National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (Missouri)

Proclamation

Whereas, National Apprenticeship Week is a time to recognize the value of Registered Apprenticeship as a proven workforce strategy that strengthens communities, expands opportunity, and builds career pathways for working adults; and

Whereas, the Early Education Career Institute (EECI) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) committed to building a diverse, career-ready early childhood education workforce through affordable, accessible, high-quality training, wraparound support, and stackable credentials; and

Whereas, early childhood educators are essential professionals who support children’s learning, family stability, and the broader economy, and their preparation and ongoing development must be treated as a workforce priority; and

Whereas, EECI’s Registered Apprenticeship pathway supports educators through a structured earn-and-learn model that combines on-the-job training with related instruction and leads to portable credentials, including the Child Development Associate (CDA) and the U.S. DOL Early Childhood Apprenticeship Credential (through EECI’s registered apprenticeship program); and

Whereas, EECI’s approach reduces barriers for adult learners by providing individualized coaching, bilingual and multilingual supports, and practical wraparound services that help apprentices persist and succeed; and

Whereas, investing in apprenticeship helps employers strengthen retention, improve quality, and build leadership pipelines while supporting compliance, safety, and professional standards across early learning settings;

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Early Education Career Institute (EECI) does hereby proclaim National Apprenticeship Week as a time to celebrate apprentices, employers, mentors, and partners advancing early childhood apprenticeship in Missouri; and be it further

Resolved, that EECI calls upon childcare centers, family childcare providers, Head Start and community partners, workforce agencies, funders, and community leaders across Missouri to join us in:

•   Recognizing the professionalism and contributions of early childhood apprentices and educators

• Expanding access to Registered Apprenticeship opportunities in early childhood education

• Strengthening partnerships that support recruitment, training, completion, and career advancement

• Investing in equitable, high-quality pathways that help educators earn credentials, increase wages, and build long-term careers

Adopted this _6___ day of ___April_________, 2026, by the Early Education Career Institute.

Shawntel Green

Founder & Executive Director Early Education Career Institute (EECI) www.eceapprentice.com | www.tipsforchildcare.com

(833) 467-9997

National Apprenticeship Week 2026 Missouri.pdf

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