Child care services initiative to launch in 15 municipalities

Each selected municipality will receive $1.5 million for the construction of a childcare center. The project is designed to ensure safe, innovative and accessible spaces that promote the comprehensive development of children across the island.

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón, during her time as resident commissioner, secured a $25 million federal investment to announce the 15 municipalities participating in the Estación Futuro Project. The initiative, led by the Administration for the Comprehensive Care and Development of Children (ACUDEN by its acronym in Spanish), aims to transform childcare services in Puerto Rico, with a focus on low-income communities.

The governor made the announcement alongside Family Secretary Suzanne Roig Fuertes, ACUDEN Administrator Amy Vega Ojeda, Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz, Speaker of the House of Representatives Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Núñez, mayors, representatives of the 15 municipalities, and various legislators.

Each selected municipality will receive $1.5 million for the construction of a childcare center. The project is designed to ensure safe, innovative and accessible spaces that promote the comprehensive development of children across the island.

“Investing in childcare and early education is a commitment to Puerto Rico’s future. Supporting our families from the earliest stages of their children’s lives fosters comprehensive development, strengthens family ties, and provides stability,” the governor said. “Under our administration, ACUDEN conducted needs assessments and established eligibility criteria for municipalities facing a childcare service deficit, in line with federal regulations, to effectively utilize the funds we secured as members of Congress and ensure they provide direct services to the community.”

Thanks to the Child Care Disaster Recovery Supplemental Funds (CCDF-DR) program, authorized by Public Law 117-328, ACUDEN will receive $25 million to construct new, resilient childcare centers. Each selected municipality is eligible for up to $1.5 million to create modern facilities that ensure continuous and high-quality service.

“Since taking over ACUDEN, my goal has been to promote the well-being and development of early childhood in Puerto Rico,” said Vega, the ACUDEN administrator. “Providing these 15 municipalities with the necessary funds to build the Estación Futuro Care Centers is a significant step forward for children and allows these municipalities to continue fostering safe, nurturing environments for families.”

The selected municipalities are Camuy, Adjuntas, Morovis, Peñuelas, Río Grande, Toa Alta, Coamo, Las Marías, Comerío, Salinas, Canóvanas, Gurabo, Fajardo, Ceiba and Barranquitas.

“These 15 municipalities will now be able to create childcare spaces that facilitate the full development of children and continue our progress in supporting families throughout the island,” Roig Fuertes said.