(LANSING) - Michigan is expanding efforts to train more preschool teachers as demand for early childhood education continues to grow statewide.
State officials say a workforce development program is being expanded to more counties, aiming to build a pipeline of qualified Pre-K educators while addressing ongoing staffing shortages.
The MiEarly Apprentice program allows current child care workers to earn teaching credentials while staying in the classroom. Participants receive tuition assistance, pay, stipends, and coaching as they complete training.
The expansion comes as Michigan continues to push for broader access to no-cost preschool for four-year-olds. That effort has increased the need for certified teachers, especially in areas where child care capacity is already limited.
State data shows tens of thousands of children are enrolled in publicly funded Pre-K programs across school districts, private centers, and nonprofit providers.
Education leaders say staffing remains one of the biggest barriers to expanding access.
Officials say the program is designed to keep workers in the field by removing financial barriers to certification. However, they acknowledge low wages continue to contribute to turnover and workforce shortages.
Leaders say long-term solutions may require increased pay and sustained funding to meet growing demand for early childhood education.