FY27 480-20-3968 Smart Start Illinois Early Childhood Apprenticeship – Pilot

The Illinois Department of Early Childhood is piloting an apprenticeship program to address the workforce crisis in early childhood education. The program aims to bridge scholarship programs with on-the-job training and mentorship, providing funding for participating centers to increase compensation based on staff qualifications. The program combines classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and mentorship to create a holistic program with an earn-while-you-learn approach. • The program aims to improve the knowledge and skills of early childhood educators. • The program provides funding for participating centers to increase compensation based on staff qualifications. • The program combines classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and mentorship. • The program aims to reduce turnover and increase wages for early childhood educators.