8 Giving Guide 2026 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com
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Waitlists and Gains
The number of early education and child care programs
licensed by the state has modestly yet steadily climbed
since the childcare crisis in Central Massachusetts and
across the state.
In 2022, there were 1,574 licensed programs in the
region according to state data; in June 2026, the number
stood at 1,756. Capacity still lags, but advocates say
moving the needle on wages for early childhood educa-
tors. In 2021, such teachers earned an average hourly
wage of $19.85, compared to $24.62 in 2025.
The childcare gap impacts people across income
brackets, but those from low- to moderate-income
families struggle to afford care. Those receiving state sub-
sidies through providers such as Guild of St. Agnes face
long waitlists. In June, there were 3,588 children were
waiting for care.
With 70 percent of Massachusetts infants living in child-
care access deserts, parts of Central Massachusetts have
more than 10 children competing for every licensed slot.
Source: Massachusetts Education-to-Career Research and Data Hub, Massachusetts De-
partment of Early Education and Care
CENTRAL MASS CHILD CARE SNAPSHOT:
