Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Massachusetts StrongStart?

A: The Massachusetts’ StrongStart Quality Early Education and Care initiative consists of the following components:

• The StrongStart Online Professional Development System (PDS). This 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. The LMS is available now for all program staff. Please visit this page on the EEC website for more information about the online PDS system.

• Five regional StrongStart Professional Development Centers (PDCs) for the state’s early education and out-of-school time workforce provide training and technical assistance services. A leadership coaching program, available through the PDCs, will launch in 2020. This coaching program will support educators in creating cultures of continuous learning and improvement in early education programs and establishing professional development opportunities in the workplace that strengthen teaching quality and children’s learning.

• Early Childhood Support Organizations that provide targeted training to programs on higher quality standards.

Q: I am an ECE provider. What StrongStart training am I required to have?

A: You must complete the new “EEC Essentials” training. Please visit this page on the EEC website for more information about EEC Essentials training.

Q: Has StrongStart replaced the QRIS?

A: Not yet. The new quality improvement system will be called StrongStart to Program Quality, EEC is utilizing Interim Changes to the MA QRIS for measuring program quality at this time.

Q: Where can I find information about interim changes to the QRIS?

A: Please visit this page on the EEC website.