Below is a press release from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care:
LEVERETT, MA — The Healey-Driscoll Administration recently announced that it is awarding $15.5 million in Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) Grants to 81 organizations across the Commonwealth that provide child development services and resources to families with young children.
Community Teamwork Inc. — which serves Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro and Wilmington — received $140,655.
Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw and Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi visited the Leverett Library to announce the awards and hear directly from families on rural child care challenges and opportunities, as well as see first-hand the impact these grants have on improving child development and family engagement.
“The Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant is a critical tool for expanding access to high-quality, affordable child care, addressing the youth mental health crisis, and providing educational and community-based opportunities for families in emergency shelter,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The investment of state funds into programs like this will help make our state more affordable and equitable, connecting families with childhood development programs and engagement activities that support the wellbeing and needs of our young children and their families.”
“These grants support access to early education and care through coordinated family and community engagement services that address the developmental, social and emotional needs of young children and their families,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The funding is going to local school districts and nonprofits, highlighting our commitment to supporting cities and towns, from Pittsfield to Provincetown, in meeting the needs of their residents and making Massachusetts a more affordable and equitable place to live, learn, work and play.”
Many of the recipient organizations of the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement award are the first touch point for families, reaching out and connecting them with local early education and out-of-school time services available through public schools, center-based programs, Head Start, and other family child care programs. These organizations coordinate healthy activities and resources that promote parent education and family engagement, address early literacy and child development, and improve transitions between early education and care settings, home, and school for children birth to age six.
Further, these programs support families in cities and towns across Massachusetts, including rural communities like Leverett, and strengthen the capacity of communities through CFCE council membership and community collaboration to engage and support families. More than half of Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns are rural communities, and the CFCE networks in these smaller communities can help families navigate the unique barriers and opportunities in rural communities as they seek out early education and child care for their children. Through intentional alignment of goals, approaches, and policies, CFCE programs promote collaboration between agencies that serve young children and their families, no matter where they are in the Bay State.
“These grants support the needs of the whole family – ensuring that our youngest students have access to services that support their well-being, optimal development, and school readiness, while also strengthening the capacity of families and parents as their child’s first teacher,” said Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler. “This state funding will not only support our children, but is also an investment in our local communities, setting our youngest learners up for school and lifetime success.”
Earlier this month, Governor Healey declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts due to the rapidly rising numbers of migrant families arriving to the Commonwealth in need of shelter and services, including many with young children. The CFCE network has been a critical resource in select communities providing emergency assistance, by setting up playgroups for parents and children inside the shelters. This includes bringing toys, books, and other learning activities to families, allowing them to entertain their young ones with high-quality and developmentally appropriate materials, while connecting with other members of their new community. The Healey-Driscoll administration is looking to expand this effort and extend playgroup services to more families receiving emergency assistance, as well as increase access to case management and referral services that CFCE organizations may be able to provide for families.
“Our CFCE partners are deeply connected to their communities, providing vital and responsive services to young children and their families across the Commonwealth. Most recently they have stepped up and been a critical support to the rising number of families arriving in Massachusetts. Programs are doing everything they can, including setting up playgroups and child friendly spaces, as well as providing case management and referrals to support the health and well-being of families,” said Department of Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “We are pleased to provide $15.5 million in grants to continue these critical services and recognize our partners for their work, done with empathy and grace.”
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