Programs & Services
Key Resources
Online Services
Welcome to the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
We know that children's earliest experiences are especially important because building the human brain begins even before birth; a strong foundation in early years greatly increases the chance of positive outcomes.
Whether you are a parent, provider, educator or community leader, you will find resources to help you give the next generation the strong foundation they will need to thrive.
Find out about Commissioner Sherri Killins's background or sign up for her email updates.
January 9, 2012
Dear Early Education Field,
Over the last five years individual action all over the state has lead to an improved system of child development for our youngest citizens.
The Department of Early Education and Care’s mission is to provide the foundation that supports all children in their development as lifelong learners, contributing members of the community, and to support families in their essential work as parents and caregivers. The latest science shows that these early experiences actually build the architecture of the developing brain; much like a house is built from the bottom up. Each sequential step lays the groundwork for the next set of skills – like reading and math—and a lifetime of learning, success and productive, responsible citizenship.
We realize that this has required individual action in peer learning, increasing the use of evidence based practices, assessments and curriculum. We have asked all adults to be more intentional in developing adult child relationships to support the developing child. As recognition the state would like to take this opportunity to recognize teacher and instructional leaders who have made efforts to advance their own skills and the skills of their peers on behalf of improved child outcomes.
EEC recognizes the importance of quality in programs and the important work that early education professionals have done and has created an application to acknowledge the accomplishments of teachers and instructional leaders in the field of early childhood. This award outlines specific attributes of an effective teacher and instructional leader. Characteristics of a teacher and instructional leader should exemplify a clear understanding of content knowledge, strong leadership skills, understanding of development that is grounded in research and the ability to increase learning opportunities that inspire children and peer adults to achieve success and reach positive outcomes. We encourage the field to take this opportunity to acknowledge the dedicated and strong leaders in your programs.
Lastly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all the hard work the field has accomplished to improve and provide high quality programming and instruction to support positive outcomes and lifelong success for our youngest citizens. While we will not be able to recognize everyone, this is an effort to identify a cadre of leaders who are providing examples of strong leadership and creating opportunities for learning environments that allow children to thrive in their early years is a first step.
Sincerely,
Sherri Killins, Ed.D
Commissioner
Department of Early Education and Care
This is a sign of future prosperity for everyone in Massachusetts
Watch the Public Service Announcement