Apprenticeship Impact: A Touch of Home Builds a Stronger Early Childhood Workforce

A Touch of Home is an early childhood education provider in the Kalamazoo area dedicated to providing high-quality, relationship-centered care and education for children from infancy through preschool. The program focuses on learning through play, whole-child development, family partnerships, and individualized support for families.

As a 2023 State Apprenticeship Expansion (SAE) awardee supported by Michigan Works! Southwest, A Touch of Home was able to support employee through an apprenticeship pathway leading to the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. The CDA is a widely recognized entry-level credential in early childhood education and can provide a pathway to continued education, career advancement, and higher wages.

Through the apprenticeship, the employee gained knowledge and competencies that strengthened their skills and confidence in the classroom. A Touch of Home reported that the training helped the apprentice develop a stronger understanding of state licensing requirements, implement curriculum and assessments more consistently, communicate more effectively with families and coworkers, and demonstrate increased reliability and professionalism.

The benefits extended beyond the individual apprentice. A Touch of Home noted that having a staff member with a CDA contributed to a higher-quality learning environment and helped strengthen the overall operation of the program. The training also helped reduce administrative burdens while supporting consistent practices across the classroom.

The employer shared that the apprentice’s growth was evident in the quality of care and education provided to children and families. Staff also reported that earning the CDA increased the employee’s confidence in the classroom and helped them grow professionally in their role.

A Touch of Home’s experience demonstrates how apprenticeship can be a valuable tool for early childhood education employers. By investing in employees and providing a structured pathway for professional development, employers can strengthen their workforce while helping employees build the skills and credentials needed to advance their careers.