Press Release: 4/3/2026

Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Launch of First-Ever Loan Repayment Program for Early Childhood Educators

 

New Education Secretary Zrike visits Ellis Early Learning in Boston to lift up early education and care workforce

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

4/02/2026

 

MEDIA CONTACT

Jason Law, Press Secretary and Events Coordinator

 Phone

Call Jason Law, Press Secretary and Events Coordinator at 617-895-6556

 Online

Email Jason Law, Press Secretary and Events Coordinator at Jason.Law@Mass.gov

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today celebrated the recent launch of the state’s first-ever Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Loan Repayment Program created specifically for early education and care professionals. Applications opened on March 10, 2026, and will close on June 1, 2026. 

The $15 million program aims to support and retain the early education workforce by helping eligible educators reduce their student loan debt. This opportunity is available to professionals working in a range of settings, including Family Child Care (FCC), center-based programs, after-school and out-of-school time programs, residential placement programs, and contracted FCC systems who work directly with children, families, or other educators.  

“We know how important early educators are to our families and our economy, and we’re taking action to support them,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This first-in-the-state loan repayment program will help reduce student debt, keep talented educators in the field, and expand access to high-quality early education and care across Massachusetts. We’re making it easier for educators to build their careers and continue supporting children and families in communities across our state.”  

“This program recognizes the incredible dedication of early educators and invests directly in their success,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By helping to reduce student loan debt, we are making it easier for educators to stay and grow in their careers.” 

Education Secretary Stephen Zrike, Commissioners Amy Kershaw and Noe Ortega and House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz visited Ellis Early Learning today to celebrate this new program and its impact alongside educators, advocates, and community members. The initiative will help early educators repay student loans while continuing to work in licensed programs across Massachusetts, supporting efforts to recruit and retain qualified professionals in the field. 

“Collaboration across our education system is key to building strong pathways into and through the early education workforce,” said Education Secretary Stephen Zrike. “This partnership between DHE and EEC reflects our shared commitment to supporting educators from their college experience through their careers, and to strengthening the foundation for our youngest learners.” 

“Investing in our early education and childcare workforce is essential to ensuring families across Massachusetts can access the high-quality programs they depend on,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means (D-Boston). “This House-led initiative not only strengthens support for current educators in the field but will also help attract new talent to the workforce. I’m grateful to Governor Healey and her administration for advancing this critical program, and to Speaker Mariano and my colleagues in the House for their leadership and commitment to making it a reality.” 

“Early education and care professionals play a critical role in children’s development and in supporting families and communities,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “This loan repayment program is a significant investment in the workforce, helping educators stay in their programs while also strengthening our ability to recruit, support, and retain talent across Massachusetts.” 

“This loan repayment program is a crucial part of efforts to strengthen our early educator workforce,” said Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega. “By supporting our early educators, we’re supporting our economy and the educational journeys of our youngest learners.”  

The program supports early educators who have degrees in early childhood education and are currently working in licensed programs in Massachusetts. Eligible participants can receive help paying back student loans if they commit to continuing to work in the field. To qualify, applicants must have earned an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in an approved field from a public or private college or university in Massachusetts after July 1, 2013, and must be working in an EEC-licensed or funded program. Priority will be given to educators with five or more years of experience, as well as those working in high-need communities or areas with limited access to early education and care. Educators can learn more, apply or watch recorded information sessions by visiting www.Mass.edu/ECELoanRepayment. 

“Early childhood educators build the foundations that are essential to set children up for success later in life, yet they remain among the lowest paid workers in this country,” said Ellis Early Learning CEO Lauren Cook. “The Loan Repayment Program provides meaningful financial relief and helps strengthen and sustain the early childhood workforce, so they can deliver the highest quality education and care to our youngest learners. We are grateful to the Commonwealth for its commitment to supporting educators and the critical work they do for children and families.” 

“This loan repayment program, first proposed in the House FY 2025 Budget, is about recognizing the essential work early educators do every day and making sure they can afford to stay in this vital field,” said House Assistant Majority Leader Alice Peisch (D- Wellesley). “By easing the burden of student debt, we are investing directly in the educators who support our children, our families, and the future of the Commonwealth.” 

“The Massachusetts Legislature is committed to increasing access to high-quality, affordable early education and childcare, as well as strengthening and supporting our early educator workforce,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “We’ve recently invested billions of dollars to support families and educators, including the state’s first-ever early educator loan forgiveness program to provide better compensation and access to educational and professional development opportunities.” 

“We know that early education is vital to our young learners, our families, and our workforce,” said Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “This loan repayment program will support early educators, strengthen the workforce, and make it easier for more individuals to enter the field thereby expanding access to high-quality early education and care.” 

This loan repayment program is one of several joint efforts by DHE and EEC to support the early education workforce. Another key initiative is the Early Childhood Educators (ECE) Scholarship, which helps educators advance their qualifications by earning a college degree. To learn more about the ECE Scholarship, visit Mass.gov/EEC/ECEScholarship.