The Early Childhood Workforce Connector (ECWC) was established in July 2023 as a U.S. Department of Labor (U.S. DOL)-funded Early Childhood Education (ECE) Registered Apprenticeship (RA) Industry Intermediary. From the start, ECWC’s mission has been to strengthen and sustain a well-qualified, well-compensated ECE workforce by helping partners develop, launch, and expand Registered Apprenticeship programs nationwide. 

Through that two-year contract, ECWC supported more than 80 partners across the country, providing customized technical assistance that led to the creation of new apprenticeship programs, stronger systems connections, and expanded career pathways for early educators. While the initial U.S. DOL contract has concluded, ECWC’s commitment to this work continues. Today, ECWC operates under a fee-for-service model, partnering directly with organizations to advance apprenticeship efforts and build lasting solutions for the ECE workforce. 

Looking ahead, ECWC remains focused on helping more communities design sustainable pathways that elevate and empower the early childhood education workforce.