Presentation to EEC Fiscal Committee

Presentation to EEC Fiscal Committee Dec 3, 2012 “Everyone needs a place that is furnished with Hope” -- Maya Angelou

Background on Facilities Inventory • Review of 182 ECE & OST sites • Random sample of non-profit centers • All programs had children on EEC subsidy • Standards developed by 22 member Advisory working with Wellesley Centers for Research • Field visits done by OnSite Insight 2010-2011 • Report released October 2011

Outreach during 2011 - 2012 • 26 meetings across the state • Distributed 2500 + copies of report • Conducted legislator visits to centers • PR: 18 articles, blogs, etc. • Presented to EEC Board • Met with Commissioner Killins, Secretary Reville, Secretary Bialecki

Positive Findings • Most sites met 80% of regulatory standards • Most sites met 50% of professional standards (accreditation & preliminary QRIS) • Most sites met 50% of best practice standards

Key Concerns

Under-investment in Facilities • Substandard space is the norm • Lack of resources in program budgets • Competing demands: teacher pay, rates • Few have experience working in good settings • Good space is a critical factor in program quality • Supports meaningful interactions • Supports parent engagement • Supports staff professionalism, morale, & commitment

Capital Funding in Other States

The Building Quality Campaign • Goal is to secure $45 M public bond financing for ECE & OST facility improvements • Partnership with United Way of MA Bay & Merrimack Valley • CHAPA to include our request in its 2013 Housing & Community Development Bond Bill • Children’s Investment will also file a separate placeholder request

Eligibility • Eligible expenses: acquisition, design & planning, site development, construction • Eligible borrowers: licensed non- profit providers serving 25% children on subsidy • Financing to range from 50 - 80% of the total development costs, based on # of subsidy-eligible children

Deferred Payment Loans • Permanent deferred payment loan for a term of 30 years • Extensions may be granted for successive terms as long as the provider continues to serve eligible children

Developing Coalition • Various ECE & OST advocacy groups • Meeting with legislators • Seeking endorsements for the bill

“It (the facility) is a place where children and staff spend long hours each day; where routine needs are met; where relationships develop, skills are learned, abilities are enhanced and attitudes toward school and learning are formed. For all these things to happen well, program planners must carefully design the physical environment and pay attention to the quality of the space and its systems.”Ritchie R, Willer, B. eds. Physical Environment: A Guide to the NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standard and Related Accreditation Criteria. National Association for the Education of Young Children, Washington, DC, 2005:9. Mav Pardee, Program Manager Children’s Investment Fund One Center Plaza, Suite 350, Boston MA 02108 617-727-5944 mpardee@childrensinvestmentfundma.org www.childrensinvestmentfundma.org

Presentation to EEC Fiscal Committee