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EEC reports licensed capacity gains and workforce improvements under Commonwealth Cares for Children
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Summary
EEC staff presented data showing licensed program and seat growth since the pandemic, pay increases for educators and reduced turnover; C3 funds were reported as a major driver of stability and workforce gains.
EEC staff reported to the Board of Early Education and Care that the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) stabilization program is associated with increased licensed capacity, higher educator pay and lower turnover compared with pandemic peaks.
Jocelyn Dow and colleagues said licensed program counts are about 5% above pre‑pandemic levels and the department has seen a net increase of more than 17,000 licensed seats in the last two years. Ashley White and Adrian Murphy presented survey data from August 2024 covering almost 7,400 providers (about 90% of the field). The survey shows median reported wage growth of roughly 20% for educators over three years and a reduction in reported workforce turnover from roughly 32% (fall 2022) to 26% in the latest survey.
Staff reported open educator positions statewide at about 9% of posted roles (roughly 3,700 openings among respondents), with about 80% of those openings for teachers and assistant teachers. Programs reported spending the largest share of C3 funds on workforce expenses — about two‑thirds of funds overall — and family childcare programs reported a larger share of C3 funds going to facilities (mortgage/rent) and operating costs.
EEC officials said that C3 participant programs in very‑low opportunity areas are receiving higher grant dollars per seat under the new formula, and that participation has been steady since the formula changes. Jocelyn Dow summarized the program’s purpose: C3 “was a program to stabilize program operations and maintain license capacity” and has evolved to support workforce, family affordability and program quality.
Board members discussed follow‑up questions on family childcare (FCC) patterns, facilities costs and how capital grants and other supports can reduce FCC use of C3 operating dollars.
