​​​South Middlesex Opportunity Council  

 

• SMOC Childcare provides quality early education and care services to children ages 6 weeks through 14 years. Center-based classrooms operate Monday-Friday from 7 am-6 pm. Nutritious breakfasts, hot lunches, and snacks are provided daily to the children at all locations. The tuition rates are affordable and there are limited subsidies available for families who qualify. Some sites provide transportation to and from home and public schools.

  • ​Eligibility varies by program. Please call the center for further information or visit https://smoc.org/service/child-care/  

• SMOC Community Services provides support to families in their Childcare programs by connecting them to services and enrichment activities. Their goal is to create and sustain recreational programming to engage the families they serve in the community. 

  • ​Learn more at https://smoc.org/service/community-services/ 

• SMOC Head Start provides comprehensive center-based and home-based preschool education for children ages 3-5 years old. In addition, the program provides support services that include health and dental care, nutrition, special education, parent skill workshops, and social services.  Classrooms typically operate from September through early June, Monday-Friday, from 8:30am-2pm. 

  • Family income must be at or below the federal poverty guidelines, though some exceptions may be made for families moderately over these amounts. Families who receive TANF, SSI, or SNAP benefits are automatically eligible for services. Families who are experiencing homelessness or involved with foster care or DCF are also eligible for services. Learn more at https://smoc.org/service/head-start/   

 

Assistance with childcare payments  

 

• The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) helps Massachusetts families pay for childcare and out-of-school time programs through federal and state programs. EEC partners with family access administrators to provide resource and referral services for families exploring childcare options. These programs pay your child’s childcare and/or out-of-school time programs directly each month. You may have a “parent fee” depending on your family size and income.

  • Learn more at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-funds-to-help-pay-for-child-care   

• The American Legion's Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program has provided cash grants to support the minor children of active-duty service members and American Legion members in times of need. Must be active-duty service members or American Legion Members.

  • Learn more at https://www.legion.org/get-involved/community-programs