CONTEXT: Tackling barriers to higher education in the early childhood workforce 

The early childhood workforce in Illinois is largely composed of women, with women of color making up a significant proportion of those in entry-level roles. These professionals often manage multiple responsibilities—including full-time work, caregiving duties, and household obligations—leaving limited time and resources to pursue higher education. Despite clear evidence that additional degrees and credentials lead to higher wages, the persistent issue of low pay in early childhood education makes postsecondary education financially unattainable for many. 

Recognizing this critical challenge, the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) was established in 2021 through Illinois Public Act 102-0174. The Consortium’s mission is to reduce barriers to degree completion, upskill the early childhood workforce, and create a more qualified and diverse pipeline of educators across the state. To achieve their ambitious goal, ECACE partnered with Afton Partners to develop a comprehensive strategic plan, guide implementation, and ensure the initiative met its objectives. 

GOALS: Expanding access and boosting enrollment 

At the heart of ECACE’s strategy was a clear and measurable target: increase enrollment in higher education programs for incumbent early childhood professionals. Using 2020 enrollment figures as a benchmark, ECACE aimed to enroll or support credential completion for an additional 4,933 students by September 2024. This goal was designed not only to meet the state’s growing demand for early educators but also to offer career mobility and financial stability for workers historically underserved by higher education systems. 

APPROACH: Strategic collaboration through a holistic lens 

Afton Partners worked as an extension of the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) and the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), playing a central role in driving the planning and implementation process. The partnership unfolded across three key areas: 

Strategic Visioning and Planning: Afton facilitated convenings with state agencies and institutional stakeholders to generate ideas, align goals, and chart a path forward. We helped define roles and responsibilities among ECACE partners, created a sequence of activities, and developed a timeline and resource plan to support effective execution. 
Institutional Needs Assessment: To better understand the diverse capabilities and challenges across Consortium institutions, Afton led a detailed needs assessment. We collected feedback from colleges and universities on operational barriers, areas of strength, and the types of support needed from the state. The findings shaped recommendations to improve implementation and led to more targeted support strategies. 
Employer Outreach and Workforce Alignment: Afton also engaged early childhood employers throughout Illinois to ensure the initiative aligned with real-world workforce needs. Employers provided insight into hiring practices, professional development priorities, and how academic programs could better support retention and advancement. This helped institutions adjust offerings to be more responsive and relevant. 

In the final phase of support, Afton collaborated with ECACE leaders to plan for long-term sustainability and future growth. We assisted in quantifying the anticipated demand for early childhood educators, especially in light of the state’s expansion of Preschool for All. With turnover remaining a persistent issue, we also explored ways to stabilize the workforce. 

To support continuous improvement, we led the Reporting Working Group, comprised of two- and four-year institution representatives. The group developed a streamlined process and template for required reporting that both minimized administrative burden and elevated the success stories of ECACE institutions. 

IMPACT: Real time results and improved program delivery 

In just one full year of full-scale operations and funding, ECACE achieved remarkable results. And beyond the numbers, ECACE has sparked systemic change: 

• Institutions redesigned their early childhood programs to be more accessible, offering flexible course formats, hybrid and online options, and weekend schedules. 

• Clarified and expanded transfer pathways help students move more easily between associate and bachelor’s degree programs. 

• Prior learning and professional experience are now more widely recognized for academic credit, reducing time and cost to degree. 

• Cross-institution collaboration has increased, creating a stronger, more coordinated ecosystem to support student success. 

The Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity is more than a funding program—it represents an investment in the larger movement to elevate the early childhood profession. Now funded entirely with state dollars, ECACE’s strategic approach, bold goals, and commitment to institutional collaboration models a way for states to leverage cross-sector partnerships and targeted funding to create lasting change.