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300 Apprentices Earning While Learning: EECI Addresses South Carolina's Childcare Crisis Through Innovative Workforce Development

Over 50 SC Apprentices Contribute to National Success, Creating Immediate ROI Through Center Expansion and Workforce Advancement

SOUTH CAROLINA – September 25, 2025 – As South Carolina faces a critical shortage of qualified childcare professionals, the Early Education Career Institute (EECI) is making a measurable impact with over 50 South Carolina apprentices contributing to a national total of 300 apprentices receiving support through U.S. Department of Labor funds during the 2024-25 grant year.

South Carolina's participation has significantly contributed to expanding opportunities for teachers, with 8 apprentices advancing into lead teacher positions and higher-waged roles. This workforce development has created sustained employment for OCAB Head Start programs, enabled classroom expansion, and contributed to 2 centers' growth – delivering immediate return on investment for the state and local communities.

Immediate Economic Impact for South Carolina

"South Carolina apprentices aren't just earning credentials – they're driving real economic impact," said Shawntel Green, founder of EECI. "When 8 of our apprentices move into lead teacher positions, that creates a ripple effect. Classrooms open, centers expand, and families have access to quality childcare that supports their ability to work and contribute to the economy."

The innovative apprenticeship program addresses two challenges simultaneously: providing immediate income for learners while building the skilled workforce that childcare centers desperately need. With an 88% completion rate and 100% job placement success, EECI's model is proving that competency-based education delivers measurable results for both students and employers.

Sustained Workforce Development Success

The program serves a diverse population, with 80% of apprentices being English as Other Language learners from Latin countries, Trinidad, and Nigeria. EECI provides live translation services in Spanish, Ukrainian, Haitian Creole, French, and Portuguese, ensuring language barriers don't prevent career advancement.

South Carolina's apprentices are working in childcare centers, earning wages, and building toward their Child Development Associate credential and 21 college credits. The sustained workforce created through this program has enabled OCAB Head Start to maintain consistent staffing while supporting center expansion that directly benefits working families.

Stackable Credentials Create Career Advancement

EECI's apprenticeship program offers more than traditional training. Participants receive:

• A wageable job with participating childcare centers

• Industry-recognized Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

• 21 transferable college credits

• Federal credential from the Department of Labor

• Individualized support including transportation, meals, and childcare assistance

The program's competency-based approach allows learners to progress at their own pace through 16 instructor-led modules, with completion typically achieved in six months. All instructors are highly qualified, ensuring quality instruction aligned with National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) professional standards.

Proven ROI for State Investment

South Carolina's investment in EECI apprentices has delivered immediate returns through:

• 8 apprentices advancing to lead teacher positions with higher wages

• Sustained workforce supporting OCAB Head Start operations

• 2 centers expanding capacity through reliable staffing

• Classroom openings that serve more families

• Reduced turnover costs for participating employers

"We're seeing direct service providers start at $15,000 annually and advance to administrative roles earning $45,000, with owner-operators reaching $66,000 to $88,000," Green explained. "This isn't just job training – it's economic development that strengthens communities."

20 Years of Innovation in Early Childhood Education

Founded by Green and inspired by her mother's work in early childhood education, EECI has operated for 20 years as a 501c3 nonprofit organization. The institute is nationally recognized and registered in American Job Centers and Workforce Offices across multiple states.

The institute operates under Equal Opportunity Employment guidelines, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, or age. This commitment to inclusion has helped EECI build partnerships with the SC State Office of Apprenticeship and community organizations statewide.

Immediate Opportunities Available

EECI is actively recruiting apprentices for positions including infant/toddler teachers, 3-5 year old teachers, K-3rd grade teachers, teacher assistants, and substitute positions. The program accepts WIOA funding, SNAP benefits, and offers payment plans to ensure accessibility.

Childcare centers interested in partnering with EECI for apprenticeship opportunities can benefit from competent hires, reduced turnover, cost-effective recruitment, and ongoing support for their apprentice employees.

About Early Education Career Institute

EECI is a leading career school for early childhood educators, operating the ECE Apprentice Hub with a mission to provide affordable, high-quality training that builds career-ready childcare professionals. The institute serves children birth through 8 years old and focuses on stackable credentials, flexible scheduling, and individualized support for learning and earning barriers.

For more information about apprenticeship opportunities or employer partnerships, contact EECI at (833) 467-9997 or visit www.tipsforchildcare.com. Enrollment inquiries can be directed to enrollment@tipsforchildcare.com.

Media Contact: Shawntel Green, Founder Early Education Career Institute Phone: (833) 467-9997 Email: sgreen@tipsforchildcare.com Website: www.tipsforchildcare.com