Hailey
The strength and stability of our future workforce heavily rely on the quality and preparedness of early childhood educators.
However, the current Early Childhood Education (ECE) workforce in Missouri and across the country faces significant barriers, including low wages, limited access to benefits, and minimal educational requirements.
These issues contribute to high turnover rates and workforce instability, which in turn disrupt families, businesses, and the broader economy.
Missouri’s Innovative Approach to Strengthening the ECE Workforce
Recognizing the importance of a well-supported early childhood workforce, Missouri has become a national leader in launching strategic initiatives to enhance the education, compensation, and retention of ECE professionals. Two key programs currently driving progress include:
TEACH Early Childhood Missouri Scholarship
This scholarship program offers tuition-free access to higher education for individuals working in early childhood education.
By eliminating financial barriers, the program ensures that educators can improve their qualifications without accumulating debt.
Child Care WAGE$ Program
Designed to reward professional growth, this initiative provides salary supplements to early educators based on their level of education and commitment to the field.
The program promotes job stability and encourages educators to remain in their roles longer by acknowledging their dedication and accomplishments.
The Urgent Need for Investment in Early Education
Investing in early childhood educators is a direct investment in our economic future.
Research and real-world outcomes have consistently shown that initiatives like TEACH Missouri lead to higher retention, better-educated educators, and improved compensation.
For over 25 years, this scholarship has made measurable differences in building a more capable and stable early education workforce throughout the state.
Missouri as a National Model: A Call to Action
The TEACH Missouri model focuses on three essential pillars:
- Educational advancement
- Fair compensation
- Workforce retention
Missouri’s success story offers a blueprint for national reform, emphasizing that strong early educators create strong children, and in turn, a thriving society.
Now is the time for policymakers, businesses, and communities to double down on support for these professionals and solidify a better future.
About the Advocate: Beth Ann Lang
Beth Ann Lang, the Deputy CEO of Child Care Aware of Missouri (CCAMO), plays a pivotal role in advocating for the state’s ECE professionals. With over three decades of experience in the field, she brings deep insight and leadership to the cause.
Founded in 1999, CCAMO is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to enhancing early childhood education through impactful partnerships and support programs.
Beth Ann’s contributions are recognized at the national level.
She was recently appointed to the TEACH Early Childhood National Advisory Committee and invited to join the Council for Professional Recognition’s State Partners Roundtable, where she represents Missouri’s efforts and progress in shaping the future of early childhood education across the United States.
Missouri is demonstrating what it takes to build a resilient early education system—strategic investment, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to ECE professionals.
By prioritizing education, compensation, and retention, the state is laying the groundwork for a stronger future. Now is the time for all stakeholders to step up and follow Missouri’s lead.