FY27 480-20-3968 Smart Start Illinois Early Childhood Apprenticeship – Pilot

The field of early childhood education (ECE) is facing a workforce crisis that can ultimately have a negative impact on child care programs and the children and families they serve. Challenges of the crisis include: 1) a shortage of individuals willing to work in the field; 2) a shortage of well-qualified individuals; 3) high turnover rates in specific roles and geographies, and 4) inadequate compensation to attract and retain well-qualified staff. The Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC) is piloting an apprenticeship program to bridge and connect scholarship programs leading to credentials and degrees with on-the-job/real world training and mentorship tailored to the context of the specific communities where apprentices work. Additionally, the program provides funding for participating centers for increased compensation based on staff qualifications. Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs combine classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and mentorship to create a holistic program with an earn-while-you learn approach. RA programs offer a flexible model for early childhood educators to improve their knowledge and skills with the goal of acquiring a credential, license, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree, all while improving the quality of the early childhood workforce, reducing turnover, and increasing their wages.

Continuation Applications Only

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