Early Childhood Education Career Pathways Grant

Let Massasoit Take You to the Next Step in Your Career

Massasoit Community College is pleased to offer students the opportunity to participate in the Early Education and Care Career Pathways Grant Program which provides support for students to engage in coursework that leads to college degrees, college certificates, and state and national credentials.

The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) is investing in the professional preparation of early childhood practitioners in the state.

The Career Pathways Grant has changed. Career Pathways 2.0 has very little funding for tuition and fees. Don’t worry….there is a lot of funding available to you, and we will help you to get it!

The Career Pathway program at Massasoit is designed to help Early Childhood Educators enter the field or build upon past coursework to reach their next goal. The EEC Career Pathways Grant Program has Grant Academic and Career Advisors to help you. Please reach out to us with any questions – we are here for you!

Associate Degrees

Early Childhood Education & Administration
Early Childhood Education & Administration – Transfer Option

College Certificates

Educator Foundational Certificate (anticipated Fall ’26)
Lead Teacher Qualifying Courses Certificate

EEC Credentials

Infant-Toddler Teacher
Infant-Toddler Lead Teacher
Preschool Teacher
Preschool Lead Teacher
Director I & II

Application Schedule for Grant Support for the 2025-2026 academic year:

Fall Semester – applications will be accepted from June 15^thto August 15^th
Spring Semester – applications will be accepted from October 15^thto January 5^th
Summer Session – applications will be accepted from March 1^stto May 15^th

This schedule allows time for advising, funding, and registration.

*See Frequently Asked Questions for the required enrollment steps.

For questions about enrolling
contact Susan Driscoll at
sdriscol3@massasoit.mass.edu
or call 508-588-9100 x1914

The Career Pathways Grant is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care and has provided community colleges across the Commonwealth with funding for professional development opportunities and higher education certificate and degree attainment for early childhood education and out-of-school time educators. Since 2023, the Commonwealth has increased the funding for the ECE Scholarship so that educators can use this scholarship instead of the Career Pathways direct assistance. Grant staff members are charged with helping students find the best pathway and funding source that will help early childhood educators to achieve their goals.

Am I eligible for this grant?
- If you are working in the field of Early Childhood Education or intend to seek employment in this field within six months, you are eligible.
What is the process for me to take courses?
- The first step is to fill out the Career Pathways Grant Program application. Each week, the Career Pathways Grant Program will hold an Orientation session. This session is mandatory for funding eligibility. After the Orientation, a member of the grant staff will contact you to set up a brief meeting. During this meeting, a staff member will ask you about your goals. From there, a plan can be created to help you achieve your goals. After your plan has been completed, you will register for courses.
How much does it cost to take a course through this grant?
- There is no cost to you. The EEC Career Pathways Grant pays for this support.
I heard textbooks are expensive. Will I have to buy a textbook?
- You will need a textbook. The Career Pathways Grant Program maintains a lending library of textbooks for you to use. Some classes have digital rentals. Some classes use an Open Education Resource textbook that is available for anyone to use, free of charge. For some of you, your funding source will pay for your textbooks.
I have only my phone to do my schoolwork. Will a phone work?
- Using your phone will be difficult. The Massasoit Community College library has Chromebooks/Laptops that students can borrow for the semester.
I don’t know what course(s) to take? How do I decide?
- Our Success Coach works as an advisor to you. We will help guide you to the certification/degree you desire.
How many courses may I take each semester?
- That is up to you. Some of your choices will be dictated by your funding source. We encourage new students to start with one course. Typically, students find two courses each semester to be the most they can complete successfully. Many students take one course each semester. Slow and steady is a great strategy!
I have never taken a college course before (or it’s been such a long time since I’ve been in school) I’m really nervous! Is there any support for me?
- Yes, yes, yes!! The grant has a Success Coach to advise and support you. In addition, we have a program tutor. Also, the college has an Academic Resource Center that offers tutoring and a Writing Center to provide assistance.
I live far from campus and don’t think I can attend in-person classes. Is that a problem?
- It’s not a problem. Many of our classes are now remote, meaning you can either have class on zoom or completely online with no class meetings.
I filled out the grant form. Am I all set to take the class?
- Not yet. This is a multi-step process. Here are the steps:

- 1. First, apply to the grant program.
  2. Attend an Information session
  3. Meet with a Grant Staff Member to discuss a college program, specific classes, and funding options.
  4. Follow the steps determined by your intake meeting
  5. After you have been accepted into the grant, you register for classes.

Once I finish my class, how do I get my EEC certificate?
- You can get a copy of your transcripts from the college through the MyMassasoit Portal. Keep a copy of your transcripts and submit a copy to your work. Massasoit Community College does not send you a certificate. Your director should keep all of your documentation for the EEC program licensor. Make sure you give them copies. Keep your originals!