Northwest Minnesota Foundation Awards Contract to RMCEP to Build Early Childhood Education Workforce

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation awarded a year-long contract to the Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP) to strengthen the early childhood education workforce across the region it serves.

The goal of this contract is to expand awareness of early childhood education careers, support participants as they explore training pathways, and help providers connect with future educators.

The project will focus on youth and adults who are interested in working with young children. Eligibility for participation includes individuals age 14 and older who live in the Northwest Minnesota Foundation service area and who are interested in this career pathway.

“Strong early childhood education leads to strong communities,” says Chrys Kirschbaum, Regional Coordinator for RMCEP. “I am honored to lead this initiative, and I am excited for the impact it will bring to our region.”

Keep reading to learn more about the contract and how it can help RMCEP grow the early childhood education workforce.

RMCEP Will Showcase the Early Childhood Education Field

The team at RMCEP will take a multi-faceted approach to growing the early childhood education pipeline. Its efforts will reach diverse audiences, including job seekers exploring career options and Minnesota youth looking ahead to life after graduation. Here are a few activities the RMCEP staff has planned:  

• Engaging youth through career advising, presentations, and school-based activities that highlight early childhood education pathways. 
• Providing adults with career coaching, training referrals, and information on credentialing programs. 
• Offering hands-on exposure to early childhood education through structured work experiences. 
• Utilizing immersive exploration tools to help participants understand the early childhood education field. 
• Supporting childcare centers and early learning providers as they participate in job fairs and community outreach events. 
• Hosting a regional networking event featuring providers, educators, community partners, and participants.

The project aims to increase awareness of early childhood education careers and the opportunities available to access education and work experience.

“These activities will help young people explore the field, support adults who want to advance their skills, and strengthen the connections between training, community providers, and local employers,” says Kirschbaum. 

Three RMCEP Offices Will Lead This Work 

This project will be delivered through RMCEP’s Detroit Lakes, Bemidji, and Wadena teams. They serve Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods, and Mahnomen counties. These offices have long-standing relationships with local schools, childcare providers, and community partners, making them ideally positioned to help advance this work.

“Our teams across Detroit Lakes, Bemidji, and Wadena understand the strengths and challenges of the communities they serve,” says Kirschbaum. “Their connection to local schools and providers will be key to lifting up the early childhood education workforce and creating new opportunities for youth and adults.”

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation has a long history of making the region a better place to live and work. There are 12 counties and two tribal nations in its service area. NMF recognizes that early educators and childcare professionals play a critical role in the social and economic vitality of rural Minnesota. Current workforce shortages highlight the need to develop sustainable solutions that build and support the early childhood education pipeline. 

The Early Childhood Education Industry Affects All Employers

Early childhood education is essential for any company hiring in Northwest Minnesota. When parents can’t find childcare, they can’t work. Nationwide, up to 4.2 million children lack formal childcare, meaning parents (often moms) have to stay home to look after them.

Quality early childhood education also supports the future workforce. The developmental years are essential for skill-building, laying the foundation for successful primary, middle, and high school years. The investments Northwest Minnesota makes in today’s children can make hiring easier in 10 to 20 years.

“Access to care allows parents to work knowing their child is being cared for, while child care programming boosts cognitive and pre-academic skills for young children, effectively acting as a support for the workforce of tomorrow,” says Rebecca Daugherty at the Bipartisan Policy Institute.

Every company in Northwest Minnesota, from manufacturing firms to farms, will be affected by access to early childhood education. RMCEP can support the entire economy by building and growing an early childhood education career pipeline. 

Contact RMCEP for More Information 

RMCEP and the Northwest Minnesota Foundation share a commitment to supporting children, families, and the professionals who serve them. This yearlong collaboration provides an important opportunity to guide participants toward meaningful work, support providers, and build a stronger early childhood education system for the region.

RMCEP’s staff are ready to support youth and adults who want to explore a meaningful career in early childhood education. Connecting with one of our team members is the first step toward discovering new paths, building new skills, and becoming part of an important and growing field. Contact us today and start a conversation to learn more.