Holyoke Community College's Itsy Bitsy Child Watch program provides free, on-campus child care for children ages 3 months to 12 years, helping student parents pursue their education without having to worry about affordable, reliable care. In Spring 2026, student parents using the program achieved an 88% course completion rate and 92% semester-to-semester retention rate. See how the program is expanding to include evening hours and support even more families.
Early Childhood
Image courtesy of Holyoke Community College
The Early Childhood Exchange (ECX)
The Early Childhood Exchange (ECX) is a partnership between the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy, Strategies for Children, and the Massachusetts Early Childhood Policy Research Collaborative, working to bridge the gap between research and policymaking in early childhood. At a time when Massachusetts is making significant investments in young children and families, ECX provides state and local leaders with timely, actionable evidence to inform policy, implementation, and funding decisions. Learn more about their work to connect research, policy, and practice across the Commonwealth.