Past Events
MUS Summer Convening
When: June 3-5, 2025 Location: Milwaukee, WI
Marjorie Cohen joined our team members from Midwest Urban Strategies at their Summer Convening in Milwaukee! This three-day convening, in partnership with Employ Milwaukee, allowed the team to experience Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley and the critical infrastructure jobs in water manufacturing (and adjacent) industries. Marjorie and David Polk, Director of the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards and President of the National Association of State and Territorial Apprenticeship Directors presented on expanding Registered Apprenticeship programs in early childhood education.
Eastern Seaboard Apprenticeship Conference
When: May 18-23, 2025, Location: Charleston, SC
ECWC project manager Marjorie Cohen attended the Eastern Seaboard Apprenticeship Conference in Charleston, SC.! Marjorie facilitated a panel discussion, “The Economic Imperative of Child Care,” alongside our partners from SEIU Education and Support Fund and A Place to Grow. The session explored how employers and RA stakeholders across industries can work together to address the childcare crisis and support a thriving workforce for all. We had a great time engaging with apprenticeship leaders, getting updates on federal and state policies, and learning about new innovations that will strengthen ECE Registered Apprenticeship programs.
ECEPTS National Conference on ECE Apprenticeship
When: May 5-8, 2025, Location: Austin, TX
ECWC’s Reeva Murphy and Tracey Carey presented with our partners from the University of Illinois Chicago on how early childhood organizations can partner with workforce development boards to sustain RA programs. They left the conference feeling informed, inspired, and empowered by the diverse network of ECE stakeholders and apprenticeships enthusiasts who attended.
Marketing & Recruitment Essentials for Growing Your ECE Registered Apprenticeship Program
When: Thursday, May 1, 2025, Location: Virtual
In this webinar, we introduced the basics of marketing and explored key elements of creating dynamic marketing materials that effectively communicate essential program information to apprentices and employers. We shared expert guidance, innovative tools, and tailored solutions to help you achieve your marketing goals. This webinar featured real-world examples of successful marketing and recruitment strategies for the early childhood RA programs from our partners at YWCA Metro St. Louis and the Center for Early Childhood Education and Intervention at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Oregon Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (OASCD) Oregon Early Learning Conference
When: April 16-18, Location: Portland, OR
ECWC team member Kimberly Farris ran our exhibitor booth at the Oregon Early Learning Conference to share information and resources on expanding RA programs in ECE. Kimberly had a great time networking with and learning from teachers, coordinators, principals and other early learning professionals.
Intermediary Roundtable and Talent Producers: Empowering Employers Through Registered Apprenticeship
Date: March 11-12, 2025, Location: Columbus, IN
Robyn Minton Holmes represented ECWC at this rescheduled roundtable discussion with local workforce development boards, community college representatives, and national RA intermediaries. The following day, she attended presentations on the value of RA and support available, as well as panel discussions and meetings with industry intermediaries. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet other intermediaries and learn about the work being done in Indiana.
Apprenticeship for America Annual Summit
When: February 5-6, 2025, Location: Washington, DC
ECWC Project Manager Marjorie Cohen participated in a panel discussion at the 2nd Annual Apprenticeship for America Summit in Washington, D.C., on February 6 at 10 a.m. The panel explored the importance of ECE and RA. ECWC’s Tracey Carey also attended the conference, representing ECWC and engaging in conversations about expanding and strengthening RA programs nationwide. This summit offered a fantastic opportunity to learn, share, and network, with five plenary sessions, 20 breakout sessions, a tech expo, and a reception over two impactful days.
Early Childhood Education Registered Apprenticeship: A Mainstream Credentialing Strategy
When: Thu, November 21, 2024 | 1:00 PM CT, Location: Virtual event
Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS), the Early Childhood Workforce Connector (ECWC), and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) were joined by Karen Yarbrough of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) to explore UIC’s registered apprenticeship programs which were designed as a career pathway model that aims to improve the educational attainment of early childhood education workers. Carolyn Swabek from CAEL joined Karen in an exploration of the intersection of Registered Apprenticeships and Higher Education.
Apprenticeship Accelerator: Advancing Women in the Workforce
When: November 18, 2024, Location: Lawrenceburg, IN
This free apprenticeship accelerator we co-hosted with the Supply Chain Automation Workforce Hub and the State of Indiana celebrated the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week. This event brought together state and local stakeholders, industry leaders, educators, and workforce organizations. We explored the benefits of integrating RA programs across sectors like manufacturing, supply chain, hospitality, and early childhood. We discussed opportunities for women and RA programs designed to support and sustain a diverse, well-qualified, and well-compensated ECE workforce.
