Orientation | Employer Interest Q&A

Missouri employers are feeling the childcare staffing squeeze — and it impacts everything: attendance, retention, productivity, and growth. This short, practical orientation is for employers, childcare center owners/directors, HR leaders, and community partners who want a clear path to recruit, train, credential, and retain early childhood educators.

You’ll learn how the Early Education Career Institute (EECI) supports Missouri partners through stackable credentials (CDA + apprenticeship pathway), flexible training options, and guidance on funding pathways (including Missouri Fast Track where applicable).

What you’ll get from this session

• A plain-language overview of EECI and our workforce training model

• How Registered Apprenticeship works for early childhood roles (and why employers love it)

• What the CDA pathway looks like (timeline, expectations, and outcomes)