INDIANA – Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced today the addition of early childhood education and child care credential training options under Indiana’s signature workforce training programs. As part of his 2024 Next Level Agenda announced earlier this month, the governor pledged to open existing financial aid dollars for early childhood professions that will help grow the state’s childcare and preschool workforce pipeline.
“Child care is an important issue that has increasingly become a key workforce issue,” Gov. Holcomb said. “It’s critical that parents have access to quality child care, and quality child care starts with ensuring that the professionals caring for children are well prepared and receiving the necessary tools and appropriate training that prioritizes the safety of some of our youngest Hoosiers.”
The Workforce Ready and Employer Training Grant will fund the training programs. Implemented jointly by the Commission for Higher Education and the Department of Workforce Development, the Workforce Ready Grant covers the tuition and fees for individuals trained through qualifying certificate programs, including credentials such as the Child Development Associate and other early childhood education programs. The Employer Training Grant reimburses employers who train, hire, and retain workers in high-demand positions. The program can be used for both new and preexisting employees.
“We are excited about the outcome this effort will have on our talent pool and the addition of certified and committed staff throughout the state,” said Courtney Penn, Director of the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. “Birth to age five are the most critical years in a person’s life, making it imperative the child care workers we’re putting in our early learning environments are well-rounded and top-notch.”
The state continues its efforts to add high-quality childcare programs, and attracting more well-trained childcare workers is critical. Shortages and turnover at child care programs hinder access to quality care Hoosier workers need for their families. Recent grant opportunities supported businesses and communities in adding nearly 100 new childcare solutions, including on-site or near-site child care, backup care, and tri-share programs for working Hoosiers, and created openings for more than 1,500 children nationwide.
“The expansion of the Next Level Jobs programs to include youth education and development occupations will greatly impact our state as early childhood education provides a foundation for future learning and growth,” said Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery. “Indiana has a critical need for early childhood education and child development professionals. The Workforce Ready Grant will help meet that need and place more Hoosiers in high-demand roles leading to greater social and economic mobility and prosperity.”
Since 2017, the Workforce Ready Grant has helped over 47,000 Hoosiers complete credential training in high-wage, high-demand careers. Now, the financial aid program will also assist in training and upskilling in the high-value, high-demand early childhood education sector. The Employer Training Grant has helped 1,400 employers upskill nearly 17,000 workers.
“Indiana must be aware of and responsive to its workforce needs,” Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development Richard Paulk said. “By adding early childhood education training to the list of eligible Next Level Jobs programs, Indiana is demonstrating its commitment to strengthening our child care and early childhood education workforce, ensuring that Indiana’s working families have access to high-quality care and early learning settings.”
Hoosiers can begin applying for early childhood education under the Workforce Ready Grant beginning February 1, 2024. Individual eligibility criteria and training program options will be available on NextLevelJobs.org.
Interested childcare and preschool employers should contact the Department of Workforce Development to explore the application process and develop a training plan by visiting DWD online at https://www.in.gov/dwd/business-services/etg/ for more information and to apply.
