Photo: Getty Images
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) – Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced the creation of the Office of Early Childhood on Wednesday to provide more affordable and high-quality education and care to all children under the age of five.
The Office will focus on increasing access to early childhood education and programs and supporting its respective workforce. The Office will also address the various needs highlighted in Boston’s 2021 Childcare Census Survey report, which found that Massachusetts families typically spend more than 10% of their income on childcare arrangements.
“In Massachusetts, we have the second highest cost of childcare around the country,” Mayor Wu said while making the announcement at the East Boston YMCA. “We continue to see the impacts of that ripple throughout our communities, throughout our economy and throughout our city.”
Read More: MBTA, Keolis Announce Safety Enhancements At Wilmington Train Crossing
Read More: The Warm Before The Storm: Friday Snowstorm To Follow Possible Record Heat
To help parents reduce their time and energy in making these arrangements, the Office will serve as a “one-stop shop” for people to access all of Boston’s early childhood and childcare programs, according to Wu. In addition, the City will hire someone to lead this new office and work with several partner organizations including the Boston Public Health Commission, Boston Centers for Youth and Families and Boston Public Schools.
"I can think of nothing more important than ensuring every child has a great start to an excellent education," said BPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius. "I am excited to see Mayor Wu focus on a mixed delivery system that builds on the strong foundation and close partnership with BPS."
The Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement, which before the formation of the Office of Early Childhood handled the city’s childcare initiatives, also conduced the 2021 Childcare Census Survey Report. The report also found that people are relying on a parent or guardian for childcare more than they would prefer and that 58% of people would prefer formal arrangements but are unable to access them.
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App