Fall 2013

Dear Early Educators,

We are excited to share an opportunity for advanced graduate study in early education research, policy and practice. The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, through its Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Grant award, funded the University of Massachusetts Boston to deliver an innovative post master’s certificate program to a total of 45 early educators across the state. The FREE 12-credit – four course programprovides early educators with the opportunity for advanced study in early education research methods, policy, leadership, and the science of child development and early learning.

The courses are delivered in a “blended” format both online and face to face between September 2014 and August 2015. Face to face sessions are held in Worcester on selected Saturdays. The grant covers the full cost of tuition, books, and a stipend. Eligible candidates for the program will be educators with a master’s degree who work directly with young children birth to age five, or in out-of-school-time programs up to age 8, in EEC-licensed (or license-exempt) programs. These programs include family child care settings, child care and early education programs including public school preschools, Head Start and Early Head Start, early intervention, and after school programs.

Who should apply to the Post Master’s Certificate Program?

  • Early educators working directly with young children birth to age 5 (or to age 8 in out-of-school time)
  • Educators who hold both a bachelor’s and master’s degree
  • U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizenswho are also Massachusetts residents

For more detailed information on how to apply before the deadline of March 1, 2014 visit

Please note: If you do not meet these eligibility criteria for this grant-funded cohort, please consider applying next year when the grant will have ended and the application will be open to all those with a master’s degree. At that point, successful applicants will be responsible for the cost of the program. The current estimated cost of the certificate program coursework inclusive of tuition, fees, and textbooks is around $8000.00.

Follow the three step application process:

  1. Complete an online survey found at
  2. Fill in your information at the online UMass Boston Graduate application found at
  3. Complete second online survey by March 1, 2014th to have the $60 application fee paid for by the grant

For more information, please contact:Lynne Mendes, Early Education Research, Policy, & Practice Program Specialist,617-287-4852, email: