MassInsider

Press Release: 10/29/2025

Healey-Driscoll Administration Concludes Universal Pre-K Access Road Show in Gloucester

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

10/29/2025

MEDIA CONTACT

Jason Law, Press Secretary and Events Coordinator

Phone

Call Jason Law, Press Secretary and Events Coordinator at 617-895-6556

Online

Email Jason Law, Press Secretary and Events Coordinator at Jason.Law@Mass.gov

GLOUCESTER — The Healey-Driscoll Administration concluded its statewide Universal Pre-K Access Road Show today with an engaging final stop in Gloucester. The event marked the sixth and final visit in a statewide tour aimed at elevating awareness, gathering community feedback, and building momentum for expanding access to high-quality, affordable pre-kindergarten (pre-K) programs across Massachusetts.

Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler and Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw joined education leaders, local officials, and community members at Pathways for Children to emphasize the vital role of early education in promoting lifelong learning, equity, and community development. The visit included a classroom tour, a round table discussion, and engaging conversations highlighting the impact and importance of the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI) that helps communities expand access to high-quality preschool experiences for three- and four-year-olds.

“Education doesn’t start at kindergarten – it starts at birth. Expanding access to early education and care is foundational to the rest of our education work and closing opportunity gaps. We know that universal pre-k is essential to improving literacy skills of our students, addressing mental health needs and setting students with disabilities up for success,” said Secretary of Education Tutwiler. “It was wonderful to be in Gloucester today to see the impact of CPPI in their community firsthand.”

"Every child in Massachusetts deserves a strong start, and access to high-quality Pre-K is a vital step on that journey," said Early Education and Care Commissioner Kershaw. "We’ve been inspired by the passion and partnership we’ve seen in communities across the state. Gloucester represents the spirit of collaboration and commitment that will make universal access a reality."

CPPI is a key component of the administration’s Gateway to Pre-K Agenda and supports partnerships between public school districts and local community-based programs and early education providers to create more inclusive, coordinated preschool systems. Through these collaborations, the initiative aims to strengthen school readiness, close opportunity gaps, and ensure that every child in Massachusetts has the foundation needed for future success.

Through CPPI, Gloucester has expanded inclusive special education services by embedding a full itinerant team across Pathways for Children, the Cape Ann YMCA, and Kindred Gardens Early Learning & Care. The multidisciplinary team — including a special education teacher, therapists, counselor, BCBA, and RBT — provides direct services, coaching, and professional development to educators. A tiered referral process beginning with universal screening ensures children receive targeted supports early, reducing unnecessary referrals and improving outcomes. By aligning CPPI with its Birth-to-Grade 3 strategic plan, Gloucester is strengthening inclusive practices, honoring family choice, and building a seamless system of support for all young learners.

“Gloucester is proud to participate in the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative, which underscores the importance of accessible, high-quality early education for every child,” said Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga. “Our ongoing collaboration with the Gloucester Public Schools Preschool, Pathways for Children, and the Cape Ann YMCA has enabled us to better serve our youngest learners and develop more cohesive and effective special education services. By investing early in our children’s education, we’re laying the foundation for a stronger community, and I’m proud to see the positive impact unfolding right here in Gloucester.”

“As a proud Head Start grantee, Pathways for Children deeply values the opportunity to participate in the CPPI initiative,” said Eric Mitchell, President & CEO, Pathways for Children. “Head Start’s comprehensive approach — integrating family engagement, health, and social services — aligns seamlessly with CPPI’s vision of expanding access to high-quality preschool through strong local partnerships. Together, these efforts support a collaborative mixed-delivery system in Gloucester that creates inclusive classroom environments and meets children’s individual needs.”

Over the course of the road show, EEC hosted interactive forums in six cities — Somerville, Northampton, Worcester, Sandwich, Framingham and Gloucester — drawing participants from diverse backgrounds. Events provided a platform for providers and policymakers to discuss the opportunities and challenges of implementing universal access to pre-k. The feedback gathered throughout the tour will inform the EEC’s strategic planning and policy development as Massachusetts works toward the goal of universal access to pre-k for all 3- and 4-year-olds.

Earlier this fall, the administration awarded $20.3 million in CPPI grants to 30 school districts in partnership with over 100 community-based preschool programs. These grants maintain the state’s expanded access to high-quality preschool, supporting approximately 220 preschool classrooms and 3,200 seats for children across public schools, family child care, YMCAs, Head Start, and other community-based preschool programs.