The Early Education for All Campaign advocates for the creation of a statewide system to improve the training, education and compensation of the early childhood and school-age workforce. The establishment of such a system is one of the statutory responsibilities of the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). EEA played a critical role in establishing the Early Childhood Educators Scholarship and Universal Pre-Kindergarten programs described below.
Research shows that:
Early educators’ education, training and compensation levels are the main determinants of the quality of early learning settings, which has a direct and positive effective on children’s healthy development.
Children in classrooms led by an early educator with a bachelor’s degree and training in early childhood demonstrate greater gains in language development and math skills and experience richer learning environments.
The Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program provides tuition assistance to currently employed early educators to pursue an AA or BA in exchange for continued employment in the field. Learn what EEA is seeking in the FY12 budget.
Building Careers is, a cohort model program that funds college courses and advisement for non-traditional students to obtain college degrees. Please refer to the new Educator and Provider Support grant and EEC's online Professional Development Calendar for more information on the Building Careers program and other professional development opportunities and support services.
The Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program awards grants to early education providers to enhance quality, which includes investing in teacher education, training and compensation. Learn what EEA is seeking in the FY12 budget.
The regional Readiness Centers established by Governor Deval Patrick to “improve the quality of teaching from birth through higher education” include early educators in their mission.
