Webinar: Public Service Loan Forgiveness for the Early Childhood Workforce

by: Shayna Cook April 19, 2022

This recent webinar hosted by the Office of Early Childhood Development, Administration for Children and Families and the U.S. Department of Education provides important information related to how early childhood educators can take advantage of Public Service Loan Forgiveness and navigate the often complex process involved with it.

From the Administration for Children and Families (YouTube video description):

This webinar, hosted by the Office of Early Childhood Development, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), and the U.S. Department of Education (ED), highlights flexibilities offered through the Limited Public Service Loan Forgiveness Waiver and the ways in which the early care and education (ECE) workforce can take advantage of this time-limited opportunity. More information about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program can be found on the Federal Student Aid webpage. Speakers provide an overview of the Limited Public Service Loan Forgiveness Waiver and discuss:

  • Qualifying and applying for loan forgiveness
  • Accessing the resources and technical assistance available
  • Responding to frequently asked questions from the ECE field

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program provides relief for those working in public service settings, which includes nonprofit organizations as well as federal, state, local or tribal government agencies, including schools. Many in the ECE field work in these qualified settings, including staff in Head Start, Early Head Start, and other early childhood development programs. However, most early childhood educators who are self-employed or work at for-profit businesses do not qualify at this time. The webinar addresses how to find out if your employer qualifies.

Although some aspects of PSLF haven’t changed, such as what organizations are considered qualified employers, there are unique benefits to applying for PSLF under the current limited waiver offered during the COVID-19 emergency (through October 31, 2022). Many members of the ECE workforce working for qualified employers may be eligible for PSLF, even if they weren’t previously. This webinar provides more information about this opportunity with the ECE workforce and responds to questions from the ECE field. The speakers include:

  • Katie Hamm, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Early Childhood Development, ACF, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  • Katherine Neas, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, ED
  • Ashley Harrington, Senior Advisor, Office of Federal Student Aid, ED

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