EEC to launch MyChildCare.MA portal in May to modernize waitlist and eligibility intake

The Department of Early Education and Care told the board it will launch the first phase of a new family-facing portal, MyChildCare.MA, in early May to modernize how families apply for and track child care financial assistance (CCFA).

Portal basics: Staff described the portal as a Mass.gov-based, mobile-accessible system that replaces the existing KinderWait front door. Families will be able to create or use My.Mass.Gov accounts to submit waitlist applications, upload documents, and receive streamlined email and text notifications. Administrators — called family access administrators (FAAs) — will use a companion interface to review applications, determine likely eligibility and manage funding offers.

Why EEC is doing this: Tyrese Nicholas, Deputy Commissioner for Family Access and Engagement, said the portal will reduce duplicative paperwork, give families clearer status updates on their waitlist applications, and create a more accurate eligibility-based waitlist. "This is a huge, huge step" for families to apply by phone or online, he said.

Phasing and language/access: Phase one (waitlist intake) launches in early May; phase two (FAA casework and administrative improvements) is planned for summer 2026 with iterative updates through June 2027. The portal’s content will be available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Russian, Arabic and simplified Chinese.

Training and rollout: EEC said it will migrate existing KinderWait records to the new system, preserve families’ waitlist seniority, and provide training modules, weekly support sessions and user manuals for administrators. Staff emphasized change management supports for partners and pledged to iterate on the product after launch based on user feedback.

Next steps: Families newly applying after launch will be directed to MyChildCare.MA; existing families will be assisted by FAAs to access accounts and preserve waitlist positions. EEC said improved data from the portal should allow faster, more equitable placement when funding becomes available.