Mid Michigan College’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program is participating in the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children (MIAEYC) Child Development Associate (CDA) Community Cohort Project.
“This project has made a huge impact on the students involved,” shared Julie Ehle, ECE Program Coordinator at Mid. “We’ve also been able to break down barriers and provide additional support to students.”
The Community Cohort Project began in August 2024 and offers a unique workforce development opportunity for students to complete the required 120 hours of CDA professional development training using the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship. The project is set to conclude at the end of the Winter 2025 Semester.
“The CDA Community Cohort Project is supporting 12 students from a six-county area, all of whom were already working in early childhood education,” noted Ehle. “This opportunity is playing a key role in enhancing their career development. “
The project helps fund essential support services for students, including Michigan AEYC staff support, a CDA Coach, CDA Competency Standard Books, and guidance on creating professional portfolios.
Through this project, Mid’s Early Childhood Education Program is addressing the challenges faced by early childhood education professionals in accessing training opportunities. Significant strides are being made to advance Michigan's early childhood education workforce and improve the quality of care and education for the state's youngest children.
“We are thrilled to be part of this transformative project,” said Ehle. “This project has not only helped our students gain essential credentials but has also strengthened our ties to the broader early childhood education community.”
This initiative was made possible through funding from the Michigan Department of Education, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Office of Child Care, Administration for Children and Families, and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
For more information about Mid’s Early Childhood Education Program, visit midmich.edu/ece or contact Julie Ehle, Program Coordinator, at jehle@midmich.edu.
