In June 2024, a simple conversation helped spark a major workforce initiative in the early childhood education sector. Angelina Sanfilippo, SUNY Apprenticeship Business Developer for New York’s North Country, partnered with SUNY Jefferson Community College (JCC) to host an industry roundtable focused on the education sector. The event brought together regional employers to discuss challenges facing childcare centers, including staffing shortages, skill gaps, and employee retention.
One key contributor was Little Lukes Preschool, a respected early childhood education provider with six locations. Their leadership shared valuable insights into what educators need to succeed including strong communication, classroom management skills, and the confidence that comes from structured training and mentorship.
That feedback played an important role in shaping Jefferson’s Pre-Apprenticeship Community-Based Training for Teacher Assistants funded under Apprenticeship Programs at SUNY. Designed with employer input, the program prepares emerging educators with the real-world skills childcare providers are looking for.
As the partnership grew, Little Lukes recognized the long-term benefits of apprenticeship for workforce development and employee retention. This led them to take the next step: becoming a New York State Department of Labor Registered sponsor for the Childcare Assistant trade. Now, Apprenticeship Programs at SUNY can support Little Luke’s future apprentices with the costs of completing Related Instruction Training at SUNY.
Center Director Carrie Pruett of the Pulaski location summed up the impact, saying the apprenticeship program will support employee professional growth while strengthening staff retention, program quality, and long-term stability.
What began as a roundtable conversation has since grown into a model for how early childhood organizations can build stronger career pathways and invest in the future of their workforce.
