Early Childhood Education Sector Partnership
What is the Early Childhood Education Sector Partnership?
The South Central Early Childhood Sector Partnership is a powerful collaboration of childcare providers, educators, and community leaders working together to strengthen the early childhood industry across Fremont, Custer, Chaffee, and Lake Counties.
Launched in 2019, this partnership tackles real challenges—like wages, mental health, and staffing—with bold, local solutions. From launching apprenticeships and high school-to-career pathways to advocating for business-friendly policies and supporting childcare centers, we’re building more than programs—we’re building futures.
Our ECE Partners
Our 3 Sector Priorities
Our industry partners have identified three key priorities: improved wages, mental health, and workforce development. Working together as solution agents, we address challenges facing families with young children, ECE providers, and regional employers.
Wages
Advocating for ECE providers and professionals to increase wages that are commensurate with a teacher’s salary.
Workforce Development
Enhancing career pathways and training for early childhood educators through partnerships with local higher education and workforce centers.
Behavioral Health
Addressing the increasing mental and behavioral health challenges among children and the stresses on educators.
The Importance of the Early Childhood Education Sector Partnership
The Early Childhood Education Sector Partnership is vital for strengthening the early childhood workforce and improving the quality of care. By addressing key challenges like workforce shortages, mental healthcare, and wage disparities, the partnership ensures better support for educators and children.
It fosters collaboration between industry leaders, educators, and the community to create sustainable solutions, increase accessibility, and enhance public perception, ultimately shaping a healthier, more resilient early childhood education system
Our Notable Successes
Partnering with Pueblo Community College to create an apprenticeship model that helps address workforce shortages in early childhood education.
Recognizing a critical workforce need, early childhood industry partners in the South Central Sector Partnership came together to create a hands-on solution: a registered apprenticeship program at Pueblo Community College–Fremont Campus. Approved by the Colorado Department of Labor and Apprenticeship Colorado, the program allows students to earn while they learn, building skills on the job. As part of a larger career pathway, a high school internship program feeds into the apprenticeship—helping grow the local workforce from the ground up through community-driven collaboration.
To address the childcare workforce crisis, we launched a targeted social media campaign reaching high school grads, parents, career changers, and non-traditional students. Through video stories and digital ads, we spotlight local apprenticeship opportunities, home provider startup support, and the essential role early educators play in our region. This campaign is shifting perceptions and helping build the workforce our communities need.
Help Us Grow!
Join us in driving innovation and growth in the South Central region!
For more information, visit Early Childhood Education Sector Partnership.