Who is a part of this campaign?
The campaign is a collaboration between Trying Together and the Early Excellence Project, uniting a diverse coalition of stakeholders committed to elevating the field of Early Childhood Education (ECE).
This dynamic partnership brings together not only organizations but also a range of invested ECE professionals. Each plays a crucial role in promoting the significance and rewards of careers in early education. By pooling their expertise and passion, this campaign is dedicated to retaining and recruiting new talent to the ECE field, and inspiring a community-wide commitment to nurturing the developmental needs of young children.
How will this campaign address the staffing crisis in ECE?
This campaign is built upon three pillars of impact, each contributing to the overarching goal:
- Recruit: Recruiting early childhood educators is essential for building a strong foundation in children’s development and learning. To attract passionate and qualified candidates, our campaign highlights the rewarding experiences of educators, parents, and caregivers, emphasizing the positive impacts on young lives.
- Retain: Retaining early childhood educators is a key component to delivering high-quality programs and meeting the needs of children. To ensure educators remain engaged and satisfied in their roles, our campaign provides resources through the Institute for Early Childhood Career Pathways.
- Respect: Respecting early childhood educators is vital to recognizing their critical role in shaping our next generation. Our campaign honors and uplifts educators, amplifying their voices, valuing their expertise and celebrating their contributions to the community.
Why should you consider a career in early childhood education?
Considering a career in Early Childhood Education (ECE) offers a unique opportunity to engage deeply in the developmental stages of young lives while professionalizing and elevating a field that is fundamental to societal growth. As an early childhood educator, you will craft curricula, develop comprehensive lesson plans, and pursue specialized certifications that recognize and enhance your expertise. This path is not just about imparting knowledge—it’s also about structuring the foundational experiences that shape children’s futures.
Embarking on a career in ECE means joining a movement to recalibrate the societal value of early education. You can contribute to transforming ECE into a recognized and respected profession—essential for nurturing the potential of the next generation. This career path not only aligns with your desire to make a meaningful impact but also positions you to advocate for policy changes, ensuring the longevity and sustainability of high-quality early learning.
Where can I find professional growth support and discuss my ECE career options?
For additional information and resources on advancing your career in early childhood education, visit The Institute for Early Childhood Career Pathways.
Based in Southwestern Pennsylvania, the Institute provides comprehensive support for early educators, from new hire orientations and professional development to certification and credentialing. Explore a variety of courses, meet with career advisors, and access resources for program directors—all designed to enhance education quality and meet Keystone STARS standards.
Discover more at The Institute for Early Childhood Career Pathways.
Where can I view job opportunities?
See which early learning programs in Southwestern Pennsylvania are hiring by visiting the Trying Together website.
How can I submit open positions at my program for promotion?
Submit open positions for your early learning program to Trying Together via this online form.
Employer-submitted jobs will be shared on the Trying Together website, social media accounts, and in their newsletter.
All jobs submitted after Tuesday each week will be published in the following week’s news post. Publication dates may vary due to state and federal holidays. Unrelated jobs will not be included.
How can I support the campaign and access the promotional toolkit?
The campaign has developed messaging, videos, graphics, and additional tools to assist you with promoting the “joy” of a career in early childhood education.