Cites Concerns on Childhood Development & Day Care
Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn called for a hearing to discuss the possibility of using linkage fees from large scale commercial developments to fund early childhood education. Early childhood education – including pre-kindergarten and day care- is a critical component of a child’s development. Recent reports have highlighted the focus on child care plans from a number of candidates at the national level, as well as Mayor Walsh’s efforts to enroll 3,000 students for pre-kindergarten last year. Councilor Flynn believes a conversation is needed to discuss ways that the city can help fund these services so that every child can have access to early childhood education, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Flynn would also like to discuss requirements to include child care services in new, large scale developments.
Studies have consistently shown that quality early childhood education has a significant and positive impact on a child’s learning, future earnings, health, and family stability – especially for children from lower-income families. However, childcare is expensive and pre-kindergarten seats are limited in Boston Public Schools, making it difficult for many families to find quality and affordable early childhood education for their children. With recent legislation filed by both Mayor Walsh and Councilor Edwards to allow the City more flexibility to adjust and increase linkage fees, a discussion on the possibility of using linkage fees to fund early childhood education is timely.
“I know that being able to enroll a child into Pre-K or having affordable child care is vitally important and, at the same time, difficult for many parents in our city- especially our low-income families,” Councilor Flynn said. “This is an issue that Mayor Walsh remains focused on, and one that is also being discussed extensively at the national level. With possible changes in linkage fees on the horizon, it’s worthwhile for us to explore this as a way to help fund early childhood education, assist families in our city, and to place our children on the best path for success in school and what their future has in store.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or ed.flynn@boston.gov.
