Press Release: 3/11/2026
Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens Applications for First-Ever Loan Repayments Dedicated to Early Childhood Educators
$15 million program aims to strengthen and retain Massachusetts’ early education workforce
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
3/10/2026
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Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary
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Call Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary at (617) 725-4025
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Email Jacqueline Manning, Press Secretary at jacqui.manning@mass.gov
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today 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. The program was developed through a partnership between the Departments of Higher Education (DHE) and Early Education and Care (EEC).
The $15 million ECE Loan Repayment Program is designed to support workforce retention by reducing the financial burden of student loan debt for eligible educators across a variety of settings. This includes those working in Family Child Care (FCC), center-based programs, after school and out-of-school time (ASOST) programs, residential placement programs and contracted FCC systems who work directly with children, families, or other educators.
The program will provide up to $7,500 per recipient per year, subject to appropriation.
“If we want a strong early education system, we need to support the educators who make it possible,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Early educators support children’s development, help parents to participate in the workforce, and strengthening our local economies. By helping relieve the burden of student loan debt, we’re making it easier for talented educators to stay in the field and continue supporting children and families across Massachusetts.”
“Early childhood educators are essential to the success of our children, our families, and our economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By helping educators manage student debt, we’re strengthening the early education workforce and supporting the communities that rely on their expertise and care every day.”
To be eligible, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree in a qualifying program of study at an eligible public or private institution of higher education in Massachusetts after July 1, 2013, and must be working in an EEC-licensed or funded early education and care program. Priority will be given to educators who have served five years or more in the field, as well as those who work in communities that predominantly serve children and families with high needs or in regions facing shortages of early education and care seats.
“This partnership represents the strong and shared commitment across higher education and early education and care to strengthen the early education and child care workforce through professional growth and improved compensation,” said Acting Education Secretary and Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “Prioritizing experienced educators and those working in high-need communities ensures this investment supports both workforce retention and equitable access to high-quality early learning.”
“We’re pleased to partner with EEC on supporting an industry that’s crucial to the Commonwealth’s economy and to students’ educational trajectories,” said Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega. “As the Healey-Driscoll Administration works to strengthen our workforce through affordable college, programs like this one help to retain early educators who have been serving our communities.”
While early educators have previously been eligible for general loan repayment opportunities throughout Massachusetts, this marks the first time the state has established a loan repayment program solely dedicated to early education and care professionals.
In addition to loan forgiveness, Governor Healey’s Early Education and Child Care Task Force has been focusing on expanding career pathways through higher education opportunities and the administration administers an Early Childhood Educators scholarship that helps students pay for an associates, bachelor’s or master’s degree. As President Trump continues to try and make higher education more expensive, Massachusetts is making it more affordable for educators to stay in the workforce. Recently, Governor Healey called on the Trump Administration to reverse plans that would sharply limit access to low-cost federal student loans for graduate degrees in high-need, high-value fields, including education.
“Child care is a crucial piece of infrastructure for working families, but we can't build that infrastructure without our providers. The Senate designed this program to tear down financial barriers so those who want to start a career in early education can pursue their calling with fewer financial burdens,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This initiative will strengthen workforce retention and help keep child care providers open across the Commonwealth, which means more parents will be able to return to work and support their families. The Senate was proud to lead on this measure, and I applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration for opening applications today.”
“Supporting educators in early childcare is critically important to improving the care and access to these programs for thousands of families across the Commonwealth. By implementing this House led initiative, the Commonwealth will not only improve the lives of early childhood educators, but will encourage others to enter this field,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways & Means (D-Boston). “I want to thank Governor Healey and her administration for supporting and implementing this critical program, as well as Speaker Mariano and all my other House colleagues for their hard work and support on this critical program.”
The ECE Loan Repayment Program was developed collaboratively by DHE and EEC to ensure alignment with workforce needs and state priorities. The program received $7.5 million in the state’s fiscal year 2025 (FY25) budget and an additional $7.5 million through the FY25 Fair Share supplemental budget, bringing total available funding to approximately $15 million. A portion of funding is for program development and implementation.
“Early childhood educators are vital to children and families across Commonwealth,” said Leader Peisch (D–Wellesley). “This initiative, included in the House FY2025 Budget, recognizes their dedication and helps ease the burden of student loan debt, strengthening workforce stability and supporting high-quality early education across the Commonwealth.”
"Early childhood educators play a critical role in a child’s development", said Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. "This loan repayment program will help relieve financial stress faced by those working hard to support the success of all children across the Commonwealth. I am pleased that the Legislature and Administration are aligned in their commitment to strengthening this vital part of our workforce."
Applications are open now through June 1, 2026, and interested educators are encouraged to apply. For more information about eligibility requirements, including qualifying programs, how to apply and upcoming information sessions, visit Mass.edu/ECELoanRepayment.