Lansing, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A Michigan program is seeking to increase the number of future teachers in the state by providing educational opportunities for high school students has gained national attention from the U.S. Department of Education.

The Future Proud Michigan Educator LAUNCH program was listed among the federal Best Practices Clearinghouse – a virtual library that shares best practices for aiding in classroom recovery efforts after the COVID-19 pandemic.

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“The purpose is to expand educational opportunities for high school students who are interested in careers in education or other fields related to children and youth,” said RIchard Lower, Director for the Office of Preschool and Out-of-School Time Learning within the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).

The program was one of three initiatives chosen from over 50 submissions through the U.S. Department of Education Comprehensive Center Network.

What the program entails for students.

Those enrolled in the program have the opportunity to earn a Child Development Associate credential (CDA) or a Michigan Youth Development Associate credential (MI-YDA).

According to the MDE, students equipped with a CDA are qualified for employment in roles such as Great Start or Head Start Associate/Assistant Teacher as well as an Early Care and Education Lead Teacher. Those who complete a MI-YDA are qualified to apply for jobs such as Recreation Leader, Youth Development Worker, Teacher Assistant, and School-Age Site Supervisor. For more opportunities with continued education, see here.

Students in the program have the opportunity to develop their professional skills and have practical clinical experiences, which can expedite college in some cases.

“This partnership provides high school students with a training opportunity to earn an industry credential that addresses Michigan’s early childhood education worker pipeline needs,” said State Director Brian Pyles of the MDE Office of Career and Technical Education.

Program statistics since inception in 2019.

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Since the launch in 2019, the program has seen a more than 100% growth according to the Michigan Department of Education, with a total of 131 programs available throughout the state for courses.

“Earning a Child Development associate in high school has benefited me in that I can get a job in the child care field when I graduate and helps me earn credit toward my bachelor’s degree when I attend college,” said Ava Wilson, high school senior in the Sanilac Intermediate School District.

More than 3,000 students have enrolled in the program in the 2022-23 school year and credential attainment has doubled from the 2021-22 to the 2022-23 year according to the MDE.

State Education Leaders celebrate the program’s recognition.

State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice highlighted how the program relates to the state’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan.

“The Future Proud Michigan Educator LAUNCH program supports Goal 6 in Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, which is to increase the percentage of adults with a post-secondary credential,” said Dr. Rice. “It also contributes to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 60 by 30 initiative. The Future Proud Michigan LAUNCH program is a key part of our efforts to grow and diversify our state’s educator workforce and reduce educator shortages.”

Monique Soper, an instructor at the Sanilac Intermediate School District also shared her support for the program.

“Students benefit by graduating high school job-ready with a nationally recognized Child Development Associate credential and can jumpstart their higher education with core knowledge of child development,” said Soper in a statement. “They will have the understanding, skills, and confidence to work with young children, which is what early childhood employers want.”

For more information about the Future Proud Michigan Educator Launch program, see here.