This research-to-practice brief, produced by the National ECE Workforce Center, outlines key implementation strategies for supporting the current ECE workforce in advancing their educational qualifications. The evidence-based guidance is intended for systems leaders, institutions of higher education, and professional development agencies whether they are at the planning, implementing, or studying stage of one of our recommended strategies.
Key findings:
Educational supports can be tailored to meet the needs of the current workforce. Based on available research, our brief expands upon five recommended strategies:
1. Offer responsive advising
2. Deliver coursework through a cohort model, providing peer collaboration and support
3. Integrate job-embedded coaching into instructional practice
4. Offer content in flexible ways (e.g., weekends, evenings, online)
5. Provide instruction in multiple languages
This is a product of the National ECE Workforce Center, a collaboration between Child Trends, Early Education Leaders at UMass Boston, the Delaware Institute of Excellence in Early Childhood at the University of Delaware, and ZERO TO THREE.
