Western Massachusetts Professional Development Center

03/26/2026

Jumping in puddles, climbing trees, and catching bugs, are one of the many hallmarks of a childhood enjoyed outdoors. 🐞🌷🌳🤸

Through Governor Healey’s Inter-Agency Early Education and Child Care Task Force, the Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) and the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) are excited to introduce "Outdoor Start," a resource hub designed to help families and early education programs spend more time in nature.

Research shows that outdoor time benefits young children by promoting physical and mental health, social skills, personal growth, and environmental awareness.

The resource hub offers information for policymakers, families, and early education providers on the benefits of nature for young children and ways to engage with the outdoors in positive and developmentally appropriate ways.

Learn more at mass.gov/outdoorstart

03/26/2026

📢 This week, we announced the opening of applications for the first-ever loan repayment program dedicated to early educators in Massachusetts. Applications are open now through June 1.

Have questions about the program? Join one of our upcoming virtual information sessions on March 25 to learn more about:
• The loan repayment program
• Eligibility requirements
• How to apply

🕐 Two session times available: 1 p.m. or 7 p.m.
🌐 The session will be held in English with interpretation services available.

👉 RSVP here: https://ow.ly/KANk50Yt1pz
We hope you’ll join us to learn more and get your questions answered!

03/24/2026

📣 Grant Opportunity!

The FY27 Food Security Infrastructure Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is now open.

💰 $10,000–$500,000 available
🗓 Deadline: May 4, 2026 at 4:00 PM

Supports projects that strengthen local food systems and expand access for underserved communities.

🔗 Learn more and apply:

Email from Holyoke Community College EEC Learn More & Apply   Early Educator News & Resources March 24, 2026 Apply to the Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) Program The FY27 Grant Application i

03/13/2026

Join Kendra Hoyt this April to learn practical strategies to support social and emotional learning in your program.

Free and online via Zoom!

Register here: https://strongstart.eoe.mass.gov/ets/store/item/?id=c5835bc6-6e92-11ee-abc5-ba4acee0e989

03/11/2026

Join us for trauma-informed training for family childcare professionals!

This training is being offered as part of a university-led research study. We hope you will join us for this thoughtful and supportive learning opportunity.

Space is limited, register today!

Email from Holyoke Community College EEC Register   Early Educator News & Resources February 25, 2026 Trauma training for Family Childcare Professionals Monday, April 20 (Patriots' Day) 9:00 am to 11:

01/30/2026

✨ New Professional Learning Community Opportunity! ✨

Join facilitator Kendra Hoyt for a new PLC focused on exploring cultural humility through meaningful reflection, thoughtful dialogue, and everyday practice.

👇 Learn more and register below! 👇
https://strongstart.eoe.mass.gov/ets/store/item/?id=d02b9499-f17d-11f0-acb7-941cfa2a31e9

01/28/2026

✨ Daytime Learning Opportunity! ✨

Join us for a daytime offering of Deeper Dive into Trauma and Resilience, happening Mondays from 10:00–12:00 PM. This session is designed to support reflection, connection, and practical strategies you can bring back to your work right away.

This timing may be a great fit for program directors and out-of-school-time professionals looking to deepen their understanding while balancing busy schedules.

Register:
https://strongstart.eoe.mass.gov/ets/store/item/?id=5d19bb53-1556-11f0-ac48-f81b1af975e3

01/28/2026

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01/12/2026

Join Developing Healthy Boys, an interactive PLC for early childhood educators and caregivers who want practical strategies to support boys’ emotional development and positive relationships.

We’ll explore how gender socialization shows up in early learning settings, and what educators can do to promote equity, connection, and non-violent problem-solving for all children.

🗓 Mondays: Feb 23, March 2 & March 9
⏰ 6:30–8:30 PM
💻 Free, and Online via Zoom

Register using the QR code below 👇
https://strongstart.eoe.mass.gov/ets/store/item/?id=4a86eaa7-c5d4-11ee-abeb-e1931d8b0d0d

01/09/2026

The Western PDC is starting a monthly newsletter for YOU.

What would YOU like to see/read in our newsletter?

Drop your ideas, wants, needs, and curiosities in the comments below to help us shape a newsletter that reflects what Western MA early educators want to read.

01/08/2026

Join Maximizing Your Team’s Performance with Dr. Reda Othman and learn how to lead with clarity, sustainability, and impact.

📅 Wednesdays in Jan & Feb
💻 Free and online via Zoom
⏰ 6:30–8:00 PM

Scan the QR code or grab the registration link below 👇
https://strongstart.eoe.mass.gov/ets/store/item/?id=741540d3-e0d1-11f0-acb6-941cfa2a31e9

01/06/2026

🎨 Arts and Crafts—You Don’t Have to Choose! ✂️

Join this Community of Practice with Sheila Gould and explore how both process art and crafts can thrive in your classroom. Engage in meaningful conversation, reflection, and practical strategies that celebrate creativity, developmentally appropriate practice, and joy.

📅 Wednesdays | 6:30–8:00 PM | Virtual
🔗 Register here: https://forms.gle/xxFwaeazViKwjiCg6

Email from Holyoke Community College EEC Learn more!   Early Educator News & Resources January 6, 2025 Explore the balance between process art and crafts in this interactive Community of Practice. Tog