Early Childhood Workforce Connector

08/26/2026

Today, we recognize and celebrate the women who have championed progress toward equality and expanded opportunities for future generations.

Women are the backbone of the early childhood workforce, supporting children, families, and communities every day. Early childhood education also serves as a critical foundation that enables parents and caregivers to participate in the workforce, making it an essential part of a strong economy and thriving communities.

At ECWC, we believe that strengthening the early childhood workforce means creating accessible career pathways, supporting professional growth, and expanding opportunities for advancement. Through pre-apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, and Registered Apprenticeship pathways, we work to help build a workforce development system that supports early childhood educators and recognizes the value of their contributions.

Today, we celebrate the achievements of women in early childhood education and reaffirm our commitment to fostering opportunity, inclusion, and economic mobility across the workforce.

✨ Join us in honoring the educators, leaders, and advocates who continue to shape a brighter future for children and families. https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/resources/commemorations/womens-equality-day/









💜🌟

08/20/2026

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of healthy vision and eye safety for children. Good vision plays a critical role in a child's learning, development, and ability to engage with the world around them. Uncorrected vision problems can interfere with learning and healthy development, making early detection and treatment essential.

📊 Did you know? Only 53% of U.S. children received a vision screening in 2021, highlighting the importance of increasing awareness and access to eye care services.

At ECWC, we recognize the important role early childhood educators play in observing children's development and partnering with families to support their health and well-being. A strong early childhood workforce helps create environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

As families prepare for a new school year, consider scheduling recommended vision screenings and eye exams, practicing eye safety, and learning the signs of potential vision concerns.

✨ Healthy vision helps children reach their highest potential—both in the classroom and beyond.

🔗 Learn more about Children's Eye Health and Safety Month: https://preventblindness.org








👓💙

08/19/2026

📢 Stay Connected with ECWC! 📢

Want to stay up to date on the latest in early childhood workforce development, Registered Apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and career pathways?

Follow ECWC for:

✅ Workforce trends and insights
✅ Apprenticeship success stories
✅ New tools, guides, and resources
✅ Upcoming webinars and events
✅ Partner spotlights and promising practices
✅ Strategies to strengthen the early childhood workforce
✅ Services we offer to help clients reach their ECE workforce goals

Whether you're an educator, employer, workforce professional, policymaker, or community partner, ECWC is your source for information, resources, and connections that support a stronger early childhood workforce.

👍 Follow us, engage with our content, and share with your network!

🔗 Visit us at ecwconnector.org




🌱📘🤝

08/16/2026

🎉 Celebrating the National Apprenticeship Act! 🎉

Today, we recognize the enduring impact of the National Apprenticeship Act, landmark legislation that has helps create pathways to skilled careers and strengthens the American workforce for generations.

For nearly a century, Registered Apprenticeship has provided individuals with opportunities to earn while they learn, gain valuable skills, and advance their careers while helping employers build and sustain a qualified, competent, and committed workforce.

At ECWC, we are proud to carry this legacy forward by supporting pre-apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, and Registered Apprenticeship pathways in early childhood education. These pathways help expand access to meaningful career opportunities, strengthen workforce pipelines, and support the long-term growth and sustainability of the early childhood workforce.

As we celebrate this milestone, we also recognize the educators, employers, workforce partners, and communities who are helping shape the future of apprenticeship and creating stronger career pathways for current and future generations.

🌱Together, we are building a stronger early childhood workforce, the workforce behind the workforce, one pathway at a time

🔗 Learn more about ECWC's work: https://ecwconnector.org/








🎉🌟

08/14/2026

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), an annual observance that highlights the importance of vaccination for people of all ages and encourages individuals and families to stay up to date on recommended immunizations. aai.org

For young children, immunizations play an important role in protecting against serious diseases and supporting healthy growth and development. As children prepare for child care, preschool, and school, staying up to date on recommended vaccinations helps keep children, families, educators, and communities healthy. nfid.org

At ECWC, we recognize that a strong early childhood workforce contributes to safe, healthy learning environments where children can thrive. Early childhood educators and care providers are trusted partners for families and play an important role in supporting children's well-being.

This month, we encourage families to talk with their healthcare providers about recommended immunizations and take steps to protect their health and the health of their communities. cdc.gov

🔗 Learn more about National Immunization Awareness Month: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/php/national-immunization-awareness-month/index.html





💉💙

08/13/2026

ECWC's Kimberly Farris recently joined Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (MWVCAA) in celebrating the program's inaugural cohort of 14 graduates.

Just over a year ago, ECWC partnered with MWVCAA to help launch this Registered Apprenticeship program. Today, it's exciting to see graduates entering the field with new skills, valuable on-the-job experience, and a commitment to supporting children and families.

