The boca raton museum of art will develop a comprehensive early childhood and family learning initiative by uniting two distinct but complementary programs into a cohesive, research-informed framework…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the Boca Raton Museum of Art, Inc. four hundred thousand dollars on September 1, 2026, under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301) to develop a comprehensive early childhood and family learning initiative serving children up to five years old and their caregivers.

The museum will unite two existing programs into a cohesive, research-informed framework by finalizing curriculum and program details, obtaining licensing agreements, and training staff. The recipient will deliver at least 40 programs annually, serving 400 to 600 children and their caregivers. An Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee will meet quarterly to recommend program adjustments and monitor progress and outcomes. The initiative addresses identified caregiver concerns including uncertainty about engaging young children in museum spaces, limited accessible arts experiences outside school or childcare settings, and anxiety about children's belonging in art galleries.

The project runs from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2028, with performance taking place in Boca Raton, Florida.

The boca raton museum of art will develop a comprehensive early childhood and family learning initiative by uniting two distinct but complementary programs into a cohesive, research-informed framework for children up to five years old and their caregivers. Project activities will include finalizing curriculum and program details and obtaining licensing agreements, training staff on the new programming, and delivering at least 40 programs annually, serving 400 to 600 children and their caregivers. Additionally, an early childhood education advisory committee will meet quarterly to recommend program adjustments and monitor progress and outcomes. The project will result in increased engagement and family visitation to the museum as well as address challenges identified by caregivers such as uncertainty about how to engage young children in museum spaces, a lack of accessible arts experiences outside school or childcare, and anxiety about whether children belong in art galleries.