The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) brought its Universal Pre-K Access Road Show to western Massachusetts this week, stopping in Northampton to highlight local efforts that expand access to early childhood education.
The visit focused on the Head Start Early Learning Program, which receives funding from the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI). This initiative supports affordable preschool access for families, aiming to close the learning gap before children enter kindergarten.
Northampton was awarded $1 million through CPPI to increase pre-K seats in both public schools and community-based settings. “By bringing community partners together, we can help families choose the programs that work best for them while ensuring children receive the educational services they need,” said Amy Kershaw, Commissioner of Early Education and Care.
According to a press release, Northampton’s efforts include partnerships with 11 EEC-licensed providers. These partnerships support 18 CPPI-funded classrooms, including at Leeds Elementary School, and serve a total of 227 children in the community.
“This visit is about listening, learning, and building on successful strategies,” said Kershaw. “We want to bring high-quality pre-K to every part of the Commonwealth.”
During the visit, Commissioner Kershaw joined local leaders, educators, and families for a tour of the Head Start Early Learning Program and a CPPI classroom. They saw how the funding is being used to improve preschool services, including adding support staff like instructional coaches, speech pathologists, and special education professionals.
“Children with special needs don’t have to leave the classroom to get services. They receive them right here,” said Anat Weisenfreund, Director of Pioneer Valley Head Start & Early Learning Programs.
Northampton Public Schools has also contributed staff to help manage and support these services. “We’re seeing measurable progress,” said Laura Frogameni, Northampton’s Preschool and Partnership Coordinator. “Children with disabilities are developing closer to their peers, and instructional scores among our educators are improving thanks to coaching and collaboration.”
The funding is also easing the financial burden for families. “We heard from single parents who said that getting a child care subsidy has changed their lives and made their families more stable,” Frogameni added. “This program centers on the child, and it supports the educators. That’s a powerful formula for success.”
Commissioner Kershaw emphasized the broader impact of the initiative. “It has a dual purpose,” she said. “It prepares children for school and long-term academic success, while also helping parents stay in or return to the workforce.”
The visit ended at Smith College’s Center for Early Childhood Education at Fort Hill, another CPPI partner. There, local leaders, including Northampton Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Portia Bonner, gathered for a roundtable discussion with educators and early childhood program directors.
“Governor Healey and Commissioner Kershaw have helped build strong partnerships that support families through the first five years of a child’s life,” said Clare Higgins, Executive Director of Community Action Pioneer Valley. “Northampton’s work is now a model for other communities.”
Michelle Haimowitz, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Head Start Association, added, “Head Start plays a key role in our early education system. We’re proud to partner with the state to expand access through CPPI and to support vulnerable families.”
Northampton is one of 30 districts currently receiving CPPI funding. The Healey-Driscoll Administration is investing over $20 million statewide to grow access to preschool programs.
Governor Maura Healey’s proposed FY26 budget and supplemental Fair Share funds will continue to support the program. Over the next three years, the initiative is expected to expand into 37 districts, reaching seven additional Gateway Cities and helping 12 current grantees fully implement their preschool programs.
