“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.

Sign up for one of the loan program information sessions,
which will be Wednesday, March 25 at 1 p.m. and at 7 p.m.

“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.’ ”

— “Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens Applications for First-Ever Loan Repayments Dedicated to Early Childhood Educators,” press release, Mass.gov, March 10, 2026