Resources for Early Educators
The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) developed the Licensing Education Analytic Database (LEAD), which is a cloud-based system for all licensing functions.
WORK IN PROGRESS! Currently adding and updating additional resources.
INFORMATION, RESOURCES, AND SUPPORTS FOR PROVIDERS
The Community Network for Children program is a community resource that is available to all early childhood programs, providers and educators. One of our goals is to assist childcare programs with accessing information/resources/services for their program, teachers, or for the families they serve. These services are funded through the Department of Early Education and Care’s Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) grant. We strive to be be the place to call when a program is in need!
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC)
https://www.mass.gov/topics/early-childhood-education-care
51 Sleeper Street 4th Floor
Boston, MA 02210
617-988-6600
Click here to sign up for the Commissioner's Office Mailing List
EEC Learning Standards and Curriculum Guidelines
EEC Community Resources For Families
EEC Licensed Child Care Search
Center For The Study of Social Policy
Strengthening Partnerships Framework
Family Engagement Fact Sheets For Providers in English
Additional Resources For Providers
The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations- Resource Library
CASEL: Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning,
HandholdMA.org is a new, family friendly website designed to help families navigate the mental health system in Massachusetts. The website was created by a team of mental health and child development experts in partnership with parents who have “been there.” Handhold’s three main sections help parents answer these three big questions: should I worry?, what can I do?, and who can help? Whatever steps a family decides to take, HandholdMA.org offers a variety of tips, tools, and resources to help families take them with confidence.
The Federation for Children with Special Needs has created Mindful Mondays, a weekly opportunity for educators to practice self-care through mindfulness. Come join other educators from across the state for yoga, meditation, journaling, and sharing of challenges and successes. No previous experience is necessary
Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (ECMH) Services: The Collaborative for Educational Services (CES) Early Childhood Program offers Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (ECMH) Services for Hampshire and Franklin Counties through our subcontract with Behavioral Health Network (BHN) in Springfield, funded by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).
Our Approach
With parental consent, we provide support to parent/caregivers and early educators regarding child development and behavior. Classroom assessments are also available to support early educators around these areas, along with classroom climate and dynamics.
The goal of this program is to help early educators and parents/caregivers support healthy social and emotional development for children enrolled in programs supported by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC).
Through promotion, prevention, and intervention, we aim to:
Build the capacity of early education and care program staff to address the needs of children who exhibit behavioral challenges
Attend to the social-emotional needs of children so they are ready to learn and be successful in their early education
Reduce the number of children who are suspended or expelled from EEC-funded programs
Promote collaboration for better access to supportive services for children and their families
Who is Eligible?
Children birth to age 12 who are enrolled in EEC licensed childcare, or out-of-school time programs in Hampshire and Franklin Counties
What is the Cost?
There are no costs to providers or families, and no insurance requirements.
How the Program Works
Our Program Directors and parent will complete a referral form. Please fax the form to Sarah Lusardi, Clinical Supervisor, at (413) 586-1725 or email slusardi@collaborative.org with “referral” in the subject line.
One of our clinicians will conduct virtual consultation with the educators and parents to create a team support plan to help the child be successful in their school setting.
We meet with parents and teachers together to create a support plan which includes strategies to help the child at home, in school, and in the community.
Referrals for speech, language, and sensory screenings; or for ongoing therapy, may be included in the plan.
Whole classroom and program wide services are also available and will be delivered virtually.
The time frame for services is typically 3-6 months.
For Parents
We know that you are the expert on your child. This is why your involvement in this process is critical. You will be asked to participate in a comprehensive assessment to provide information about your child’s history, strengths, temperament, and development. You will also be asked to join the early educator or childcare provider and our clinician, in planning and trying out possible solutions.
STRONG START ONLINE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM
The Department of Early Education and Care's StrongStart Online Professional Development System (StrongStart Online PDS) is part of Massachusetts' StrongStart Quality Early Education and Care initiative. The StrongStart Online PDS provides resources for educators and administrators to enhance quality in their programs and support individual educator success, such as training and technical assistance. The StrongStart Online Professional Development System (PDS) is a web-based "one stop center" for early educators that provides resources for their career growth. It includes a credentialing system, professional registry, and a Learning Management System (LMS) where educators can take courses on their computer or mobile device.
EEC StrongStart Professional Development System
51 Sleeper St.
Boston, MA 02210