Ccdm-2026 - child care and development fund -- state matching

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families (Office of Child Care) awarded $115,991,678 to the Massachusetts Department of Early Education & Care on October 1, 2025, under the Child Care Mandatory and Matching Funds of the Child Care and Development Fund (CFDA 93.596), a formula grant program. The award covers the period through September 30, 2027, and supports child care and early education financial assistance for low-income and at-risk families throughout Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts Department of Early Education & Care, as the designated state Lead Agency, distributes these federal funds to over 70 sub-recipients including child care centers, nonprofits, community action agencies, YMCAs, and family child care networks across the commonwealth. Sub-recipients provide subsidized child care, preschool, Head Start, afterschool care, and related services to eligible low-income and at-risk children. Significant sub-recipients include Child Development & Education Inc. (multiple sub-awards), Nurtury Inc., South Shore Community Action Council, Citizens For Citizens Inc., Pathways For Children, Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, and numerous regional YMCAs and neighborhood organizations.

The mandatory and matching funds under CCDF are formula-allocated to states and not subject to annual appropriations. The program purpose is to help families with low incomes access child care and to improve the quality of child care for all children. Recipients must submit a three-year CCDF plan and hold public hearings to gather community input on child care services. Place of performance encompasses Massachusetts statewide, with administrative oversight at the Massachusetts Department of Early Education & Care in Boston.