Mass. to spend $5M on early childhood behavioral support; 'one of increasing needs'

Aug 23, 2026, TCD: Massachusetts puts $5 million toward early childhood mental health in North Quabbin

Athol and other North Quabbin communities are included in a Massachusetts plan to spend nearly $5 million on behavioral health support for young children, their families, and educators.

State officials say the funding targets a crucial period in childhood, when early help can make a lasting difference.

Here's what to know

In July, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced its FY27 awards for Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation services. The Department of Early Education and Care selected five regional organizations, and the Athol Daily News reported that the Collaborative for Educational Services in Northampton received $1,157,712 to serve Athol, Orange, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, and Winchendon.

Through the program, consultants partner with licensed early education programs, educators, and families, offering help such as classroom observations, training, coaching, and strategies tailored to each site's needs.

"One of the increasing needs we've heard from our educators, as well as our program directors, is just the increase in behavioral health needs among children in the classroom," EEC Commissioner Amy Kershaw said.

Officials said the effort is intended to support children while also easing pressure on teachers and helping more kids remain engaged in the classroom with their peers. . . .

According to state officials, the need for this kind of assistance has become more apparent in recent years, especially around self-regulation and social-emotional development. Aimee Smith-Zeoli, behavioral health supervisor for EEC, said those trends predated the COVID-19 pandemic and that programs are also serving more children with special education needs. . . .

What's being done?

Petersham Montessori is one nearby school that has already taken part in the state's Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation program. Head of School Cheryl Calcari said the school has referred children for extra support, and consultants only step in after families agree.

With that approval, consultants can watch children in the school environment and also work with families at home.

Calcari said the school met with them monthly to review progress and consider whether strategies used in class could also help at home.

"What happens in the school and what happens in the home are always two different things," she said.

Calcari said consultants also helped one child prepare for a move into public school by taking part in meetings and helping the transition go more smoothly. . . .