WIOA Toolkit: Step-by-Step Guide
- Shawntel Green
- Dec 6
- 4 min read
What is WIOA?
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides funding to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services. For early childhood educators, WIOA can cover the full cost of CDA credential preparation and DOL Registered Apprenticeship programs.
Step 1: Determine WIOA Eligibility
Who Qualifies:
Unemployed individuals
Low-income adults (at or below 70% of Lower Living Standard Income Level)
Recipients of public assistance (SNAP, TANF, SSI, General Assistance)
Individuals with barriers to employment (limited English, disabilities, homeless, ex-offenders, displaced homemakers)
Dislocated workers (laid off, lost job due to plant closure, self-employed facing closure)
Action Items:
Review eligibility criteria with potential students
Gather documentation: proof of income, public assistance letters, unemployment verification, residency documents
Step 2: Locate Your Local American Job Center
Find Your Local Center:
Visit: CareerOneStop.org
Call: 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627)
Search by ZIP code or city
What to Bring:
Government-issued photo ID
Social Security card
Proof of residency (utility bill, lease agreement)
Income documentation (pay stubs, tax returns, benefit letters)
High school diploma or GED (if available)
Step 3: Complete WIOA Application & Assessment
At the American Job Center:
Register in your state's workforce system
Meet with a career counselor to discuss your career goals
Complete assessments (skills, interests, basic literacy if required)
Develop an Individual Employment Plan (IEP) outlining your training pathway
Key Information to Share:
Interest in early childhood education career
Goal to obtain CDA credential and/or DOL Registered Apprenticeship
EECI as your preferred training provider (if on state's ETPL)
Step 4: Verify EECI is on Your State's ETPL
What is ETPL? The Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) is a state-approved list of training programs that WIOA can fund.
How to Check:
Ask your WIOA counselor if EECI is listed
Request information about approved early childhood education training programs
If EECI is not listed, ask about the process to add new providers
EECI Programs Available:
CDA Credential Preparation ($1,099 value)
DOL Registered Apprenticeship Program ($3,625 value)
Stackable credentials leading to 21 college credits
Step 5: Obtain WIOA Training Approval
Required Documentation: Your WIOA counselor will need:
Training program description from EECI
Cost breakdown and payment schedule
Program start and end dates
Expected outcomes (credential attainment, job placement)
EECI Will Provide:
Official enrollment packet
Program curriculum overview
Completion and placement rate data (88% completion, 100% job placement)
Credential information
Timeline:
WIOA approval can take 2-4 weeks
Plan ahead and apply early before your desired start date
Step 6: Enroll in EECI Training
Once WIOA Approves:
Contact EECI Enrollment:
Phone: (833) 467-9997
Complete EECI enrollment paperwork
Provide WIOA authorization letter to EECI
Attend orientation and begin training
What WIOA Covers:
Full tuition cost
Required textbooks and materials
CDA application fees
Potentially: transportation, childcare, meals (ask your counselor)
Step 7: Maintain WIOA Compliance During Training
Your Responsibilities:
Attend all classes (minimum 80% attendance required)
Complete assignments on time
Communicate with your WIOA counselor monthly
Report any changes (address, employment status, contact information)
Submit progress reports as requested
EECI Support:
Live translation in 5 languages
Individualized coaching
48-hour response to student inquiries
Wraparound support services
Step 8: Complete Training & Obtain Credential
Final Steps:
Finish all 16 CDA modules (270+ instructional hours)
Complete 480 practicum hours (if applicable)
Submit CDA application to the Council for Professional Recognition
Pass CDA verification visit
Receive your CDA credential
For Apprenticeship Students:
Complete 2,000 on-the-job training hours
Earn US DOL ECE Apprenticeship Credential
Receive 21 college credits
Step 9: Job Placement & Follow-Up
EECI Job Placement Support:
Resume building assistance
Interview preparation
Employer connections
Career pathway counseling
WIOA Follow-Up Requirements:
Report employment within 90 days of completion
Participate in 6-month and 12-month follow-up surveys
Maintain contact with your WIOA counselor
Career Outcomes:
Direct service provider roles: $15K+ starting
Administrative positions: $45K average
Owner/operator opportunities: $66K-$88K
Step 10: Continue Your Career Pathway
Stackable Credentials:
CDA → DOL Apprenticeship → 21 College Credits
Gateways Level 2/3 (Illinois)
Lead teacher, director, or owner/operator roles
Additional EECI Resources:
All-Access Pass: $499/year (unlimited workshops/webinars)
Super Saturday trainings
Professional development webinars
Ongoing career coaching
Quick Reference: WIOA Application Checklist
Documents to Gather:
Government-issued photo ID
Social Security card
Proof of residency (utility bill, lease)
Income documentation (pay stubs, tax returns)
Public assistance letters (SNAP, TANF, unemployment)
High school diploma/GED
Resume (if available)
Key Contacts:
EECI Enrollment: (833) 467-9997 | enrollment@tipsforchildcare.com
EECI Director: sgreen@tipsforchildcare.com
American Job Center Locator: 1-877-872-5627
EECI Website: www.tipsforchildcare.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does WIOA approval take? A: Typically 2-4 weeks. Apply early before your desired training start date.
Q: What if EECI isn't on my state's ETPL? A: Contact your WIOA counselor about adding EECI, or reach out to enrollment@tipsforchildcare.com for assistance with the provider application process.
Q: Can WIOA help with transportation and childcare? A: Yes! Many WIOA programs offer supportive services. Ask your counselor about available wraparound support.
Q: What if I'm working part-time? A: You may still qualify as a low-income adult. Bring your income documentation to your WIOA assessment.
Q: Do I have to pay WIOA back? A: No. WIOA is a grant, not a loan. You do not have to repay the training costs.
Ready to get started? Contact EECI today at (833) 467-9997 or visit www.tipsforchildcare.com to learn more about our WIOA-eligible training programs!
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