MA S346

Establishes a special commission to study and recommend funding strategies for high-quality early education and care for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children in Massachusetts

Commission must determine the true cost of delivering early education considering provider type, age group, region, high-need populations, and fair staff wages, while examining funding streams from federal, state, local, philanthropic, employer, and family sources

Reviews the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI) and Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) Grant Program, and investigates funding for unmet needs including child mental health services, special education, capital improvements, and transportation

Commission includes approximately 35+ members: legislative chairs, state agency commissioners, and representatives from early education advocacy organizations, business groups, unions, family child care providers, and parents

Report with findings and recommendations due by June 30, 2026; allocates $100,000 for commission staffing and operations