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!"
Join the Massachusetts Association for the Education of Young Children for a day full of workshops, inspirational speakers, and networking opportunities! This event is for teachers, administrators, early childhood advocates, and students.
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Where: Natick High School, 15 West St., Natick MA
Registration information can be found here.
Problem-solving has been identified as a critical 21st-century skill. This review integrated evidence on the effectiveness of existing approaches to teaching and assessing problem-solving in an interpersonal context (IPS) for children from birth to age six, in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings. To read more, click below.
When: March 25 at 1 PM or 7 PM
Join an informational session walking through the ECE Loan Repayment Program, designed to support workforce retention by reducing the financial burden of student loan debt for eligible educators across a variety of settings. Eligible applicants must be currently working in an EEC licensed or funded early education and care program (center based, FCC, OST, Residential or a contracted FCC System). The loan repayment program will provide up to $7,500 per recipient per year, subject to eligibility and appropriation.
To register for one of the information sessions or for more information click here.
Questions? If you have any questions, please contact Eugenia Soiles at eugenia.soiles@mass.gov
March 17, 2026
Watch (or listen) to this Zoom call with the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Policy, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and The Home for Little Wanderers. This video discusses sharing and processing how to support children and families in difficult times. There will also be resources and reflection on the appreciation of those in the ECE field.
March 10, 2026
The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the opening of applications for the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Loan Repayment Program, the first state loan repayment program created exclusively for early education and care professionals. For more details about this program, click below.
March 5, 2026
In Massachusetts, the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI) has successfully helped communities like Salem, North Adams, Somerville, and Sandwich plan for and implement more high-quality preschool programs. To find out more about what this amazing program has done, click below!
March 5, 2026
The Healey-Driscoll Administration released its Year Two progress report and outlook for Year Three from Governor Maura Healey’s Inter-Agency Early Education and Child Care Task Force, highlighting significant progress taken to expand accessible, affordable, and equitable high-quality child care across Massachusetts. To learn more click below!
March 3, 2026
Participation in school meals continues to grow after Governor Healey made state-supported universal free school meals permanent, making Massachusetts one of only nine states to provide school meals at no cost to all students. To learn more about this program click below!
February 11, 2026
The Board of Early Education and Care today unanimously voted to approve the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s proposed increases to child care financial assistance reimbursement rates for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), reinforcing the state’s ongoing commitment to supporting early education and care providers and strengthening the child care system for families across Massachusetts. To learn more click below!
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.
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.
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.
February 13, 2026
Click below to read more about the After Hours Child Care Act, which helps families obtain child care for parents who work non-traditional hours.
February 11, 2026
Click below to read more about how the cost of child care is affecting families throughout the country.
January 12, 2026
In November, the Administration announced a new round of Preschool Development Grant Birth–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!
The Institute for Education and Professional Development, Inc.
298 N. Main St., PO Box 366, N. Uxbridge, MA 01538