Massachusetts
Working families in Massachusetts need accessible, affordable, quality child care and early learning opportunities for their children.
Currently, federal and state early learning programs reach thousands of young children and their families in Massachusetts. But too many working families in Massachusetts are missing out. As a direct result of child care issues, the Massachusetts economy loses millions of dollars each year in the form of lost earnings, productivity, and revenue.
There are 420k children ages 5 and under in Massachusetts – 72% of these children have all available parents in the workforce.
The typical annual cost of child care for an infant in Massachusetts is around $24,000.
The Child Care and Development Block Grant only reaches 12% of eligible families. This federal program helps low-income parents afford child care.
On average, child care providers in Massachusetts earn just $18 an hour; this can make it a challenge to recruit and retain this workforce, leading to supply issues.
Massachusetts’ economy loses $3.3B annually due to child care challenges.
Massachusetts: In The Headlines
Opinion: $19,961 a year for child care? No wonder parents are struggling.
Boston Globe | April 23, 2025
It’s also a burden on employers when their workers can’t return to the workforce after having a child. Easing the financial burden of child care is, rightly, a state priority.
Report: Massachusetts early education has room to improve
Mass Live | April 29, 2024
Despite being recognized as a leader in its K-12 education, the commonwealth can improve its early education for preschoolers.
Early educator recruitment lags amid low wages, licensure delays
Greenfield Recorder | January 14, 2025
Child care providers are struggling to recruit workers because of low pay and few growth opportunities.
Massachusetts Resources & News
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FFYF’S 2023 State Fact Sheets
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How CCDBG Benefits Families in Your State
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High-quality early childhood education is proven to dramatically improve a child’s opportunities for a better future—particularly children from low-income families—while offering parents improved job stability and overall economic security. To …
FFYF Releases State Fact Sheets, Highlighting Unique Local Landscapes
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Congresswoman Katherine Clark introduces bill to revitalize child care industry
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Massachusetts: Federal Support for Early Learning & Care Opportunities
High-quality early childhood education is proven to dramatically improve a child’s opportunities for a better future—particularly children from low-income families—while offering parents improved job stability and overall economic security. To …
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See How All 50 States Use CCDBG Funding to Support Working Families Access Quality Child Care
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Massachusetts: Federal Support for Early Learning & Care Opportunities
High-quality early childhood education is proven to dramatically improve a child’s opportunities for a better future—particularly children from low-income families—while offering parents improved job stability and overall economic security. To …
46 States and Territories to Receive Preschool Development Grants
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