Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Washington Increase Investments in Early Child Care and Education

A recent National Women’s Law Center fact sheet showed that sixteen states had already increased funding for early learning programs this year and several more were considering increases. Three more states—Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Washington—have since finalized budgets that include notable new investments for early care and education.

In Massachusetts, the FY 2014 budget designated over $26 million in new funding for early care and education, including $15 million to reduce the waiting list for child care assistance for low-income children, and $11.5 million for a rate reserve that will help raise the salaries of early educators. It is the first budget since 2009 that seeks to restore funding that was cut during the economic recession.

Child care and early education programs in Pennsylvania saw a net gain of $16.6 million, including an additional $4.5 million for Pre-K Counts; an additional $1.9 million for Head Start, and an additional $10.2 million for child care. In addition, $4.1 million in savings from consolidation of the child care assistance program will be shifted to help serve 1,400 to 1,600 children on the waiting list.

Washington state also made headway in the effort to expand high-quality early education and care. The state expanded prekindergarten funding by $25 million to add 1,700 new spots in the program and increase spending per child enrolled. Another $15 million will be put towards child care reimbursement rates and quality incentives, and $1 million will support home-visiting programs.

The increased investments in these three states will afford thousands more children the strong start they deserve, while allowing parents to work and maintain a steady income. This progress brings our nation one step closer to the ultimate goal: high-quality early learning opportunities for every child in America.