Student Loan Forgiveness for Early Childhood Educators: How to Get It

• If you work in a public or nonprofit early childhood center, PSLF could forgive your remaining loan balance after 10 years (120 qualifying payments).

• IDR plans are open to ECE Educators in any setting—public, private, or home-based. It’s a great option if your workplace doesn’t meet PSLF criteria but you still want a path toward forgiveness.

• Several states offer student loan forgiveness programs just for early childhood educators. In Colorado, Massachusetts, and Illinois, you can get loan repayment support if you work in a qualifying role.

Early childhood educators can qualify for student loan forgiveness, though it may not be through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program that most people think of.

This is because many early childhood education centers, especially private ones, don’t meet the PSLF job requirements. But there are still other options to explore.

The Biden administration has proposed changes that could expand forgiveness options to include more educators. Also, Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans are still a reliable choice, especially for educators with lower salaries.

Here’s what’s available now and what new opportunities could be coming soon.

Related: Biden Student Loan Forgiveness

The PSLF program typically forgives student loans for people who work full-time in qualifying public service roles and make 120 payments under a qualifying repayment plan. But, the PSLF eligibility usually excludes educators in private or for-profit early childhood centers.

This may be changing.

The Biden administration recently proposed expanding PSLF to include early childhood educators employed by private organizations.

But this expansion might be uncertain as the administration changes, given the recent election results. Even if the proposal doesn’t become permanent, it shows a growing recognition of the unique challenges early childhood educators face with student debt.

Related: Trump Wins – What Does That Mean for Student Loan Forgiveness?

Income-Driven Repayment plans are one of the most accessible forgiveness options available, offering relief for early childhood educators in any setting, whether nonprofit, for-profit, or home-based.

How IDR Works for Child Care Providers

IDR plans adjust loan payments based on your income and family size, making them a practical choice for educators with federal student loans.

Here’s why IDR can be especially valuable for early childhood educators:

• Lower Monthly Payments: Payments are based on income, which can make a big difference for educators in lower-income fields like child care.

• Flexible Employment Requirements: You don’t need to work for a government organization or qualified employer, so educators in any childcare setting—center-based, home-based, or family child care—can benefit.

• Forgiveness Timeline: After 20 or 25 years of qualifying payments, any remaining balance may be forgiven by the U.S. Department of Education. This long-term forgiveness can be a lifeline for those with student loan debt exceeding their earnings.

Extra Benefits of IDR Plans

Most federal loans are eligible for IDR, making this option widely available to childcare providers:

• Accessible Enrollment: Direct loans can be enrolled in IDR through Federal Student Aid’s website, making the process straightforward. You can find all the necessary forms, including those for IDR, in our Forms and Application Guide.

• Potential for Future PSLF Eligibility: If the proposed PSLF expansion goes through, IDR payments made now could still count toward forgiveness. But for now, IDR offers a reliable path.

For early childhood educators with substantial student loan debt from degrees in higher education, IDR forgiveness provides a way to make loan repayment manageable in the long run.

Besides federal options, some states have their own loan forgiveness programs designed for early childhood educators. Here are a few key examples:

1. Colorado: The Early Childhood Educator Loan Forgiveness Program provides loan repayment assistance to educators working in licensed early childhood facilities. Eligible participants can receive up to $5,000 annually for up to five years. Learn more in this guide.

2. Massachusetts: The MA Repay Program offers student loan repayment assistance to direct care staff and supervisors at programs licensed or funded by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC). This includes educators in center-based child care, out-of-school time, and family child care programs.

3. Illinois: The Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program provides financial assistance, including loan repayment options, to early childhood educators pursuing further education and working in eligible settings.

4. New York: The New York State Child Welfare Worker Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program offers loan forgiveness to child welfare workers, including those in early childhood education roles, who commit to working in critical human services areas. Learn more in this guide.

5. Virginia: The Virginia Teaching Scholarship Loan Program provides financial assistance to students pursuing teaching careers in critical shortage areas, including early childhood education, with a loan forgiveness component for those who fulfill teaching commitments in the state.

These programs have different eligibility requirements, the benefits they offer, and how to apply. It’s a good idea to check with your state’s education department or higher education office to find loan forgiveness options that fit your job.

Managing student loan debt as an early childhood educator can be tough, especially in a low-income field where many hold a bachelor’s degree and often face financial hurdles. Programs like Income-Driven Repayment, potential PSLF expansions, and state-backed forgiveness options offer practical routes toward relief.

Each option has unique benefits designed to help educators like you achieve financial stability while continuing your work with young children.

If you’re unsure which path suits you best, our student loan experts are here to guide you. Book a call to explore your options and create a plan that fits your needs.

Related reading:

• Jobs that Qualify for Student Loan Forgiveness

• How to Apply for Student Loan Forgiveness

• Teacher Student Loan Forgiveness

• School Counselor Student Loan Forgiveness

• Student Loan Forgiveness for Social Workers