Mass. EEC proposes rule changes to expand child-care subsidy eligibility to 85% of state median income

The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care proposed regulatory changes on a draft posted for public comment that would formally codify the Child Care Financial Assistance Program in state law, raise income eligibility and specify priority groups for subsidy access. The department is accepting written comments and oral remarks through April 15; the EEC board will review public comment at a future meeting before any final vote.

The department presented the draft rules Wednesday evening in a virtual public comment session led by EEC staff. Robert Orthman, deputy general counsel at EEC, said the changes respond to language the legislature added to this year’s budget and cited the new statutory section, M.G.L. c.15D, §13A, as the authority for the revisions. “The biggest reason we’re here is because in last year’s budget… the legislature passed… certain requirements that essentially codify the Child Care Financial Assistance Program,” Orthman said.

Tyrese Nicholas, deputy commissioner for family access and engagement…