EEC Professional Certification

Optional certification open for all levels across the Commonwealth

EEC Professional Qualifications Certification Unit

The Details   of EEC Professional Certification

Overview   for EEC Professional Certification

Optional certifications for Teacher, Lead Teacher and Director are currently open in the Metro BostonNortheastSoutheast, Central and Western Massachusetts regions. 

Educators hired under the Minimum Hiring Requirements that do not meet the certification requirements should continue to assume their current position while working towards certification requirements.   

EEC’s hiring requirements remain in place.

Eligibility & Application Process   for EEC Professional Certification

Certification eligibility is based on educational degree(s), coursework, and work experience. “Eligibility” refers to those who meet the certification requirements outlined below.

What do I need to submit with my application?

In addition to your application, you will need to provide certain documents to verify your eligibility. This includes: 

Image of a blue screen that says Completing the Work Verification Form
  • Your official college transcript (that shows college/university name and registrar's signature)
  • Copy of your degree if it’s not on your official transcript
  • A copy of your license if you hold a Pre-K - 2, Pre-K - 3 license from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
  • Your original Child Development Associate (CDA), Montessori Certificate, or Early Intervention Specialist Certificate (Department of Public Health)
  • Your original course certificates that show that your training was approved for continuing education units (CEUs)
    • Professional Development Points or workshop attendance verification are not substitutes for CEUs and won’t be accepted

Need help completing the online application?

Watch EEC's tutorial video

Blue screen that says Completing the Optional Director Certification Application

How to apply   EEC Professional Certification

Apply online at https://childcare.mass.gov/optionalcertification

Need help completing the online application? Watch EEC's tutorial video

Get a decision   for EEC Professional Certification

You will receive your certification via email from EEC if your application is complete and you qualify for the Professional Qualifications certification.

If your information is not completed or you don’t qualify, you will receive a letter from EEC via email explaining why you aren’t receiving a certificate.

Drop In Sessions   for EEC Professional Certification

EEC's Teacher Qualifications unit provides help via Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month:

  • The 1st Tuesday session is 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
  • The 3rd Tuesday session is 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Educators do not need to register in advance and may attend any time they need assistance.

Find an upcoming sessionAttend a session.

Contact   for EEC Professional Certification

Address
EEC Professional Qualifications Certification Unit
50 Milk Street, 14th Floor, Boston, MA 02109-5002
Fax
(617) 988-2451

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