Mass. Senate plans vote on early education, child care access bill next week – Boston Herald
By Chris Van Buskirk
Massachusetts senators plan to debate an early education and childcare bill next week that a top Democrat said would improve the sectors’ affordability and increase access to “high quality” teaching for the youngest in the state.
Senate President Karen Spilka rolled out legislation Thursday that would make permanent a grant program for early education and care providers, expand eligibility for a subsidy program, and boost compensation for teachers by creating a career ladder, providing scholarships, and offering loan forgiveness…
The proposal cements the Commonwealth Cares for Children grant program, which provides dollars to more than 90% of early education and care programs in Massachusetts. It also adds provisions to direct more funds to programs that serve children receiving child care subsidies and those with “high needs,” Spilka’s office said.
Spilka wants to increase eligibility for childcare subsidies to families making up to 85% of the state median income, which is $124,000 for a family of four. A career ladder created under the bill would establish “recommended salary and benefit guidelines that are commensurate with public school teachers,” according to a bill summary.