Greenfield Community College is proud to announce the launch of the Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship for Learning, Innovation, Voice & Empowerment (ECE ALIVE), a pilot Learn-and-Earn program aimed at addressing the childcare staffing shortage in the Pioneer Valley while diversifying and strengthening the early education workforce.

Developed by GCC’s Workforce Development division in collaboration with Early Childhood Education faculty and five local childcare providers, the program offers free, paid, on-the-job training paired with college coursework that leads to teacher certification without student debt.

“This is a game-changer for our region,” said GCC Dean of Workforce Development Alex Carley. “We’re helping job seekers launch meaningful careers in early education while solving a critical workforce challenge.”

The program begins with four weeks of professional readiness training, including digital literacy, classroom readiness, and durable skills training, followed by 15 weeks of hybrid learning and hands-on experience in an early childcare setting. Apprentices will be placed in childcare centers for paid on-the-job training supported by both college faculty and workplace mentors. Training and education costs are fully covered. The consortium of employer partners is likely to grow in the years ahead.

Participating apprentices can also earn college credit through a Credit for Prior Learning process. The program’s curriculum aligns with both state and national teaching standards.

Funded by a three-year grant from the Commonwealth Corporation, the first cohort launches in January 2026, with two more cohorts beginning each fall through 2027. GCC aims to expand the model regionally.

“Our model is unique, including direct support to make connections between GCC courses and educator practice in the field. This is a crucial foundation for building a professional career in early education,” GCC Education Department Chair Peggy Martalock.  Applications are open now. For more information, contact the ECE ALIVE Coordinator at GCC Workforce Development at train@gcc.mass.edu.