Milton Friedman once said, “One of the great mistakes is to judge policies and programs by their intentions rather than their results.” It seems this quote is very appropriate for the new special commission which has recently been formed to study the Department of Early Education and Care.

As directed by Section 166 in the Massachusetts FY’14 budget, a special commission was formed to “make and investigation and study of the cost of administering EEC services in the commonwealth and make recommendations to enhance said services where appropriate and necessary.” Among the 19 people on this ommission, we are happy to report that MADCA’s Executive Director, Bill Eddy is on this commission representing MADCA members. Clare Higgins, a MADCA Board member is also on the Commission representing a Provider of Early Education and Care.

Since the Commission’s report is due to the Legislature on December 31, 2013, the members have a rigorous meeting schedule to meet this timeline. We look forward to hearing from the Commission about what they learn about expanding affordable access to child care, timely placement of children in quality programs and finding cost savings.

We are happy that MADCA is an important part of this commission, and look forward to good things to come as a result.