Empower Your Early Childhood Education With
Early Education Career Institute
Your Personalized Pathway to Professional Growth and Credential Success Through Apprenticeship
About Early Education Career Institute (EECI)
EECI is a nationally recognized nonprofit career school specializing in early childhood education, employment and training as a US Department of Labor registered apprenticeship intermediary. Our innovative programs combine CDA credential preparation with hands-on employment as an apprenticeship experience, helping students earn while they learn.
Accreditation & Recognition
EECI is overseen by three prestigious college boards: Illinois Board of Colleges, South Carolina Technical College System, and Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD). Our program holds national guideline standards registered through US Department of Labor. You can request our program nationwide in American Job Centers and Workforce Offices. Our program also meet US Department of Education CIP criteria.
Program Highlights
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88% credential completion rate with 100% job placement
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21 stackable college credits toward continued education
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Translation support in Spanish, Ukrainian, and Haitian Creole
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Flexible delivery: face-to-face, online, and virtual live instruction
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Career pathways from $15k to $88k+ earning potential
Our Mission
We bridge the gap between education and career readiness, providing accessible, competency-based classroom and on the job training that transforms lives and strengthens the early childhood workforce across the nation.
About Us
Our Impact
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Every Child Deserves a Great Teacher
A child’s future begins with the guidance of a caring, well-trained educator. But too many passionate individuals lack the resources to pursue their calling. Your donation helps provide aspiring teachers with the training, mentorship, and support they need to shape young minds. Join us in shaping the future of early childhood education.
Find Your Personalized Pathway to Professional Growth and Credential Success
Flexible Learning
Individualized Guidance
"Life Happens" Pause Learning Clause
Get Hired
Get a customized career action plan built around your goals, experience, and needs.
No cookie cutter solutions - just what fits YOU.
Our Mission
Early Education Career Institute (EECI) is an employment social enterprise 501c3 nonprofit. We empower you through your hiring experience to grow, lead, and inspire - one child at a time.
Our mission is to:
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reduces barriers that prevent a thriving workforce for aspiring educators seeking to work with children from birth to 8 years of age.
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provide hiring experiences as an apprentice pathways across the nation both face to face and virtual where early childhood educators can gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need in a good job through the utilization of portable credentials.
Why Choose EECI
Are you passionate about shaping young minds but feeling overwhelmed by the maze of credential and hiring requirements? The Early Education Career Institute is here to guide you every step of the way. We believe every educator's Journey is unique - and so is your support.
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Hands-On Experience
Apprentices receive 1,000+ hours of on-the-job training, working in real childcare settings while learning from experienced mentors.
Industry-Recognized Credentials
Our programs lead to CDA certification and other stackable early childhood credentials, ensuring strong job placement opportunities.
Multilingual Support
We provide support in six languages including English, Spanish, Mandarin, Portuguese, French, Yiddish, and Haitian Creole. to support diverse communities.
Job Placement
We partner with childcare centers, workforce boards, and government agencies to ensure direct career opportunities.
Proven Success
our graduates are securing jobs, increasing wages, and shaping the future of early childhood education.
🎯 Choose A CDA Credential or Career Service
Applying For Apprenticeship - Start Here To Get Hired
Or Have Current Employment count toward On The Job Learning.
✅ Attend virtual information session (Tuesdays 6 PM)
✅ Verify basic eligibility: 16+ years, high school diploma/GED
Next: Schedule intake appointment
STEP 2: FUNDING ASSESSMENT
✅ Meet with funding specialist
✅ Complete SNAP, ETPL, WIOA, unemployment documentation and
✅ Apply for apprentice incentive funding
✅ Secure transportation, childcare, meal support
Next: Submit enrollment application
✅ Complete 4-phase intake process
✅ Submit required documents (ID, SSN, residency and citizen proof)
✅ Schedule translation support for US Citizens if needed
Next: Apply for Early Childhood Educator Register Apprentice Program
STEP 4: APPRENTICESHIP ENROLLMENT
✅ Dual enrollment in US DOL Registered Apprenticeship
✅ Partner with local childcare center for on-the-job training
✅ Begin earning while learning
✅ Work toward 21 stackable college credits
Next: Begin Child Development Associate prep training
STEP 5: CDA CREDENTIAL PREPARATION
✅ Complete 120 hours of education in 8 CDA subject areas (Infant/Toddler, Pre-K, Home Visitor, Family, Birth-5)
✅ Attend 16 instructor-led modules (face-to-face, online, or virtual live)
✅ Gain 480 hours of work experience in childcare setting
✅ Build professional portfolio with mentor support
Next: Complete milestone assessments
STEP 6: CREDENTIAL COMPLETION
✅ Take CDA examination or industry credential of your choice
✅ Complete verification visit with CDA Professional Development Specialist
✅ Receive nationally recognized federal credential from DOL
✅ Celebrate with 400+ fellow graduates!
Next: Career advancement opportunities
STEP 7: CAREER PATHWAYS
🚀 Direct Service Provider (~$36k)
🚀 Administrative Positions (~$45k)
🚀 Owner/Operator ($66k-$88k)
🚀 Continue Education (Higher Ed degree pathway)
📞 Need Support? Call: (833) 467-9997
Email: enrollment@tipsforchildcare.com
Translation Support for US Citizens: Available in Spanish, Ukrainian, Haitian Creole, French, Portugues
💪 Success Stats
✨ 92% national completion rate
✨ 100% job placement after graduation
✨ 60+ bilingual graduates creating enriched dual language classrooms
✨ 300 current apprentices enrolled
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Our Partners in Change