📈 The program has already grown to 94 active apprentices, with many participants entering early childhood education for the first time.

Congratulations to the graduates, MWVCAA, employers, mentors, and partners who made this milestone possible. Together, we're building a stronger early childhood workforce, one educator at a time. 🌱

🎓👏

08/11/2026

🚨 Today's the Day! 🚨

There is still time to register for ECWC's webinar on the Guide to Early Childhood Education Registered Apprenticeship Program Development!

Join us this afternoon as Kimberly Farris, ECWC's Registered Apprenticeship Subject Matter Expert and Technical Assistance Liaison, walks participants through the guide, shares the inspiration behind its development, and provides practical strategies for building and strengthening ECE Registered Apprenticeship programs.

Kimberly will be joined by Laura White and Shandeen Gomez, who will also be part of the discussion and available to share insights and perspectives on developing strong early childhood workforce pathways.

📅 Today
⏰ 2:00 PM ET
💻 Virtual

✨ Learn about apprenticeship program development
✨ Explore workforce pathway strategies
✨ Gain practical tools and resources
✨ Connect with others committed to strengthening the ECE workforce

👉 It's not too late to register: b3d65278-d07b-4df2-b3e3-1a5048675d16@b9c285d6-eaac-4257-a16d-f01a9e56b9b3?source=copyLinkLegacyShareEventDialog" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/b3d65278-d07b-4df2-b3e3-1a5048675d16@b9c285d6-eaac-4257-a16d-f01a9e56b9b3?source=copyLinkLegacyShareEventDialog

We look forward to seeing you at 2:00 PM ET as we explore how to build stronger systems and stronger pathways for early childhood educators!

📘🌱

08/10/2026

Don't miss your opportunity to join ECWC's upcoming webinar featuring our newly released:

📘 Guide to Early Childhood Education Registered Apprenticeship Program Development

This webinar will provide a guided walkthrough of the guide, practical strategies for ECE apprenticeship program development, and insights to help organizations build strong, sustainable Early Childhood Education Registered Apprenticeship programs.

📅 August 11, 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM ET
💻 Virtual

Whether you're exploring apprenticeship for the first time, expanding an existing program, or looking for tools to strengthen workforce pathways, this session is for you.

✨ Learn from ECWC experts and partners
✨ Discover practical resources and strategies
✨ Gain actionable insights you can use right away

👉 Register today: b3d65278-d07b-4df2-b3e3-1a5048675d16@b9c285d6-eaac-4257-a16d-f01a9e56b9b3?source=copyLinkLegacyShareEventDialog" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/b3d65278-d07b-4df2-b3e3-1a5048675d16@b9c285d6-eaac-4257-a16d-f01a9e56b9b3?source=copyLinkLegacyShareEventDialog

We can't wait to have you join us as we work together to build stronger systems and stronger pathways for the early childhood workforce.

📘🌱

Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

08/10/2026

We are excited to support and highlight the important work happening in Colorado to strengthen the early childhood workforce through apprenticeship pathways.

Through collaboration, innovation, and cross-sector partnerships, we are helping create sustainable solutions that expand career opportunities for early childhood educators while strengthening the quality of care and education for children and families.

ECWC is dedicated to advancing Registered Apprenticeship, Youth Apprenticeship, and pre-apprenticeship programs nationwide, including efforts like those taking shape in Colorado. We look forward to continuing this important work alongside our partners.

We are excited to welcome 31 new and returning organizations as Qualified Apprenticeship Intermediaries! "The recognition of these organizations highlights the power of collaboration in scaling Registered Apprenticeship across our state. These intermediaries are essential partners who bridge the gap...

08/08/2026

Early Childhood Education (ECE) Registered Apprenticeships (RA) are helping build a stronger, more sustainable workforce by creating:

👩🏾‍🏫 Clear career pathways for early childhood educators
📈 Greater ECE workforce stability and retention
🌍 Expanded access, opportunity, and equity across the field for ECE

Through ECWC's Guide to Early Childhood Education Registered Apprenticeship Program Development, organizations are gaining the tools and strategies needed to build systems that truly support educators and strengthen ECE workforce pipelines.

Are you ready to learn how ECE RA programs can support your workforce goals? Register and Tune In...

📅 August 11, 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM ET
💻 Virtual

🎟️ Register now: b3d65278-d07b-4df2-b3e3-1a5048675d16@b9c285d6-eaac-4257-a16d-f01a9e56b9b3?source=copyLinkLegacyShareEventDialog" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/b3d65278-d07b-4df2-b3e3-1a5048675d16@b9c285d6-eaac-4257-a16d-f01a9e56b9b3?source=copyLinkLegacyShareEventDialog