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Board approves plan to submit $7.5M loan-repayment program to Department of Higher Education for administration
Summary
The board agreed to submit a student loan repayment program for early childhood educators to the Department of Higher Education; the $7.5 million program gives priority to educators with at least five years of service and requires a one-year post-award work commitment in EEC-licensed or -funded programs.
The Board of Early Education and Care voted to authorize the department to submit its proposal for an Early Childhood Educator Student Loan Repayment Program to the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) for administration.
Commissioner and staff described that the FY25 enacted budget provided $15 million for early education workforce supports; the department has allocated $7.5 million for scholarships and $7.5 million for the loan-repayment program. Jocelyn Bowne and Ellen Grandin summarized program design and eligibility criteria developed in partnership with DHE.
Staff said the program will give priority to educators who have worked at least five years in the early education field and who serve families with higher needs or work in regions with limited supply. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens (per budget language), employed full time in an EEC-licensed or funded program and commit to at least one year of continued employment in an eligible program after receiving an award. Awards will be paid directly to lenders and can be applied annually until funds are exhausted; staff described award amounts as "up to $75'$100 per year" in the presentation materials.
Ellen Grandin said the Department of Higher Education will administer the program after the board refers the proposal to DHE; DHE will estimate administration costs and finalize rollout details. The board moved and seconded a motion authorizing submission of the proposal to DHE "subject to revision by the commissioner." The motion passed on a voice vote; those present answered "aye" and there were no recorded abstentions.
Staff said funds will be retroactive to July 1, 2024, and that applications and communication to the field will follow DHE approval and administrative planning.
Ending
The board directed staff to work with DHE on administration, application development and outreach to educators once DHE approves the plan.
