FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shawntel Green
Dec 6, 2025
3 min read

Early Education Career Institute Secures Fast Track Grant to Train Missouri’s Next Generation of Childcare Educators

Faith-based and community organizations invited to partner in addressing critical workforce shortage

COLUMBIA, MO — The Early Education Career Institute (EECI), a nationally recognized nonprofit career school and US Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Hub, announced today it has received Fast Track Grant funding to expand its childcare workforce training programs throughout Missouri.

With Missouri facing a severe shortage of qualified early childhood educators, EECI’s Fast Track Grant will provide accessible, affordable pathways for individuals to earn their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and US DOL Registered Apprenticeship certification—opening doors to stable, rewarding careers in early education.

Addressing a Critical Need

The childcare workforce shortage has created a ripple effect across Missouri’s economy, limiting parents’ ability to work and hindering business growth. EECI’s proven model addresses this crisis head-on with:

Fast-track training: CDA credential in as little as 3-5 days
Stackable credentials: CDA + US DOL ECE Apprenticeship (6 months)
Bilingual support: Services in Spanish and other languages for English as Other Language learners
Wraparound services: Transportation assistance, meals, childcare support, and individualized coaching
Proven results: 88% completion rate and 100% job placement rate

“Missouri’s families and businesses need childcare solutions now,” said Shawntel Green, Founder and Executive Director of EECI. “This Fast Track Grant allows us to train qualified educators quickly while ensuring they receive the support needed to succeed in this vital profession.”

Community Partnership Invitation

EECI is actively seeking partnerships with churches, community action agencies, agricultural networks, and local organizations throughout Missouri—particularly in rural communities—to help spread the word about training opportunities and career pathways in early childhood education.

Community partners can help by:

Hosting informational sessions or mobile CDA pop-up trainings
Sharing training opportunities through their networks
Identifying individuals interested in childcare careers
Connecting EECI with local employers seeking qualified staff

“Faith-based and community organizations are the heartbeat of Missouri’s towns and cities,” Green added. “They understand their communities’ needs and can help us reach individuals who would thrive in early childhood education careers.”

Impact and Economic Benefits

Over 20 years, EECI has credentialed 800+ educators annually, creating 4,800 childcare slots and serving 14,400 children each year. The organization’s long-term economic impact totals $35.8 billion, including $3 billion in wage gains and $21 billion in enabled parent workforce participation.

Training Options and Support

EECI offers multiple training formats to meet diverse needs:

Face-to-face intensive courses
Virtual live instructor-led classes
Mobile CDA pop-ups (2-day format)
Online self-paced modules
Bilingual instruction and translation services

Fast Track Grant funding helps cover training costs for eligible participants, making career advancement accessible regardless of financial barriers.

About Early Education Career Institute

Founded in 2005, the Early Education Career Institute (EECI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit career school and US DOL Registered Apprenticeship Hub specializing in early childhood education workforce development. EECI provides culturally responsive, competency-based training that has served over 90,000 children and created 30,000 childcare slots nationwide. The organization operates in South Carolina, Indiana, Nebraska, Michigan, and Missouri, with plans for national expansion.

Get Involved

Churches and community organizations interested in partnering with EECI to address Missouri’s childcare workforce needs are encouraged to reach out.

Individuals interested in training can learn more about Fast Track Grant eligibility and program options.