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Early Childhood

The Office of Early Childhood is committed to universal, affordable, high-quality early education and care for all infants, toddlers, and children under eight.

Our mission is to make Boston the most family friendly city by supporting the wellbeing and flourishing of all infants, toddlers and young children under eight growing up in the City of Boston.

Each and every child growing up in the City of Boston will have access to:

  1. A safe and supportive environment in which parents and guardians are supported to be their children’s first teachers;
  2. Affordable, high-quality early education and care; and
  3. Opportunities to make healthy connections that draw on the richness of Boston’s physical spaces, resources and cultural heritage.

We value Accessibility, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Transparency, and Quality. 

Our office will address the needs highlighted in Boston’s 2021 Childcare Census Survey report

 

Contact
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201
  • icon-time
    Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • great starts no white space

    Great Starts

    Introducing "Great Starts" a new platform designed just for families like yours! The one-stop solution for all your childcare needs right here in Boston. Learn more : greatstarts.boston

Our Priorities

  • Expanding high-quality, affordable early education and childcare options for infants and toddlers.
  • Accelerating the creation of a universal pre-K system that stretches across Boston Public Schools, community-based organizations, and family-based childcare programs.
  • Investing in the early education and childcare workforce by building sustainable career pathways for educators.
  • Creating a one-stop shop for enrollment and access to early education and childcare programs by building an accessible, multilingual portal. Learn more about our one stop enrollment platform GreatStarts 
  • Coordinating outreach and information related to both City-run and community-led programs that impact the lives of young children and their families.

Our Initatives

Connect, Learn, Explore: Mayor's Commitment to the Youth

A commitment to making Boston the best city in the country to raise a family, by ensuring all of Boston’s children learn how to ride a bike, swim, and connect with their communities through sports, gardening and the arts.

Family Engagement

We are committed to supporting caregivers and want to build a better Boston for and with families.

Family Child Care Roadmap

Roadmap for aspiring and established family child care providers. A step-by-step guide to navigate the process and ensure your business's successful start or expansion

ASQ Training For FCC Educators

Training provides FCC educators with the skill and knowledge to ensure every child takes part in developmental screening.

FCC Shared Services Licensing Support Program

Program provides business support for individuals who would like to open a FCC business.

Stimulus and Stability Fund for Childcare Centers

A competitive grant program for childcare centers

Essential Worker Childcare Fund

A fund to increase the ability of essential workers to pay for childcare

Growing the Early Childhood Workforce

A grant application for institutions of higher education and educational and workforce development nonprofit organizations

Tech and Marketing: CEF 201

The Tech and Marketing training gives providers the technology tools they need to connect to families, expand their business, and implement the skills they learned in the CEF business courses.

Childcare Entrepreneur Fund, CEF 101

Providing support and training for FCC providers across Boston

2024 Childcare Survey

Your answers will help us better understand challenges with childcare

Physical Activity Learning Program

Physical Activity Learning Session (PALS) Training For Family Child Care (FCC) Educators Program provides FCC educators with the skill and knowledge to encourage children to become healthier and more active.

Events

Events
Contact
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201
  • icon-time
    Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • great starts no white space

    Great Starts

    Introducing "Great Starts" a new platform designed just for families like yours! The one-stop solution for all your childcare needs right here in Boston. Learn more : greatstarts.boston

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