2024 Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) Conference
Date: October 30-November 1, 2024
Location: New Orleans, LA
ECWC’s Senior SME and Executive Director of Midwest Urban Strategies Tracey Carey spoke at the CAEL Annual Conference. This conference was a great place to connect and network with industry experts from postsecondary education, workforce and economic development, and industry. It was a unique opportunity to learn from educators, employers, and community leaders focused on aligning learning and work so that adults achieve continuous economic advancement.
2024 DC Men in ECE Cultivating Leadership Conference
Date: October 26, 2024
Location: Washington, DC
ECWC Project Manager Marjorie Cohen attended the DC Men in ECE Conference, which focused on cultivating leadership, knowledge, and equity in early childhood education through workshops on resilient leadership, research-based curriculum, and promoting equity. Participants explored strategies for enhancing instructional practices, meeting education requirements, and recognizing the essential role of men in the ECE workforce.
Midwest Urban Strategies Fall Convening
Date: October 22-24, 2024
Location: Detroit, MI
Members of our team attended this three-day event hosted by our partners at Midwest Urban Strategies. In partnership with the Detroit Employment Solutions Corp (DESC), we learned about the occupational opportunities created by advancements in technology and the services with youth that prepare them for their future careers. DESC had led workforce development efforts in partnership with the Mayor’s Workforce Development Board. We were excited to explore the innovative strategies driving positive change in this vibrant city.
Council for Professional Recognition: 2024 Early Educators Leadership Conference
Date: October 16-19, 2024
Location: Washington, D.C.
The Early Childhood Workforce Connector concluded the Education Registered Apprenticeship: Webinar Series at the Council for Professional Recognition 2024 Early Educators Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., in October 2024, with a session titled “Fueling Futures: Building a Stronger ECE Workforce through Registered Apprenticeship.” Be a part of this innovative learning experience in the field of early childhood education. ECWC presented a valuable session for early childhood educator directors/administrators, child care owners, state and local leaders, and other early childhood education stakeholders. Be sure to stop by the exhibitor hall to check out the ECWC booth! We look forward to sharing this exciting journey with you!
Apprenticeship Building America Grantee Convening
Date: October 15-17, 2024
Location: Washington, DC
ECWC Program Manager Marjorie Cohen attended the Apprenticeship Building America Grantee Convening in Washington DC. The meeting offered synergistic opportunities to partner and work together in expanding and creating new Registered Apprenticeship programs.
ACTE Best Practices and Innovations Conference
Date: October 9-11, 2024
Location: Portland, OR
Kimberly Farris represented ECWC at the ACTE Best Practices and Innovations Conference, a professional development event for administrators of secondary and postsecondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. She supported our early childhood education partners in promoting CTE programs aimed at developing the future workforce of ECE professionals.
Fueling Progress: Empowering the Early Childhood Workforce through Registered Apprenticeship
When: September 26, 2024
Location: Virtual
Join us and our co-hosts from the Council for Professional Recognition for a fireside chat. We will sit down with ECE leaders to explore RA as an innovative workforce solution. This session will explore how RA programs provide sustainable employment, credentialed career pathways, high-quality professional development, equitable compensation, and on-the-job learning for ECE educators and career seekers offering an important and successful approach to our field’s staffing crisis. Participants will gain insights from ECE leaders at different stages of development and implementation of early childhood education Registered Apprenticeship programs. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from their experiences, discover strategies to overcome barriers, and understand the transformative impact of these programs.
2024 NARA-NWRA Licensing Seminar and Leadership Symposium
When: September 23-25, 2024
Location: Minneapolis, MN
ECWC Facilitator Kara Lehnhardt will be attending the National Association for Regulatory Administration (NARA) and the National Workforce Registry Alliance (NWRA) Licensing Seminar and Leadership Symposium in Minneapolis. The theme for this year’s convening is “Soaring Together to Support the Workforce: Ensuring Safe, Healthy Environments Where All Children, Youth, and Adults Thrive.” The event will highlight the important relationship and integration between licensing and registry professionals and include a robust line-up of concurrent sessions on adult care, child care, child welfare, and workforce registries. There will be plenty of collaborative networking opportunities, and a chance to connect with exhibitors about products and services to increase system efficiencies.
