Section 182 EEC Methodology Report

Not later than October 31, 2024, the department of early education and care shall submit a report to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the senate and house committees on ways and means and the joint committee on education on a proposed methodology to calculate and assess the cost of providing high-quality early education and care. The methodology shall take into consideration the full cost of service delivery including, but not limited to, costs that vary based on: (i) geographic region; (ii) early education and care provider type and size; (iii) the age ranges of children served; (iv) group size and ratios; (v) the demographics of the populations served by early education and care providers; and (vi) costs of additional services to children and families with high needs, including staff and staff training necessary to accommodate children with disabilities or other high needs, interpreter services, mental health supports for children and staff and staff time required to provide comprehensive family engagement and services to ensure effective early education and promote multigenerational success.

In developing the methodology, the department shall consider the factors that affect the cost of service delivery including, but not limited to: (i) administration; (ii) staff pay and benefits; (iii) professional development and instructional coaching; (iv) operations and maintenance including, but not limited to, rent, equipment, technology, furniture and utility costs; (v) educational supplies and curricula; (vi) food services; and (vii) transportation services.

The department shall include in its report: (i) recommendations to annually assess and update the methodology to ensure continued alignment with the cost of providing high-quality early education and care and compliance with federal regulations; and (ii) recommendations regarding the use of the methodology to inform the development of child care financial assistance reimbursement rates under clause (e) of the second paragraph of section 2 of said chapter 15D of the General Laws and the distribution formula for the operational grant program established in section 19 of said chapter 15D.