WIOA Toolkit: Step-by-Step Guide
- Shawntel Green
- Dec 6, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 5
Unlocking Opportunities: A Comprehensive Guide to WIOA for Early Childhood Educators
What is WIOA?
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides funding to assist job seekers in accessing 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. This funding is crucial for those looking to advance their careers in early childhood education.
Understanding WIOA Eligibility
Who Qualifies?
WIOA eligibility is determined by several factors. The following categories of individuals may qualify:
Unemployed individuals
Low-income adults (at or below 70% of the Lower Living Standard Income Level)
Recipients of public assistance (SNAP, TANF, SSI, General Assistance)
Individuals facing barriers to employment (limited English proficiency, disabilities, homelessness, ex-offenders, displaced homemakers)
Dislocated workers (those who have been laid off, lost their job due to plant closure, or are self-employed and facing closure)
Action Items
To determine eligibility, potential students should:
Review the eligibility criteria thoroughly.
Gather necessary documentation, including proof of income, public assistance letters, unemployment verification, and residency documents.
Locating Your Local American Job Center
Find Your Local Center
To access WIOA services, individuals must locate their nearest American Job Center. This can be done by:
Visiting: CareerOneStop.org
Calling: 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627)
Searching by ZIP code or city
What to Bring
When visiting the American Job Center, individuals should bring the following items:
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)
Completing the WIOA Application & Assessment
At the American Job Center
Upon arrival at the American Job Center, individuals will need to:
Register in their state's workforce system.
Meet with a career counselor to discuss career goals.
Complete assessments related to skills, interests, and basic literacy if required.
Develop an Individual Employment Plan (IEP) that outlines the training pathway.
Key Information to Share
During the assessment, it is essential to communicate:
Interest in pursuing a career in early childhood education.
Goals to obtain a CDA credential and/or participate in a DOL Registered Apprenticeship.
Preference for EECI as the training provider, if it is listed on the state's Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL).
Verifying EECI's Status 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. It is important to ensure that the chosen training provider is listed.
How to Check
To verify EECI's status on the ETPL, individuals should:
Ask their WIOA counselor if EECI is listed.
Request information about approved early childhood education training programs.
If EECI is not listed, inquire about the process to add new providers.
EECI Programs Available
EECI offers several valuable programs, including:
CDA Credential Preparation (valued at $1,099)
DOL Registered Apprenticeship Program (valued at $3,625)
Stackable credentials leading to 21 college credits
Obtaining WIOA Training Approval
Required Documentation
To obtain WIOA training approval, individuals must provide their WIOA counselor with:
A training program description from EECI
A cost breakdown and payment schedule
Program start and end dates
Expected outcomes, such as credential attainment and job placement
EECI Will Provide
EECI will supply:
An official enrollment packet
A program curriculum overview
Completion and placement rate data (88% completion, 100% job placement)
Credential information
Timeline
The WIOA approval process can take between 2 to 4 weeks. It is advisable to plan ahead and apply early, especially before the desired start date.
Enrolling in EECI Training
Once WIOA Approves
After receiving WIOA approval, individuals should:
Contact EECI Enrollment:
Phone: (833) 467-9997
Complete the EECI enrollment paperwork.
Provide the WIOA authorization letter to EECI.
Attend orientation and begin training.
What WIOA Covers
WIOA funding typically covers:
Full tuition costs
Required textbooks and materials
CDA application fees
Potentially: transportation, childcare, and meals (consult with your counselor)
Maintaining WIOA Compliance During Training
Your Responsibilities
While enrolled in training, individuals must:
Attend all classes (minimum 80% attendance is required).
Complete assignments on time.
Communicate with your WIOA counselor monthly.
Report any changes in address, employment status, or contact information.
Submit progress reports as requested.
EECI Support
EECI offers various support services, including:
Live translation in five languages
Individualized coaching
A 48-hour response time to student inquiries
Wraparound support services
Completing Training & Obtaining Credentials
Final Steps
To complete the training and obtain credentials, individuals must:
Finish all 16 CDA modules (270+ instructional hours).
Complete 480 practicum hours (if applicable).
Submit the CDA application to the Council for Professional Recognition.
Pass the CDA verification visit.
Receive your CDA credential.
For Apprenticeship Students
Apprenticeship students must:
Complete 2,000 on-the-job training hours.
Earn the US DOL ECE Apprenticeship Credential.
Receive 21 college credits.
Job Placement & Follow-Up
EECI Job Placement Support
EECI provides job placement support, including:
Resume building assistance
Interview preparation
Connections with employers
Career pathway counseling
WIOA Follow-Up Requirements
After completing training, individuals must:
Report employment within 90 days.
Participate in follow-up surveys at 6 months and 12 months.
Maintain contact with their WIOA counselor.
Career Outcomes
Career outcomes can vary, with potential earnings including:
Direct service provider roles: starting at $15K+
Administrative positions: averaging $45K
Owner/operator opportunities: ranging from $66K to $88K
Continuing Your Career Pathway
Stackable Credentials
Individuals can pursue further education and career advancement through stackable credentials, such as:
CDA → DOL Apprenticeship → 21 College Credits
Gateways Level 2/3 (Illinois)
Roles as lead teacher, director, or owner/operator
Additional EECI Resources
EECI offers various resources for continued professional development, including:
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
Before applying, individuals should gather the following documents:
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, the approval process takes 2-4 weeks. It is advisable to 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. It is recommended to 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.
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