COVID Testing for the Early Childhood Community
Coordinating COVID testing to help early childhood programs stay open and safe
Why This Matters
During the COVID-19 pandemic, early childhood programs faced urgent challenges maintaining safe operations amid rapidly changing guidance and limited access to testing. Reliable testing was essential to protecting staff, supporting families and children, and keeping classrooms open.
How We’re Driving Change
Data from a parent survey conducted by Strategies for Children showed that COVID-19 fears were driving absences from child care programs. These absences threatened the financial stability of child care programs, where providers are paid based on attendance and even a single exposure could trigger weeks-long closures.
In response, the Collaborative partnered with BayCoast Bank and the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) to support the exploration and launch of dedicated early childhood COVID-19 testing sites.
Timeline and Scale
Project launched in January 2021, with funding shifted to a state contract in March of that year. Nearly 3,000 tests were administered through this program before the need subsided and the last drive-through testing site closed in June 2022.
What Happened
- Expanded access to dedicated COVID-19 testing for early childhood programs
- Supported continuity of care and safer classroom environments for children, families, and staff
- Reduced program disruptions and closures during a critical period
- Helped providers navigate evolving public health guidance
- Established the ECFC as a connector and catalyst that mobilizes stakeholders when the field signals urgent need
Resources and Key Documents
Current Status and What’s Next
Status: Completed; Project
While this initiative has concluded, lessons learned continue to inform how both the Commonwealth and the Collaborative respond to emerging and emergency needs.