Turning the Tide: Addressing Pay and Benefits in ECE Jobs
When: August 29, 2024 Location: Virtual In this session, we dived into the dilemma of living wages and sustaining benefits for the ECE workforce. We defined the problem and described how national organizations, state and federal agencies, and funders are moving to change the paradigm. We described how Registered Apprenticeship can help elevate ECE compensation and be part of emerging solutions. We shared resources and strategies for what sponsors and employers in ECE Registered Apprenticeship programs can do to advance good jobs in ECE and increase recruitment and retention in their programs.
Opportunities and Pathways: Exploring Careers in Early Childhood Education by Embracing Registered Apprenticeship
When: July 25, 2024
Location: Virtual
On our next webinar co-hosted by the Council for Professional Recognition, we explored diverse and rewarding career opportunities in early childhood education (ECE). This session described how Registered Apprenticeship programs can advance high-quality education and training for early childhood professionals. We heard from current ECE professionals about their pathways to a fulfilling career.
Empowering the Early Childhood Education Workforce Part 2: Insights from an Interview with ECWC’s Project Manager
When: June 26, 2024 
Location: Virtual
This session of the CounciLIVE 2024 Series on Advancing the Early Childhood Workforce: Policy Shifts and the Power of Apprenticeship built on information from previous events to describe the benefits of Registered Apprenticeship programs for the ECE workforce. The Council for Professional Recognition’s Public Policy and Advocacy Manager, Haley Brush, interviewed ECWC’s Project Manager, Marjorie Cohen, to discuss these benefits.
MUS Learning Lab - Funding Insights from Successful Programs and Partnerships
When: June 25, 2024
Location: Virtual
Midwest Urban Strategies and the Early Childhood Workforce Connector shared strategies to fund early childhood education Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs. We were joined by program sponsors and employers who were already running successful RA programs. Together, we uncovered how they’ve secured resources, tackled ongoing challenges, and developed effective funding strategies. This 90-minute conversation provided practical advice about where resources can be found, how to use partnerships as leverage, and the importance of looking beyond your “usual suspects” to fund your program.
Empowering the Early Childhood Education Workforce through Registered Apprenticeship Partnerships with Education Institutions
When: June 13, 2024 Location: Virtual In this session, we examined the integral role of education institutions in Registered Apprenticeship programs for early childhood education. We discussed how collaborating with education institutions foster advanced career pathways and credentialing, enriching early childhood programs with comprehensive educational offerings. These partnerships champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, providing opportunities for underserved populations and uplifting communities. This session showed the dynamic impact of K-12 and higher education on empowering the early childhood education workforce.
Investing in Early Childhood Education Careers Part 2: Accessing and Using Funding for Registered Apprenticeship
When: May 16, 2024 Location: Virtual Building on foundational knowledge, this session delved deeper into the strategies for blending, braiding, and layering funding to support Early Childhood Education (ECE) Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs. We discussed the return on investment (ROI) from these programs to illustrate the long-term benefits of strategic funding practices. We discussed advanced techniques for accessing different funding streams to cover the costs of RA programs, including tuition, on-the-job training, and wrap-around services for apprentices. We also explored real-life examples of ECE RA programs that demonstrated funding diversification.
ECEPTS National Conference on ECE Apprenticeship
When: May 6-9, 2024 Location: Sacramento, CA Marjorie Cohen, Project Manager, and Kimberly Farris, Registered Apprenticeship and State Liaison, from our ECWC team lead a dynamic presentation entitled “How to Work with the Workforce Development System” at the Annual ECEPTS Conference. Participants learned how state agencies and Local Workforce Development Boards can partner to support ECE Registered Apprenticeship. We dove into a practical case study demonstrating the power of strategic partnerships in overcoming barriers to strengthen ECE-credentialed career pathways.
National Head Start Conference
When: April 15-18, 2024 Location: Portland, OR Kimberly Farris, ECWC’s Registered Apprenticeship and State Liaison, attended the annual National Head Start Conference. This conference stands as the largest national gathering dedicated to all aspects of Head Start, serving as a platform for the community to exchange knowledge, connect with peers, and celebrate accomplishments.
ApprenticeshipNC 2024 Annual Conference
When: April 16-17, 2024 Location: Winston-Salem, NC ECWC was a sponsor of the ApprenticeshipNC 2024 Annual Conference! At the conference, we discovered and discussed the benefits of RA and learning from industry experts who help make these programs possible.
