Our Mission
High Demand, Critical Need
In Missouri, less than half of children have access to available child care.
A Workforce in Crisis
Seven in ten child care providers in Missouri are understaffed.
A Costly Challenge
In Missouri, the economic loss due to lack of child care exceeds $1 billion annually.
Our Mission
We believe that a strong, skilled early childhood workforce is essential to ensuring every child in Missouri has access to high-quality care and learning experiences that lay the foundation for lifelong success.
RISE-MO: Recruit, Inspire, Support the Early Childhood Profession in Missouri strengthens and expands Missouri’s child care workforce by developing new credentialing opportunities and expanding existing career pathways for early childhood professionals.
How we RISE
Igniting a Passion Early
We are inspiring future educators by introducing early childhood education as a career option in middle and high school, helping students explore their potential in this impactful field.
Professionalizing the Field
Through our CDA Prep Program, we provide educators with the tools, skills, and education needed to earn the nationally recognized CDA Credential. Together, we work to elevate the profession and ensure high-quality care and education.
Preparing Leaders
Our Early Child Care Leadership Certificates are designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will drive positive change in early childhood education and care.
Expanding Pathways
We’re building seamless pathways for future educators through articulation agreements with community colleges, ensuring that credits transfer smoothly and support the pursuit of advanced degrees.
Sparking Growth
We collaborate with industry partners and community leaders to expand opportunities, open new centers, and support a growing, sustainable workforce for Missouri’s early childhood education sector.
Impactful Moments
We’ve created a series of short, engaging videos designed to help early childhood professionals learn effective strategies and best practices. Learners who complete the Mini Moments, Big Impact course will earn micro-credentials through a series of badges, demonstrating their commitment to professionalism and continuous learning.