Boston, M.A. – On September 14th, 2023, the Joint Committee on Education hosted their informational hearing on early education and care. Testimony was heard from invited guests, including Secretary Tutwiler, Commissioner Kershaw, and MHSA’s Executive Director, Michelle Haimowitz. Collectively, MHSA’s members, the 28 Head Start programs in MA, serve more than 10,000 children from birth to age five as well as pregnant women and employ more than 4,000 staff. Her testimony gave a clear message: The most vulnerable children in Massachusetts not only need access to high quality early education, but the programs that serve them need more to provide that high quality.

She discussed the current needs and barriers early education professionals and Head Start programs are facing, and how funding plays a critical role in helping to tackle these challenges. Remarking that an override is currently before the legislature on the Governor’s reduction of the FY24 Head Start State Supplemental Grant, she made it clear that the Massachusetts Head Start Association and the Head Start community are grateful for the partnership and support of the Joint Committee on Education and the House and the Senate.