The Case for Early Childhood Education as a Quality Job

As demand for high-quality early childhood education (ECE) continues to grow, so does the need for a strong, supported workforce. Strengthening early childhood careers as quality jobs is essential to attracting and retaining talented educators and building a more sustainable future for children, families, and communities. 

Our initiative, the Early Childhood Workforce Connector (ECWC), hosted a 75-minute virtual webinar, The Case for ECE as a Quality Job, bringing together national experts to explore how careers in early childhood education align with the definition of “good jobs.” 

This timely discussion examines what it takes to strengthen early childhood career pathways, with a focus on the intersection of workforce development, early childhood education, and apprenticeship programs. 

Audience

This webinar is designed for early childhood educators, program directors, apprentices, advocates, and policymakers who are interested in learning more about the future of the early childhood workforce.

Learning Objectives

In this recording, viewers will learn about:

• Opportunities to better connect ECE with broader workforce systems
• How early childhood education careers align with quality job frameworks
• Strategies to attract and retain a strong, skilled workforce
• The role of apprenticeship programs in creating sustainable career pathways

View the Recording

Meet the Panelists

Reeva Murphy
Senior Early Childhood Education Subject Matter Expert and Project Director, ECWC
With more than 43 years of experience in early childhood education, Reeva’s career spans direct service, curriculum development, training, and state systems and policy leadership in Rhode Island and Vermont, as well as regional and national consultation.

Marian Grant-Whitlock
Early Childhood Education and Technical Assistance Liaison, ECWC
Marian brings more than 30 years of experience supporting child care centers, Child Care Resource & Referral agencies, and military-connected programs. Her work is grounded in a strong commitment to inclusion, literacy, and social-emotional development, combining hands-on experience with systems-level insight.

Amanda Bergson-Shilcock
Senior Fellow, National Skills Coalition
Amanda leads work on adult education and workforce policy to expand opportunities for both U.S.-born and immigrant adults. She partners with policymakers and advocates to develop solutions that address the challenges facing adult learners and jobseekers.

Kelsey Swanson
Executive Projects and Administrative Coordinator, SAL Community Services
Kelsey has more than 15 years of experience supporting children, families, and the systems that serve them. She began her career in direct service and now leads regional and statewide initiatives focused on strengthening the early childhood workforce through recruitment, training, and retention strategies.