Indiana State University’s Jan McCarthy Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) has partnered with WorkOne, operated by the Western Indiana Workforce Development Board, to support employees pursuing industry-recognized credentials in early childhood education while gaining valuable hands-on training in the classroom.
Through the partnership, the ECEC will serve as a training partner for students participating in early childhood apprenticeships. The program provides partial wage reimbursement to the ECEC as employees complete structured on-the-job training aligned with stackable and job-specific credentialing pathways in early childhood education.
WorkOne Western Indiana, which serves as a central hub for workforce development across the region, plays a key role in supporting the initiative. WorkOne connects individuals with career pathways, employers with skilled workers, and communities with training opportunities designed to strengthen Indiana’s workforce. Through this partnership, WorkOne helps facilitate training resources and support for apprentices as they gain the experience and credentials needed to succeed in early childhood education careers.
At the ECEC, apprentices will receive targeted, hands-on training in specific early childhood content areas while working alongside experienced educators who hold the appropriate professional credentials. The training model allows employees to build practical skills and earn incremental, stackable credentials that can lead to advanced certifications or degree completion over time.
“This partnership reflects the power of collaboration in preparing the next generation of early childhood educators,” said Carrie Ball, Interim Dean of the Bayh College of Education at Indiana State University. “This is an excellent opportunity for dedicated professionals to build meaningful, job-ready skills through hands-on experience while advancing along a flexible credentialing pathway. At the same time, we are strengthening the early childhood workforce for Indiana communities.”
The initiative also provides operational benefits for the McCarthy Early Childhood Education Center, including additional resources to support staff training and professional development. At the same time, it contributes to a broader statewide effort to expand and strengthen the pipeline of qualified early childhood educators through accessible, workforce-focused credentialing opportunities.
For participating employees, the program offers an opportunity to gain job-ready skills and earn credentials that align with immediate workforce needs, while also providing pathways to continued education. For Indiana families and communities, the program helps ensure that early childhood programs are staffed by well-trained educators who are prepared to support young learners during their most formative years.
“The Western Indiana Workforce Development Board is excited to partner with Indiana State University to begin an apprenticeship that will lead to a great pipeline of skilled early childhood educators to address the immense need for childcare in the region,” Western Indiana Workforce Development Board Executive Director Greg Lee. “We plan for this to only be the beginning of an enduring, successful partnership.”
By working together, Indiana State University and WorkOne Western Indiana are helping build a stronger, more workforce-ready early childhood education system while creating flexible career pathways for individuals committed to shaping the next generation of learners.