UPDATE: Massachusetts just announced a groundbreaking investment of $1.8 million in grants aimed at expanding early childhood education careers. This urgent initiative, unveiled on December 17, 2023, will train and place over 300 apprentices across the state, with significant funding allocated to local organizations.
The Healey-Driscoll administration’s announcement comes as part of a larger strategy to rapidly enhance the workforce in early childhood education. Earlier this year, Massachusetts secured $5 million from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) to support these efforts, including the creation of a Technical Assistance Hub for Registered Apprenticeship Programs.
MassHire Berkshire, located in Pittsfield, received $198,375 specifically to launch its inaugural early childhood education apprenticeship program. This funding will facilitate the enrollment of three cohorts of 10 apprentices each, focusing on the childcare desert in Berkshire County over the next three years.
Governor Maura Healey emphasized the importance of these grants, stating, “Our administration has been committed to expanding the Registered Apprenticeship model into industries like early childhood education to strengthen the talent pipeline.” This initiative not only aims to provide educators with paid work experience but also ensures they receive vital classroom instruction, nationally recognized credentials, and opportunities for economic advancement.
At the announcement event held at the YMCA of Greater Boston’s Chinatown location, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll remarked, “Early childhood educators play a critical role in our state’s economic competitiveness.” The GROW grants are designed to help educators earn credentials and remain in their vital roles, thereby enhancing community outcomes across Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) oversees the Commonwealth’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs, which currently includes over 500 active programs with more than 10,000 apprentices. This broad program scope is instrumental in sectors like construction, healthcare, and education.
Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, Lauren Jones, pointed out the economic implications of accessible childcare, stating, “Access to affordable, quality child care is an economic driver, vital support for our workers, and critical to strengthening our competitiveness.” The GROW initiative is part of a comprehensive approach to make childcare services more affordable and accessible statewide.
The administration’s commitment to early education aligns with the recommendations from the Early Education and Child Care Task Force, which calls for strengthening the educator pipeline. Josh Cutler, Undersecretary of Labor, stated, “These grants help providers grow their teams, stabilize staffing, and support working families who rely on reliable childcare.”
With this significant funding, Massachusetts is poised to create a robust early childhood education system, enhancing both the workforce and community stability. Amy Kershaw, Early Education and Care Commissioner, highlighted the collaborative efforts to create stronger pathways for educators, allowing them to earn while they learn.
MassHire Berkshire’s executive director, Heather Boulger, expressed optimism about the new program, saying, “The GROW ECE Grant opens the door for meaningful career pathways for early childhood educators in our community.”
As the Commonwealth continues to accept applications for apprenticeship program funding for fiscal year 2026, this initiative represents a critical step in building a sustainable future for early childhood education in Massachusetts.
For more information on apprenticeship opportunities, visit the COMMBUYS website.
