Early Education and Out-of-School Time Capital Grant Program Evaluation

Quality education has a big impact on children’s lives.

The Early Education and Out-of-School Time Capital Grant Program recognizes that all children, regardless of family income or circumstances, should be educated in environments that support healthy development and learning. This evaluation examined the implementation and results of a program to improve the quality of physical space and facilities in early care and education and out-of-school time programs in Massachusetts. The program was established through a capital fund stemming from a state bond bill.

JBA’s approach, built on a preliminary study, used mixed methods including document reviews, interviews, surveys, structured observations, and cortisol data collection. The evaluation tracked changes in educational facilities and the experiences of teachers, staff, and families.

Key outcome areas included—

• Quality of facility and classroom learning environment
• Teacher-child interactions
• Educator and staff well-being and effectiveness
• Child health
• Parent satisfaction and engagement
• Organizational stability and capacity
• Unintended consequences of completing facility projects
• Impact of not receiving grant funding