(Boston Orange摘譯)麻州政府宣佈，將透過「麻州學前教育合作夥伴計畫（Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative，簡稱 CPPI）」，向 30 個學區和 100 多個社區學前教育計畫撥款總計 2030 萬美元，以為全州來自公立學校、家庭托兒所、基督教青年會（YMCA）和啟蒙教育計畫（Head Start）等的大約3,200 名兒童擴大可負擔的學前教育機會，並提高品質。
CPPI計劃將可藉著在公立學校和社區學前教育服務之間建立跨學區計劃，強化課程、政策、評估，專業發展，以及對教育工作者的支援，為學齡前兒童提供公平機會，幫助有需要的家庭獲得以低廉，或免費價格，讓兒童獲得全日學前教育，以及踏上成功之路所需要的基礎技能和知識。
根據麻州早期教育和照護部（EEC）的數據，接受CPPI資助機構所服務的學生，背景多元，其中近三分之二是少數族裔，近三分之一為英語學習者，約四分之一在接受早期介入或特殊教育服務，更有三分之一是首次參加早期教育計劃。
CCPI計劃將著重於關注資源匱乏的重點城市和農村等社區，有意藉由奚莉州長（Maura Healey）的「幼兒園之前門戶（Gateway to Pre-K）計畫，把受惠兒童人數擴大到兩年前的三倍。
Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $20 Million to 30 School Districts for Affordable Preschool Access
New state data finds Governor Healey’s universal pre-k program is serving children with diverse backgrounds and needs
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced that 30 school districts, in partnership with over 100 community-based preschool programs, will receive a total of $20.3 million in Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI) grants to expand access to high-quality, affordable preschool for children and families across Massachusetts. These grants maintain the state’s expanded access to high-quality preschool, supporting approximately 220 preschool classrooms and 3,200 seats for children across public schools, family child care, YMCAs, Head Start, and other community-based preschool programs.
New data analysis from the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) finds that CPPI-funded classrooms generally serve children with diverse backgrounds and needs, including that just under two thirds of CPPI enrolled children are students of color and just under a third are English Learners. In addition, about one-quarter of children receive early intervention or special education services and about one third are in an early education program for the first time. A large portion of CPPI programs operate in communities with fewer resources available for children and families, as defined by the Child Opportunity Index. Through Governor Healey’s ‘Gateway to Pre-K’ agenda, the administration has expanded CPPI to serve more than three times the number of children compared to two years earlier, with a focus in Gateway Cities and rural communities.
“We know that far too many parents are being held back from returning to the workforce because of the daunting cost of child care. That’s why we have been focused on expanding access to universal pre-k through our schools and community-based programs across the state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Access to high-quality pre-k helps close learning gaps before students enter kindergarten, leveling the playfield and setting children up for success in school. I am grateful to the Legislature for their partnership in this year’s budget, and our administration is committed to building on this progress and working toward expanding access to child care and pre-k in more communities.”
“As a former Mayor, I know how important access to high-quality preschool is for children, families, businesses and communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This new data shows that our pre-k expansion in cities and towns where families are more likely to face gaps in access is having an impact – reaching children who need it the most.”
CPPI establishes a district–wide preschool program across classes in public and community-based preschool programs, leveling the playing field for kindergarten readiness and promoting equitable access to special education. 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. For example, community-based preschool programs in Pittsfield through their CPPI partnership can access evidence-based early literacy instruction and materials through the administration’s Literacy Launch PRISM II grants.
The administration has been on a CPPI roadshow, visiting Framingham, Somerville, Northampton, Worcester and Sandwichto highlight innovative local universal preschool programs, with more visits planned for this fall. In Somerville, a full itinerant team provides multi-tiered supports at all CPPI programs and support for Individualized Education Plans occurs wherever children are enrolled, to educational disruptions for students. And in Northampton, mental health consultants provide parents and classroom teachers with guidance, behavioral health supports and connections to services.
“Education doesn’t start at kindergarten – it starts at birth. Expanding access to early education and care is foundational to the rest of our education work and closing opportunity gaps. We know that universal pre-k is essential to improving literacy skills of our students, addressing mental health needs and setting students with disabilities up for success,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “It has been wonderful to visit CPPI programs across the state and I look forward to continuing the roadshow this fall and maintaining our commitment to affordable, accessible pre-k.”
“These sustained investments in CPPI continue the Administration’s innovative approach to universally accessible preschool,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “Across the state we are building lasting partnerships between School Districts and community-based child care programs to ensure that families have access to the choices and programs that meet their needs, while knowing their children are gaining the foundational skills, knowledge and experiences to prepare them for school and life success.”
“These investments set up our youngest learners to have the best possible start to their education,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “Access to early education prepares students for success in the K-12 journey and beyond.”
The CPPI program has been instrumental in helping communities develop and sustain mixed-delivery preschool systems, offering families a range of options that meet their needs, whether in public school classrooms or community-based settings. This funding supports initiatives such as expanding full-day preschool seats, improving educator training, and strengthening family outreach to ensure that more children are ready for school success.
“Every child in Massachusetts deserves access to high-quality early education, no matter their background or zip code,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Today’s investments will help set children up for success from their very first days in school, support working families, and provide critical resources to the school districts receiving grants. I’m proud that the Senate prioritized CPPI in our budget, and I'm grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for swiftly distributing this funding for such an important priority.”
“I’m thrilled the Healey-Driscoll administration, in partnership with the Legislature, has expanded access to high quality preschool for underserved children and families in the Commonwealth. The aptly named “Gateway to Pre-K” offers so many critical learning and social interaction opportunities and will enhance the skill sets for young children across the state. With the school year right around the corner, these 3,200 seats will have an immediate and lasting impact for these children and their families,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
“Access to high-quality, affordable early education and child care is essential for the healthy development of young children, as well as for the economic well-being of working families and employers in the Commonwealth,” said State Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “These grants will support thousands of families in Massachusetts and help provide a high-quality preschool experience for children at this critical age in their development.”
"The Commonwealth continues to uphold its commitment to expanding access to early education and care" said State Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “These CPPI grants help ensure more of our young learners can benefit from high-quality preschool supporting, not only their development, but also their families and the broader economy.”
FY26 Early Implementation Grantees:
Chicopee Public Schools: $250,000
Fitchburg Public Schools: $250,000
Gateway Regional School District: $250,000
Pittsfield Public Schools: $250,000
Quincy Public Schools: $250,000
Taunton Public Schools: $250,000
Wareham Public Schools: $250,000
FY26 Implementation Grantees:
Boston Public Schools: $670,000
Brockton Public Schools: $966,812
Fall River Public Schools: $494,000
Framingham Public Schools: $750,000
Gloucester Public Schools: $609,905
Haverhill Public Schools: $1,000,000
Holyoke Public Schools: $566,800
Hoosac Valley Regional School District: $1,000,000
Lawrence Public Schools: $1,000,000
Lowell Public Schools: $1,000,000
Lynn Public Schools: $942,602
Malden Public Schools: $750,000
New Bedford Public Schools: $1,000,000
North Adams Public Schools: $316,000
Northampton Public Schools: $1,000,000
Plymouth Public Schools: $494,000
Salem Public Schools: $1,000,000
Sandwich Public Schools: $1,000,000
Somerville Public Schools: $1,000,000
Springfield Public Schools: $1,000,000
Westfield Public Schools: $1,000,000
Worcester Public Schools: $750,000
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