Support for Implementation of Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) Formula
Strategic Priority Alignment
Status
Project Complete. C3 funding has now been incorporated into the state budget.
Project Goal
Support the enhancement of the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) Child Care Stabilization and Operational Grants, including identifying and modeling potential design changes, engaging the field, and building internal EEC capacity for sustainability.
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For an overview of the C3 program, see The Importance of Commonwealth Cares for Children (Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation).
Rationale for Action
The C3 grants have provided monthly payments for operational costs for child care providers. As reported during the December 2022 EEC Board Meeting, more than 7,150 programs participate. This equity-based support has provided a measure of stability for all providers since its implementation in July 2021, with the majority of providers using their funding for staff compensation and operational expenses. More details and data on the C3 program can be found at the December 2022 EEC Board Meeting.
Partners
Third Sector Capital Partners, with support from MA ECFC members, has been guiding the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) on the development and implementation of the C3 grants.
Timeline
EEC's partnership with Third Sector began in the second half of 2020. The specific work supported by the MA ECFC was for Phase 5, which ran from September 2022 through January 2023.
Additional Information
For an overview of the C3 program, see The Importance of Commonwealth Cares for Children from the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation (March 2024).
