In 2005, the Massachusetts Legislature created the Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program to increase the quality and availability of teachers and care providers who work with young children. Initially a pilot initiative, the program provides financial assistance to early childhood educators and out-of-school time providers who enroll in a certificate, associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree program in an approved area of study. Scholarships are funded using state general funds; in FY 2024-25, the Massachusetts Legislature appropriated $7.5 million for the program, which is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education and the Department of Early Education and Care.
The Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program awards students between $3,150 and $6,750 per semester, depending on the type of institution they attend. Recipients must be employed as educators or providers in a licensed early education and care program, including family child care, center-based, and out-of-school time programs. They must also agree to continue working as early childhood educators in Massachusetts after completing the degree (a six-month commitment for each semester of aid they receive); if they don’t, they must repay the award.
Sources:
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education Office of Student Financial Assistance. (n.d.). Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program.
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education Office of Student Financial Assistance. (n.d.). Early Childhood Educators (ECE) Scholarship Program Student Guide.
Board of Higher Education. (n.d.). Early Childhood Educators’ Scholarship Program.
Connections to Key Early Learning Study at Harvard (ELS@H) Findings:
The early education workforce is the foundation upon which all daily work and any expansion and quality improvement efforts rest. Research suggests that states and cities should invest in the workforce across all early education setting types, focusing on enhancing educators’ professional learning, compensation, and workplace conditions.
Findings from the Early Learning Study at Harvard (ELS@H) show:
- Early educators play a critical role in supporting the well-being of young children and families across setting types.
- Yet their pay, benefits, and other professional supports are often inadequate in light of the job demands and their cost of living.