For years, sketched plans of a Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal childcare facility have been just that: plans.
"It's been in the works for a while," said Education Department Childcare Manager Eileen Miranda.
Now, at last, thanks to $1 million in federal money the tribe received this month, the 6,650 square-foot facility will take shape.
"We are thrilled to death having gone through COVID and suffered the consequences of cost increases and delay after delay," said Education Department Director Roxanne Mills Brown.
If all goes well, construction will begin in June, said Roxanne.
The money for the facility was a part of a $3 million federal funding package that was designated for energy and water resources, housing and urban development, and science. The funds supported five community-based projects across Cape Cod and the Islands, according to a press release from the offices of Sen. Edward Markey and Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
Last month, the tribe received $1 million in federal money which will be used to build a child care center tribal trust land. “These investments in early education, marine research, and harbor infrastructure will make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents,” said Markey in a press release.
The child care facility will include four classrooms, a multi-purpose room, built in kitchenettes, an infant toddler room and a preschool for 35 children. The entire $1 million will be devoted to construction and connected ancillary costs.
The facility will also be built on tribal trust land, said Roxanne. That will enable teachers to go beyond state standards of care and infuse education with Wampanoag cultural and language programs.
"We want to nurture positive social and academic development of tribal youth and deepen children's understanding of accurate tribal history," she said. "That's really important to us."
The preschool's enrollment will give preferences to Wampanoag children, said Miranda. But the school could open its doors to non-Native children. It would depend on enrollment, she said.
"We do need to be able to fulfill capacity to sustain programming and staff," said Eileen. "If there are vacancies, we would potentially open up to non-Native families."
It was rigorous work to complete two grant applications — one for Markey's office, and another for Warren's office, said Mills Brown.
"Each Senate office had different requirements and it took about a month to get it all done. It was definitely a crunch time," she said.
For Roxanne, it's exciting to be able to move forward.
"The earliest that construction will be completed is late spring or early summer of 2025," she said. "We are working with collaborative education services on developing curriculum and ensuring that we have a program ready and available once the doors open."
Additional funding for construction completion and program development will come from the Administration for Children & Families or ACF, which is a division of the federal Department of Health & Human Services, said Eileen.
"We receive about $2.7 million annually through the ACF,". "We have been getting that chunk of money since 2018."
Rachael Devaney writes about community and culture. Reach her at rdevaney@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter: @RachaelDevaney.