Investing in Early Childhood Education Careers: Navigating Funding for Registered Apprenticeship
When: April 18, 2024 Location: Virtual In our third session of The Early Childhood Education Registered Apprenticeship: Webinar Series hosted by the Council for Professional Recognition, we delved into the diverse funding opportunities accessible for early childhood education (ECE). We heard examples from current ECE RA programs and how they successfully blend, braid, and layer funding sources. We discussed methods to navigate and secure financial support for ECE Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs to fund the cost of RA program administration, materials, mentorship, recruitment, and marketing initiatives. Additionally, we explored funding streams to support apprentices, including tuition reimbursement, on-the-job training wages, apprentice coursework, and wrap-around services.
Building Bright Futures Apprenticeship Summit 2024: A Statewide Event Supporting Career Pathways for the Early Childhood Workforce
When: April 15, 2024 Location: Asheville, NC ECWC Facilitator Kara Lehnhardt and Early Childhood Education Liaison Marian Grant-Whitlock were part of the keynote panel at the Building Bright Futures Apprenticeships Summit on Monday, April 15. They discussed the crucial role apprenticeships play in enhancing professionalism within the early childhood education sector and how apprenticeship programs serve as pathways to various career opportunities in the field. The conference also featured break-out sessions tailored for providers, mentors, and apprentices, that highlighted the significance of early childhood education through advocacy, network-building, and active engagement.
National Early Childhood Education Workforce Convening
When: April 10-11, 2024 Location: Chapel Hill, NC Marjorie Cohen, ECWC’s Project Manager, attended the National Early Childhood Education Workforce Convening at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill. This annual gathering brings together professionals nationwide who are engaged in advocacy, policy development, funding initiatives, and strategic planning aimed at advancing the implementation and sustainability of early education programs. The event also focuses on exploring strategies and funding mechanisms that bolster early education systems at both the national and local levels.
National Association of Workforce Boards: The Forum 2024
When: March 23-26, 2024 Location: Washington, D.C. ECWC staffers Marjorie Cohen and Tracey Carey spent their Sunday at the National Association of Workforce Boards Forum in Washington D.C. The duo’s session “Access to High-Quality Childcare is an Economic Imperative. Learn How Registered Apprenticeship is Helping to Improve Job Quality in this Critical Industry” was well-attended and sparked interest in early childhood Registered Apprenticeships.
How the Workforce Development System Can Support Early Childhood Education Registered Apprenticeship Programs
When: March 14, 2024
Location: Virtual
In our second session of The Early Childhood Education Registered Apprenticeship: Webinar Series hosted by the Council for Professional Recognition, we explored the dynamic intersection of workforce development and early childhood education Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs. In this session, we learned about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, local workforce development boards, how they can support early childhood education RA programs, and the incredible power of partnering together.
2024 Apprenticeship for America
When: March 12-13, 2024
Location: Washington, D.C. ECWC staffers Marjorie Cohen and Tracey Carey attended the Apprenticeship for America (AFA) First Assembly in Washington, D.C. where they discussed the exciting projects our team has been working on. This convening served as an opportunity for practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and advocates to learn, share, and network with each other and gain insights on the world of Registered Apprenticeships.
Council Webinar Series - Registered Apprenticeship in Early Childhood Education
When: February, 22 2024 Location: Virtual Our first session in The Early Childhood Education Registered Apprenticeship: Webinar Series was hosted by the Council for Professional Recognition. This informational webinar introduced Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs for early childhood education. This session included what RA is, the benefits of this training model for ECE, and the support and assistance available through the Early Childhood Workforce Connector. We explored the elements of the CDA and how it can be incorporated into RA. This webinar is your key to understanding the pivotal role of RA programs in shaping successful careers in early childhood education.
Leadership Connections National Conference
When: February 8, 2024 Location: Wheeling, IL ECWC Facilitator Kara Lehnhardt presented “The Connection YOU Have Been Waiting For: A Reimagined ECE Workforce” at the Leadership Connections conference in Wheeling, IL. She had a packed room of attendees eager to hear about early childhood Registered Apprenticeship programs and how to get started.
Preschool Development Grant Birth-5 Annual Convening
When: December 5 – 7, 2023 Location: Bethesda, MD It was an incredible week at the PDG B-5 TA Annual Convening! Several of the Early Childhood Workforce Connector team members attended the conference and > Marjorie Cohen, ECWC Project Manager, presented on the benefits of Registered Apprenticeship for early childhood education. Our partners at the Kentucky Governor’s Office of Early Childhood shared about their successful ECE RA programs and the New York State Council on Child and Families shared their journey to become a program sponsor.
