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News Release

ESD 123 Expands Apprenticeship Pathways To Grow Washington's Early Learning Workforce - 10/21/25

PASCO, WA - Educational Service District 123 is taking bold steps to grow Washington’s early learning workforce through an innovative apprenticeship model that blends classroom learning with paid, on-the-job experience.

The Early Learning Apprenticeship Program (ELAP), developed at ESD 123, offers a clear, four-tiered pathway for those interested in careers in early childhood education. From high school students just exploring the field to current early learning professionals ready to advance their skills, the program connects participants with real-world training, mentorship, and college credit.

“This next step represents a major milestone for Washington’s early learning workforce,” said Jim Kindle, Career Connected Learning Coordinator at ESD 123 and the founder of the ELAP model. “By becoming a statewide sponsor, we can help create consistent, scalable pathways for future educators and give employers the tools to recruit, train, and retain great staff.”

With support from Career Connect Washington, the Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship, and the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, ESD 123 is in the process of becoming a multi-employer sponsor for the apprenticeship program. That designation would allow child-care centers and early learning programs statewide to participate under one unified system, making it easier for employers to offer apprenticeships and for educators to advance their careers.

Once fully approved by the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, participants will be able to earn wages while completing college-level coursework in early childhood education. Along the way, apprentices can earn stackable credentials such as the Child Development Associate (CDA) and Washington’s Stackable Early Learning Credentials, which build toward associate and bachelor’s degrees.

“Early learning professionals are essential to our economy and to the success of every child,” said Steve McCullough, ESD 123 Superintendent. “This apprenticeship pathway gives both students and current educators new opportunities to grow, learn, and lead within the field.”

The program brings together a network of partners including local school districts, colleges and universities, community organizations, and workforce development councils. Together, they’re aligning training with state licensing and higher education requirements to create a consistent and accessible path into early learning careers.

For ESD 123, the initiative is part of a larger effort to connect education and industry through Career Connected Learning, helping students and adults alike discover careers that make a difference.

To learn more about the Early Learning Apprenticeship Program or to become an apprenticeship partner, visit www.esd123.org.

ESD 123 Expands Apprenticeship Pathways To Grow Washington's Early Learning Workforce - 10/21/25

PASCO, WA - Educational Service District 123 is taking bold steps to grow Washington’s early learning workforce through an innovative apprenticeship model that blends classroom learning with paid, on-the-job experience.

The Early Learning Apprenticeship Program (ELAP), developed at ESD 123, offers a clear, four-tiered pathway for those interested in careers in early childhood education. From high school students just exploring the field to current early learning professionals ready to advance their skills, the program connects participants with real-world training, mentorship, and college credit.

“This next step represents a major milestone for Washington’s early learning workforce,” said Jim Kindle, Career Connected Learning Coordinator at ESD 123 and the founder of the ELAP model. “By becoming a statewide sponsor, we can help create consistent, scalable pathways for future educators and give employers the tools to recruit, train, and retain great staff.”

With support from Career Connect Washington, the Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship, and the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, ESD 123 is in the process of becoming a multi-employer sponsor for the apprenticeship program. That designation would allow child-care centers and early learning programs statewide to participate under one unified system, making it easier for employers to offer apprenticeships and for educators to advance their careers.

Once fully approved by the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council, participants will be able to earn wages while completing college-level coursework in early childhood education. Along the way, apprentices can earn stackable credentials such as the Child Development Associate (CDA) and Washington’s Stackable Early Learning Credentials, which build toward associate and bachelor’s degrees.

“Early learning professionals are essential to our economy and to the success of every child,” said Steve McCullough, ESD 123 Superintendent. “This apprenticeship pathway gives both students and current educators new opportunities to grow, learn, and lead within the field.”

The program brings together a network of partners including local school districts, colleges and universities, community organizations, and workforce development councils. Together, they’re aligning training with state licensing and higher education requirements to create a consistent and accessible path into early learning careers.

For ESD 123, the initiative is part of a larger effort to connect education and industry through Career Connected Learning, helping students and adults alike discover careers that make a difference.

To learn more about the Early Learning Apprenticeship Program or to become an apprenticeship partner, visit www.esd123.org.