We will be posting up-to-date information here regarding news releases or training information. This page will be changing frequently so please check back often to keep current on "in the news!"
January 6, 2026
The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that applications are now open for the Department of Early Education and Care’s (EEC) first formal statewide Family Advisory Council. This Council is designed to strengthen the connection between families, educators, community partners, and policymakers in promoting affordable, accessible and high-quality early education and care. To learn more click below!
December 23, 2025
The MA Department of Early Education and Care is working on their 2026 Strategic Action Plan. Read more about this plan that is currently in the works.
December 10, 2025
The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced it is awarding $1.2 million in state- and federally-funded grants to 24 school districts and 10 early education and care programs to help them grow or procure local food and educate students, teachers, school nutrition professionals and staff about the local food system. To learn more about this amazing grant click below!
EEC is creating a new portal for educators to apply for and manage their professional certifications, designed and tested with input from early childhood educators.
Educators can now apply more easily, and supervisors can verify work experience using a new online process.
October 15, 2025
Kelly Mittal is a mom and CEO of myKidzDay, a digital family engagement platform. Learn more about Kelly's business and how it is helping child care providers, especially in their family partnerships.
Read more about picture books and how Slate Magazine rates the 25 greatest picture books from the past 25 years.
Click below to view the schedule for EEC's monthly Board meetings.
The Early Childhood Education Career Training Program provides entry-level training and job experience for people interested in starting a career as early childhood educators.
Participants enroll in an online early childhood education course and complete a paid internship in Cambridge, MA. People who successfully complete all the program requirements will earn the Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential and be an EEC (Early Education and Care) certified teacher in Massachusetts.
As educators, being aware of policy and budget decisions can help you advocate effectively. Your awareness and input matter!
Watch for upcoming budget votes and consider sharing your perspective with local policymakers or through EEC channels.
Click below to read more about FY26 and updates on EEC's Strategic Action Plan.
The Department of Early Education and Care's Categories of Study are the topic areas included in the educational requirements for educators and staff working in early childhood or out of school time settings.
Click below to read more about these new EEC topic areas.
January 5, 2026
The Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five (PDG B–5) program is a competitive federal grant that helps states build and improve their early childhood systems. The program is designed to help states better coordinate and maximize existing federal, state, and local funding, while supporting efforts to strengthen, align, and expand early care and learning opportunities.
In November, the Administration announced a new round of PDG B–5 Systems Building Grants. These grants, ranging from $500,000 to $15 million, are intended to help states expand parental choice, improve system efficiency, and raise the overall quality of child care and early learning programs. To read more about this amazing grant and which states received this grant click below!
September 15, 2025
When the Baton Rouge Early Childhood Education Collaborative found out that the majority of children under 4 were not enrolled in an early care and education program, they met with the community to see what could be done. They created the HomeStart Early Childhood Education and Wellness program. This program provides home-based early childhood education and support for families not enrolled in an ECE program. Click below to read more about this amazing program and how it is helping children and families across the state of Louisiana.
September 8, 2025
Starting in November, families in New Mexico will no longer have to pay for childcare. This is a huge step in the right direction for early childhood education and families across the nation. Click below to read more about this initiative.
August 22, 2025
Learn more about California's new statewide mandate, transitional kindergarten, that gives access to quality education for 4-year-olds.
August 4, 2025
Early Education Leaders, an institute at UMass Boston, worked with local educators in Hawaiʻi to lead workshops and engage in discussions at its first statewide conference “Growing Big Ideas for the Way Forward: Continuous Quality Improvement in Early Education.” This continues Early Education Leaders' partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa to develop and build leadership skills and drive positive change in their programs and communities.
The Institute for Education and Professional Development, Inc.
298 N. Main St., PO Box 366, N. Uxbridge, MA 01538