Adult Literacy
Foundational reading, writing, and numeracy skills for working adults. A supportive entry point for learners building toward credentials and career advancement.
About EECI
Building a diverse, career-ready childcare workforce
For over 20 years, the Early Education Career Institute has helped working adults earn credentials, launch careers, and transform early childhood education — one educator at a time.
Our story
Inspired by a mother's work in early childhood education
EECI was founded by Shawntel Green with a clear mission: provide affordable, career-ready educator training so that cost is never the reason someone can't start — or finish — their pathway. What began as a local effort in South Carolina has grown into a multi-state operation serving hundreds of educators each year.
As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Ambassador, we combine flexible training formats with wraparound support — translation, transportation, meals, childcare, and individualized coaching — so every learner has a real shot at success.
What we offer
Adult High School Diploma
Finish your high school diploma while earning a career credential. Designed for working adults who need a second-chance pathway into stable, higher-wage work.
CDA Credential Prep
16-module instructor-led program available face-to-face, online, TikTok Live, or mobile pop-up formats.
DOL Registered Apprenticeship
2,000 OJT hours, 270+ instructional hours, 21 college credits, and a DOL certificate upon completion.
Stackable Credentials
CDA → Apprenticeship → 21 college credits → AA/BA degree or advanced credentials (lead teacher, director, owner/operator).
Super Saturdays & Workshops
Regional, interactive professional development events with CEU credits and bilingual support.
Wraparound Support
Translation (5+ languages), transportation, meals, childcare, technology access, and emergency support.
Funding Navigation
We help learners access WIOA, SNAP E&T, TANF, employer sponsorships, scholarships, and payment plans.
Our impact
Numbers that tell the story
Were proud of our outcomes and we take compliance seriously. Before publishing any claim as a headline, EECI reviews the supporting documentation and/or calculation method.
800+
Educators credentialed annually
88%
Program completion rate
100%
Job placement for completers
4,800
Childcare slots created each year
14,400
Children served annually
$280.7M
Annual economic impact
5+
Languages supported
20+
Years of service
Claim categories (internal)
Verified/Documented publish prominently. Calculated by EECI label as EECI estimates and document methodology. Partner/third-party outcomes attribute. Needs verification dont publish yet.
Equity-focused
We build pathways for working adults and multilingual learners. Translation and wraparound supports help reduce drop-off and increase completion.
Workforce outcomes
Employers need stability, compliance, and a pipeline. Our model is built to support workforce boards, Head Start, and employer partners reviewing program quality.
Stackable pathway
LITERACY — SECOND CHANCE — CREDENTIAL — APPRENTICESHIP — COLLEGE — CAREER ADVANCEMENT
EECI is built as an ecosystem. Some learners start with adult literacy or a second-chance entry point. Others start with a credential. Either way, each step is designed to move you forward.
1
Adult literacy
Foundational reading, writing, and numeracy skills for working adults building toward credentials.
2
Second-chance entry point
Adult high school diploma + career credential options for working adults.
3
Credential
CDA and other workforce-aligned credentials with real support.
4
Registered Apprenticeship
Earn-while-you-learn with structured OJT + related instruction.
5
College continuation
Where applicable, continue into higher education with a clearer plan.
6
Career advancement
Lead roles, specialized roles, and long-term wage growth.
Compliance note
Any claims about college credit transferability or credential outcomes should be reviewed against the exact partner agreements and documentation before publishing.
Where we serve
Multi-state reach, local impact
EECI is ETPL-approved and actively operating or expanding in states across the country. Our 2026 national tour includes 45 stops across 6 states.
South CarolinaIndianaMissouriMichiganNebraskaGeorgiaMontanaLouisianaIdahoOklahomaIllinois+ more expanding
Languages supported
English, Spanish, Ukrainian, Haitian Creole, French, and Portuguese — because language should never be a barrier to a career.
Ready to start your pathway?
Whether you're an educator looking to earn your CDA, an employer building a training pipeline, or a workforce partner exploring apprenticeship models — we're here to help.
sgreen@tipsforchildcare.com•(833) 467-9997
www.tipsforchildcare.com | www.eceapprentice.com | www.morethancdaprep.com