Early Education and Care Staff Pilot Program

What is the EEC Staff Pilot Program?

The EEC Staff Pilot Program, launched in January 2023, provides immediate access to child care financial assistance—known as vouchers and contracted slots—for income-eligible staff working in licensed or EEC-funded early education and school-aged programs. This initiative aims to support the economic mobility of early education professionals by alleviating the financial burden of child care. ​

How do I apply for the EEC Staff Pilot Program?

• If You Are Already on the Child Care Financial Assistance Waitlist:

1. 1. Call Mass211: Dial 2-1-1 to reach the Massachusetts 211 service.

   2. Inform the Call Taker: State that you work for an early education program and provide the priority code: Early Education Staff.

   3. Provide Your Program's P-Number: Share the P-number of the program where you are employed. You can find this number using the EEC's Child Care Search Tool.​

• If You Are Not on the Waitlist:

1. 1. Call Mass211: Dial 2-1-1 to initiate the application process.

   2. Inform the Call Taker: Specify that you work for an early education program and provide the priority code: Early Education Staff.

   3. Provide Your Program's P-Number: Share the P-number of your employer's program.​

This process ensures that eligible staff receive priority status on the child care financial assistance waitlist. ​

What documentation is required?

• Proof of Employment

  • Documentation verifying your employment at a licensed or EEC-funded early education or school-aged program.

• Program's P-Number

  • The unique identifier for your employer's program.

• Proof of Residency

  • Verification that you reside in Massachusetts.

• Proof of Income:

  • Documentation demonstrating that your income is at or below 85% of the State Median Income (SMI).​

Detailed income eligibility thresholds are available on the EEC Staff Pilot Program page.​

Who is eligible?

To qualify for the EEC Staff Pilot Program, you must:

• Be currently or newly employed at a licensed or EEC-funded early education or school-aged program in Massachusetts, receiving a wage or salary from the program. This includes, but is not limited to, educators, family child care providers, assistants, support staff, administrators, kitchen staff, transportation staff, and cleaning and maintenance staff.

• Live in Massachusetts.

• Have an income at or below 85% of the State Median Income (SMI).​

How long does it take to receive funds?

Processing times may vary. After your application is submitted and approved, you will receive a voucher or contracted slot for child care services. The exact timeline depends on individual circumstances and program availability.​

Common FAQs

1. Can I get child care for part-time or full-time care?

   Yes. Child care services may be authorized for full-time or part-time care, depending on the family's circumstances.

2. I am a Family Child Care (FCC) provider. Am I eligible to participate for the foster children in my FCC home?

   FCC providers and assistants are eligible and can access financial assistance for their own children or foster children to receive subsidized education and care services in their Family Child Care home or the home in which they are employed.

3. Do I have to use the voucher at a specific program?

   Vouchers may be used for child care at any program that accepts them. Vouchers will be issued to the maximum amount allotted for the pilot.

4. Can my program cover my parent fee?

   Programs wishing to pay for their staff person's parent fee may do so only with their own funding source. Use of state or federal funding to cover parent fees is not allowed.

Contact Information

For assistance or more information:

• Mass211: Dial 2-1-1 for general inquiries and application support.

• EEC Help Desk: For technical assistance with online applications, contact EECHelpdesk@massmail.state.ma.us.

For more details, visit the EEC Staff Pilot Program page.