BUILD23 In-Person Conference
When: November 29 – December 1, 2023 Location: Los Angeles, CA ECWC Facilitator, Kara Lehnhardt, Workforce Subject Matter Expert, Tracey Carey, and WRMA Incorporated’s Vice President, Nina Stanton, attended the BUILD23 conference and had the opportunity to participate in over 150 sessions exploring access to high-quality programs and services, leadership development and capacity-building, and sustainability and improvement in early childhood education programs and systems.
MUS Learning Lab - Early Childhood Education: Creating the Apprenticeship
When: November 16, 2023 Location: Virtual ECWC Project Manager Marjorie Cohen moderated this Learning Lab panel with Judith Santmire, chief operating officer at Ohio Childcare Resource & Referral Association, and JoAnn Breedlove, executive director at Stark Tuscarawas Workforce Development Board. They shared their journey creating an ECE Registered Apprentice program. This event was hosted in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week.
MUS Learning Lab - Registered Apprenticeship: Reshaping the Early Childhood Workforce
When: November 15, 2023 Location: Virtual In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Midwest Urban Strategies hosted a Learning Lab on Registered Apprenticeship for ECE. ECWC Project Manager Marjorie Cohen moderated a panel highlighting Carlow University’s successful apprenticeship program in Pittsburgh. During the engaging panel discussion, Susan Polojac, director of the Dr. Rae Ann Hirsh Apprenticeship HUB for Early Childhood Education at Carlow University, shared the program’s origin story and current data. The audience also heard from three program graduates and apprentices who shared their apprenticeship journeys.
Cleveland Rocks! Midwest Urban Strategies Convening
When: October 24-26, 2023 Location: Cleveland, OH ECWC’s Subject Matter Experts Tracey Carey and Robyn Minton-Holmes hosted #ClevelandRocks2023, a gathering of workforce professionals across the Midwest. This event was a platform to champion important workforce efforts, including Registered Apprenticeships for early childhood education. ECWC Project Manager Marjorie Cohen was invited to attend and shared compelling examples of the impact that ECE Registered Apprentice can have to support the child care needs of a local community workforce.
National Workforce Registry Alliance Conference
When: October 16-20, 2023 Location: Omaha, NE Incredible connections were made at the National Workforce Registry Alliance Inc. Conference in Omaha, NE. The Early Childhood Workforce Connector’s Facilitator, Kara Lehnhardt, helped spread the news about Registered Apprenticeship for early childhood education. Kara enjoyed presentations and conversations around the current needs of the ECE workforce and registry innovations that support the workforce and state early childhood systems. ECERA connects early childhood professionals to sustainable employment, credentialed career pathways, affordable high-quality professional education, and on-the-job learning that supports their career goals.
Director’s Institute
When: October 6, 2023
Location: Albany, GA
The Early Childhood Workforce Connector’s Marketing and Business Development Specialist, Marian Grant-Whitlock, participated in the Director’s Institute conference sponsored by the South Georgia Early Learning Committee in Albany, GA. It was an inspiring event, bringing together dedicated early childhood professionals committed to nurturing our youngest learners’ future. Family child care and center-based program leaders engaged in powerful conversations and shared invaluable insights and strategies. Early childhood education (ECE) Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs connect early childhood professionals to sustainable employment, credentialed career pathways, affordable high-quality professional education, and on-the-job learning that supports their career goals, a mission at the heart of the Early Childhood Workforce Connector.
The Council for Professional Recognition Early Educators Leadership Conference
When: October 4-7, 2023 Location: Houston, TX The Early Childhood Workforce Connector’s Project Manager, Marjorie Cohen, traveled to Houston for the Council for Professional Recognition’s Early Educators Leadership Conference. Educators from across the country learned about the impact and potential of Registered Apprenticeships within early childhood education. This discussion on cultivating changemaker leadership also included Dr. Calvin E. Moore Jr. and a panel of ECE leaders, including Leah Austin from National Black Child Development Institute, Erica Phillips from National Association for Family Child Care, and Michelle Kang and Natalie Vega O’Neil from National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). We are honored to have the council as one of our collaborating partners.
Learn More
For more information about how the Early Childhood Workforce Connector can help you, please email us at info@ecwconnector.org.
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