Head Start services that are tailored to address the unique nature of infant and toddler development and reflect best practices in working with children from birth to age 3.

Out-of-school Time Programs

Comprehensive education and care includes before and after school programs, year-round programs and summer programs. Many agencies have extended hours and before and after care for school age children. Many family and center-based programs are year round.

Coordinated Family And Community Engagement

Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) programs are locally-based programs in your community that provide child development services and resources to families with young children.

CFCE programs help families with child development information, transition support, family literacy and school readiness, community resource information, parent leadership opportunities, family and community events and more.

CFCE programs help educators with accessing training and professional development opportunities, sharing best practices and resources.

Resources

Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance is available for income-eligible children and families to help pay for the cost of care by applying at your local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agency. You may be eligible for a contracted slot through a specific program or for a voucher to be used at any participating program.

Find your CCR&R agency.

Referrals

Agencies that are part of the Massachusetts Child Care Resource and Referral Network not only administer the Voucher Management Program to help low-income families get the child care they deserve, but also are dedicated to helping parents and businesses make informed decisions when selecting a child care provider and will walk you through all of your available options.

Find your CCR&R agency.

Where Should I Apply?

AT THE Early Education & Care Agency IN YOUR AREA

Information for Job Seekers

Dynamic, Caring Early Educators and Support Staff Wanted!

Be a part of the statewide network of Community Action Agency Early Education and Care Programs focused on making sure children are not only ready to start school and cared for in safe, stimulating environments, but also that the whole family is strong and healthy.

Find job opportunities in your area.

Learn about Education in Trauma-Informed Care for Early Educators

Additional Resources

Early Education and Care Financial Assistance in MA

Head Start in MA

Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies in MA

Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Programs (CFCE) in MA

Need more help?

Contact your Community Action Agency.

Find Your Agency