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Mass. Department of Early Education and Care outlines second round of family child care capital grants; applications due Oct. 31
Summary
A department representative summarized results from the first grant round, detailed eligible projects and application requirements for the second round of the Family Child Care Capital Subsidy Program, and gave deadlines and contact information.
DanaFigura, vice president representing the Department of Early Education and Care, outlined the second round of the Family Child Care Capital Subsidy Program and key application requirements, saying the round opens Oct. 1, 2025, and applicants should submit by Oct. 31, 2025.
The program is intended to help family child care providers make capital improvements and upgrades. DanaFigura said the first round drew 1,681 applications and produced 157 awards, and that common funded projects included HVAC and ventilation upgrades, energy-efficient kitchen appliances, outdoor fencing and additions or conversions such as added bathrooms, basements or sunrooms used for child care.
Why it matters: The department said the grants are competitive and intended to raise care quality and expand licensed capacity among family child care providers. The announcement included detailed submission requirements and examples of eligible work so providers can prepare stronger applications.
Key details and eligibility: The department advised applicants to provide proof of property ownership, a detailed project scope and a line-item budget. For projects with budgets that exceed $25,000, applicants were told to confirm those costs fall within eligible expense categories. For energy-related purchases or efficiency upgrades, applicants should include an Energy Star rating (where applicable) and supplementary materials quantifying expected energy savings. The department also noted that permit and inspection fees related to a secondary (tier-two) project should not exceed 10% of total project cost, and that applicants should confirm contractor credentials for tier-two work through the provided link.
Operational and timeline guidance: DanaFigura said applications auto-save and applicants must provide an email address for department communications. She advised preparing a construction schedule that minimizes disruption to children and families and advised applicants to double-check submission materials before filing. The representative repeated that the second round opens Oct. 1, 2025, and urged submissions by Oct. 31, 2025. A phone line given in the presentation for further questions was 1-833-600-2074.
Other notes from the presentation: DanaFigura said the program aims to support space renovations and project capacity-building for family child care providers and that guidance documents and a recorded application walkthrough are available on the state economic development website. The transcript also stated applicants “must hold [a] license and have four years,” phrased in the presentation; applicants should consult the department’s written guidance to confirm precise eligibility requirements.
Ending: The department said qualified family child care providers will receive direct email notice with application links when the round opens and that more details will be posted on the state economic development website and on the Department of Early Education and Care’s applicant materials.
