Malden Delegation Celebrates $750,000 to Expand Access to Preschool

BOSTON—State Senator Jason Lewis and State Representatives Paul Donato, Steve Ultrino, and Kate Lipper-Garabedian are pleased to announce that Malden Public Schools have been awarded a $750,000 Commonwealth Preschool Partnerships Initiative (CPPI) Implementation Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).

CPPI Implementation Grants are awarded for the purpose of expanding high-quality pre-kindergarten or preschool opportunities for three- and four-year-old children who will be eligible for kindergarten by September 2026.

“Access to high-quality, affordable early education enhances the cognitive and social-emotional development of young children, enables parents to work and improves families’ economic well-being, and helps employers that are struggling with workforce shortages,” said State Senator Jason Lewis, who serves as Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “I’m thrilled that Malden is receiving this sizable state grant to continue its efforts expanding access to high-quality preschool for Malden families.”

“As a long-standing advocate for early education, I am very proud about the CPPI Implementation Grant, which will significantly expand high quality pre-kindergarten education opportunities,” said State Representative Paul Donato. “Early education is the foundation for life-long learning and success. We must continue to ensure more families and children have access to the resources they need during these formative years.

“I’m delighted that Malden is a recipient of the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative. As an educator, I know how important access to high-quality early education is for children and families,” said State Representative Steven Ultrino. “Through this grant, Malden is able to continue its efforts to ensure our youngest students are receiving affordable, high-quality education.”

“As a former public school teacher, education attorney, and mother to two, I know how invaluable this continuous investment in early education is. Investment in early education and care has been my top state priority,” said State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian. “This grant program will ensure continued access to early education and support our children on a path of life-long learning, more essential than ever in building resiliency. I am elated to see Malden Public Schools receive this funding to support families and young learners.”

“Thank you to our State Delegation for prioritizing the importance of this program!” said Malden Mayor Gary Christenson. “Education is the key to success and this investment provides young students with the early experiences needed to build a strong foundation for later school success.”

The City of Malden initially received a $50,000 CPPI Planning grant in 2022. In 2023, the city received a $750,000 CPPI Implementation grant, and is now receiving an additional $750,000 state grant to continue and expand the work already underway.

CPPI grants help foster partnerships between public K-12 school districts and community-based, EEC-licensed early education programs in order to expand access to high-quality preschool for young children and support the diverse needs of families.

The CPPI grant program has been championed by the Malden delegation and funded by the Massachusetts legislature.