Jack Elsey, CEO and founder of Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative, calls the shortage of early childhood educators “critical.”
More than 150,000 childcare slots remain unfilled, affecting 340,000 preschoolers, and costing the Michigan economy nearly $3 billion annually.
“Recent reports describe nearly 98% of Michigan’s zip codes are childcare deserts. For many communities, finding enough qualified educator staff to serve more children is a significant barrier to growth.”
The nonprofit’s MiEarly Apprentice program covers tuition and allows participants to keep their jobs, continuing to earn a wage while completing their education and teacher certification.
Director of Programs Adrian Monge says finances are often the greatest barrier to continuing education.
“Many of our candidates went to school initially out of high school but then maybe had a life experience or another barrier that kept them from persisting. Giving maximum credit for what they’ve done already really helps remove those barriers and encourage candidates to continue.”
The pilot program rolled out in 2025 in Wayne, Montcalm, and Marquette -Alger counties will expand into eight more this year, with plans to go statewide eventually.
For those interested in participating in the MiEarly Apprentice program, learn more and submit an interest form at https://www.miedworkforce.org/mi-early-apprentice.
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