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:
- A safe and supportive environment in which parents and guardians are supported to be their children’s first teachers;
- Affordable, high-quality early education and care; and
- 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
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1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201 -
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. -
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
EventsNews
NewsMultilingual Brochures
Multilingual BrochuresMeet the Team
Meet the Team
Contact
-
1 City Hall Square
Boston, MA 02201 -
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
-
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
