Press Release: 6/23/2025

Healey-Driscoll Administration Highlights Local Leadership and Innovation at Universal Pre-K Access Road Show Stop in Framingham

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

6/20/2025

MEDIA CONTACT

Kim N. Le, Director of Communications

 Phone

Call Kim N. Le, Director of Communications at 617-823-4874

 Online

Email Kim N. Le, Director of Communications at Kim.Le@mass.gov

FRAMINGHAM — The Healey-Driscoll Administration continued its statewide Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI) Road Show this week with a fifth stop in Framingham. There educators, local officials, and community organizations gathered to spotlight the city’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality preschool for all children.

CPPI, a key component of the administration’s Gateway to Pre-K Agenda, provides funding and technical assistance to cities and towns across the state to expand high-quality preschool options through a mixed-delivery model, blending public school, community-based, and family child care settings.

In Framingham, CPPI funding is used in collaboration with three community-based organizations to provide free school day and school year care for children enrolled in those programs. The CPPI grant funds six classrooms and provides assistance to 81 children. The district provides special education services to children located in the community-based programs, lessening transitions for children throughout the day. In addition, Framingham Public Schools has developed a robust dual language program, providing coaching and support to dual language learners in district and community-based organizations.

“Framingham is showing what it looks like when local leadership, public schools, and early education providers work in partnership to ensure every child is supported from the very beginning,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “Our visit underscored the innovation, dedication, and inclusive spirit that make Framingham a great example of expanding universal Pre-K access across the state.”

During the visit, participants toured CPPI-supported early learning classrooms, heard stories from families and educators benefiting from expanded preschool opportunities, and discussed ways to build sustainable systems of care and learning for all young children. Local leaders, including Framingham Public Schools, Framingham State University, and community-based providers, shared strategies for aligning resources, supporting early educators, and engaging families as partners in their children’s development.

“Expanding access to high-quality early education and care gives kids a head start, supports working parents, and is one reason why Massachusetts remains the best state in the country to raise a family,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “It’s no surprise that Framingham’s exceptional educators are leading the way with inclusive, innovative, and affordable child care. Success stories like this are why we must keep making progress, and I look forward to continuing the work to make early education more accessible for every family in MetroWest and across the Commonwealth.”

Launched earlier this year, the road show is part of administration’s broader effort to engage communities in a shared vision for universal pre-kindergarten. Through site visits, round table discussions, and collaborative planning sessions, the visits have been a platform for communities to highlight best practices and listen to the experiences of families and early educators across the Commonwealth. Sandwich marks the fourth stop in the ongoing tour, following recent visits to Somerville, Northampton, Worcester and Sandwich.

“What is happening in Framingham is truly remarkable,” said Framingham Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul Tremblay. “Through innovative public and private partnerships and in-district program expansion, every year we are giving more opportunities for Framingham 4-year-olds to access learning opportunities before entering Kindergarten. By removing the financial hurdle of Pre-K access with the support of state funding coupled with local contributions and commitments to our youngest learners, we are living our commitment to equity and our students are the greatest beneficiary!"

“CPPI has provided our community with opportunities that would not have been possible otherwise,” said Vera Linardi, Director of Loving Nest Preschool. “For many children, it has marked the beginning of their educational journey, offering a strong and impactful foundation that supports long-term academic success.”

Governor Healey’s FY26 budget and related Fair Share supplemental budget funds CPPI at $25 million for FY26, with additional funding to expand access over 3 years. The expansion would allow CPPI to reach the remaining 7 Gateway Cities not currently funded, as well as enable 12 current grantees move to full implementation. In total, funding would be available for 37 districts to continue efforts to create systemic alignment and coordination, strategic expansion, and efficient investments to make on-the-ground progress towards the goal of universal access to preschool in the Commonwealth.

EEC intends to release opportunities to apply for CPPI grants in FY26 through a staged process subject to the availability of funding. Learn more about CPPI at Mass.gov/CPPI.