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
Building code 12-17%
Classrooms without windows 20%
Indoor air quality 22%
Lack adult workspace 22%
Thermal comfort 34%
Lack active play space 54%
Lack technology for teachers 65%
Lack classroom sinks 70%
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
Funding Source
Total Funding Pool
Eligibility Center Match
# of Projects
Connecticut School Readiness Act 1997
Revenue bond financing30 year term
$4 M per year $94 M since 1997
Nonprofit ECE in high need areas
20%
29
5141 children
IllinoisEarly Childhood Construction Act Grants2011
State funded capital grants$5 M limit
$45 M –
Nonprofit ECE or public schoolsin high need areas
10%TBD – new program
Pennsylvania Child Care Challenge Grants2002 - 2004
State funded capital grants$1 M limit 1st Year, $500K 2nd & 3rd Year
$30 MNonprofit ECE In high need areas
25%
55
3315 children
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 FundOne Center Plaza, Suite 350, Boston MA 02108617-727-5944 mpardee@childrensinvestmentfundma.orgwww.childrensinvestmentfundma.org