Massachusetts' state credential to work as a teacher in a licensed child care center. Issued in two tracks: Infant-Toddler (birth–33 months) and Preschool (33 months–kindergarten). You can hold both.

Who needs it

Every classroom teacher in an EEC-licensed center.

How to get it

3 college credits in Child Growth & Development PLUS 9 months (≈450 hours) of supervised work experience with kids in the age group you want to teach. The CDA and approved Chapter 74 vocational training also satisfy the education requirement.

Cost

Education path: ~$200–$450 for one community college class, OR ~$425 for the CDA.

Where to start

EEC Educator Certification (mass.gov) ↗