NCC receives more than $930K for Early Childhood Education

February 6, 2026

U.S. House passed minibus appropriations bill, signed into law Feb. 3

Professor Lisa Furman established Early Childhood Education courses at the Merrimack YMCA in fall 2023. These classes were open to YMCA staff and the general public, including current high school students who enrolled through the Early College program to earn high school and college credit. The YMCA provided the classroom space, and offered childcare for students during the class.
Professor Lisa Furman established Early Childhood Education courses at the Merrimack YMCA in fall 2023. These classes were open to YMCA staff and the general public, including current high school students who enrolled through the Early College program to earn high school and college credit. The YMCA provided the classroom space, and offered childcare for students during the class.

The bipartisan appropriations package secures more than $43 million for 54 congressionally directed spending projects across New Hampshire. Of this, $933,500 will go toward supporting Nashua Community College’s Early Childhood Education Center.

As described in NCC’s proposal, the ECE Center serves as a lab for students enrolled in the College’s Early Childhood Education program, with the goal of improving the availability of high-quality childcare:

“The Early Childhood Education Center for Teaching and Learning at Nashua Community College is a long-term investment in New Hampshire’s childcare infrastructure, workforce, and economic viability. NCC regards its position in the Nashua community as essential and continually works to establish and advance relationships within the community.”

The benefits of this project are twofold.

  • First, the Center aims to enrich the experiences of NCC’s early childhood education students, preparing them to be highly qualified educators and informed advocates for the families and children of the greater Nashua community.
  • Second, working in conjunction with Head Start, located on NCC’s campus, students will have opportunities to observe, collaborate, and teach lessons alongside Head Start teachers.

Increasing childcare capacity will support parents in returning to work, strengthen family income and savings, and contribute to the growth of New Hampshire’s workforce and economy

This project is a priority because it addresses the state’s initiative to increase the number of educated early childhood teachers and expand access to high-quality childcare. NCC’s Early Childhood Education program supports the community by offering in-depth training in best educational practices, ensuring graduates are well prepared to enter the childcare workforce and positively impact the lives of children and families.

After learning of the funding, ECE Program Coordinator Lisa Furman said, “Nashua Community College is grateful to U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Representative Maggie Goodlander, and others who support this investment. This funding will have a transformative impact on our Early Childhood Education program by allowing us to expand Early Childhood education programs that serve future educators while also supporting our students who are parents by providing high quality, reliable childcare for them while they attend classes.”

"This investment represents a long-term commitment to student success, working families, and strengthening NH's early childhood workforce.”

Prof. Lisa Furman, Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator

NCC President James Keane said, “This funding represents a transformative opportunity for Nashua Community College and our students. The Early Childhood Education Center will serve as a critical lab school, preparing future educators while addressing the urgent need for high‑quality childcare in our region. We are thankful for the leadership of Senator Shaheen, Congresswoman Goodlander and the many partners who helped make this possible.”

To learn more about Early Childhood Education at Nashua Community College, visit nashuacc.edu.