EDC Partners with Massachusetts to Strengthen Early Childhood Workforce

EDC has been selected by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) to develop a package of professional learning materials for early childhood educators. The work will support EEC’s move to a new credentialling system for early childhood educators, which will be piloted in 2026. By embedding on-the-job training materials into the credentialling system, EEC aims to provide more opportunities for professional learning and career advancement within the sector.

As part of the project, EDC will develop courses aligned with the Massachusetts Early Educator Competency Standards and build train-the-trainer resources to support the state’s existing Professional Development Centers. The courses will be designed to support professionals across the early childhood education spectrum, which includes childcare centers, family child care homes, public and private preschools, Head Start programs, and out-of-school time settings.

“We are looking forward to supporting the professional learning of the state’s early education workforce,” said EDC project director Kristen Reed. “The new credentialling system is an important step toward improving retention and professional opportunities for this dedicated and talented group of educators.”

In building the materials, EDC will draw upon its long history of developing effective curricula and professional learning for early childhood educators, including its recent work leading the Center for Early Learning Professionals in Rhode Island. The training materials are expected to be available in early 2026.