Boston to open new early childhood office to streamline access to care options for parents

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said she's creating a new city office focused on early education and child care.

In her announcement Wednesday, Wu said the goal of the Office of Early Childhood would be to create a "one stop shop" that streamlines communication around the various city-run programs and processes available for parents and caregivers.

Currently, several Boston offices serve the childcare industry, including the Office of Women's Advancement, Boston Public Schools and the Boston Public Library system.

Wu said the office should make it easier for providers to find professional development opportunities for their staff and get accounting assistance. She added the city also plans to create a website for parents to see where any open child care and early education slots are across the city, from school- and center-based programs to home-based care. Currently, parents must search different systems for the assorted care platforms.

"The ultimate dream is for anyone who is looking to start a family in the city of Boston to know that this is a city where it'll be convenient easy and not a question whether you can find the supports to raise a child here," said Wu.

City officials are now in the process of hiring a director for the office.

Wu said staffing the Office of Early Childhood will not require additional city funding. Instead, she planned to reorganize existing open positions at City Hall and consolidate other offices.