In January 2023, Felton Institute, Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA), and Foothill College proudly launched the ECE REACH (Early Care and Education, Realizing Employment And Creating Hope) Apprenticeship Pilot. Our goal is to tackle the early childhood educator crisis in San Francisco County and ensure the development of a new educator pipeline that meets the linguistic and cultural needs of the children we serve!
Our collective impact and two-generation strategy paved the way for the ECE REACH Tier I apprenticeship pilot. Crafted as an accelerated, entry-level career pathway, this groundbreaking and innovative program is specifically designed to empower Latinas, who have historically faced barriers in postsecondary education and employment. ECE REACH provides foundational support to support Latinas, both as parents and professionals, enhancing their knowledge, skills, and practices in child growth and development within ECE settings.
The ECE REACH program is a commitment to fostering growth and empowering our participants as they embark on this transformative journey.
Join us in celebrating this milestone as we continue to shape the future of early childhood education!
Watch the Impact Unfold:
Program Impact
ECE REACH (Early Care and Education, Realizing Employment And Creating Hope)
During its first year, Felton Institute’s ECE REACH apprenticeship implemented promising practices and strategies for career pathways implementation efforts that supported 34 Latinas in their roles as mothers and professionals pursuing entry-level careers in the ECE sector.
- 100% of participants received integrated financial coaching to plan and achieve life goals.
- 100% of participants earned their Associate Teacher credential.
- 100% of participants obtained their child abuse and neglect mandated reporting, and CPR/First Aid certificates.
- 40% of participants have secured or are actively pursuing an entry-level position in the field as a Teacher’s Assistant in a Center Based, Family Childcare program earning at least $28 an hour.
- 5% are exploring opening a Family Childcare and 55% are part of the inaugural staffing agency co-operative as a worker-owner.
If you would like to know more about ECE REACH (Early Care and Education, Realizing Employment And Creating Hope), please email us at ecereach@felton.org or call (415) 282-1090 ext. 509.
Event Highlights
Program Booklet
ECE REACH 2023 Graduation Downloadable Souvenir Program Booklet (2.9 MB PDF)
Partners and Sponsors
A very special thank you to all our partners. Without your enthusiastic support, this vision would not be a reality.
We are grateful to the California Workforce Development Board’s (CWDB) Workforce Accelerator Fund (WAF), and Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) for their support and an 18-month grant to launch the inaugural ECE REACH apprenticeship program.
Felton Institute responds to the needs of our community by providing innovative, evidence-informed social services to transform lives. Our organization offers 50+ programs that address mental health, the unhoused, early care and education, those impacted by the justice system, transitional age youth, as well as aging adults. Our award-winning programs, which have been recognized as national models, combine the latest scientific research with cultural sensitivity and a deep commitment to supporting and reflecting the communities we serve.
Founded in 1889, Felton is the oldest secular non-profit social services provider in the City and County of San Francisco. We have expanded our services across most Bay Area counties and continue to be at the forefront of pioneering new approaches to meet the emerging needs of underserved populations.
We know what it looks like to successfully build community.
We foster impactful change by strengthening the community as a premiere service provider. We also strengthen other service providers by supporting them in their fiscal, human resources, communications, IT and overall agency operations. With Felton’s support, they are able to focus on providing the best services to their clients, doing the work they were meant to do.
Felton empowers the community and ensures successful outcomes to all we engage with.
Felton Institute is a tax-exempt organization registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit under EIN 94-1156530.