PASCO, WA — Educational Service District (ESD) 123 and its community partners have released a comprehensive Workforce Action Plan to address the critical challenges facing early childhood education in Southeast Washington. The plan, developed through the Department of Commerce’s Childcare Partnership Grant, aims to tackle severe staffing shortages, high turnover rates, and limited access to quality childcare across Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield, and Asotin counties.

“Families in our region are struggling to find and afford high-quality childcare,” said Matt Bona, Executive Director of Early Learning at ESD 123. “This plan is designed to build a strong and stable early learning workforce that not only meets the needs of our children but also supports the broader economic stability of our communities.”

Key Highlights of the Workforce Action Plan:

• Strengthening Strategic Partnerships: The plan calls for the creation of an Early Learning Steering Committee with local providers, organizations, and community stakeholders to unify efforts for workforce development. This committee will focus on creating a unified approach to workforce development.
• Developing Career Advancement Pathways: To attract and retain talent, ESD 123 will collaborate with local community colleges and universities to design competency-based training programs that include pathways from K-12 to higher education, incorporating short-term certifications and stackable credentials. The plan also advocates for wage parity and benefits for early childhood educators, ensuring they are comparable to those in the K-12 system.
• Improving Access to Affordable Childcare: ESD 123 is committed to advocating for increased funding for childcare subsidies and expanding the capacity of licensed childcare providers, particularly in rural areas.
• Expanding Credentialing, Dual Credit, and Work-Based Learning: The action plan focuses on expanding hands-on experiences through internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, and mentorships with local childcare providers. It also includes developing credentialing programs and dual credit opportunities, ensuring students gain necessary skills and early exposure to college-level coursework in early childhood education.
• Developing a Culturally Competent Educator Curriculum: The plan emphasizes the need for educators to be equipped with culturally competent training, ensuring they can effectively serve the diverse communities in the region.

“This action plan is a significant step forward in addressing the root causes of workforce shortages and barriers to access in early childhood education,” Jim Kindle, Regional Career Connected Learning Coordinator added. “By focusing on strategic partnerships, career pathways, and cultural competence, we aim to create a sustainable and effective workforce that will benefit the entire ESD 123 region.”

The ESD 123 Workforce Action Plan is set to roll out over the next three years, with short-term actions beginning immediately. The plan will be monitored and evaluated regularly to ensure its objectives are met and to make adjustments as necessary.

For more information about the Workforce Action Plan, please visit www.esd123.org or contact Jim Kindle at jkindle@esd123.org, or (509) 537-1732.

About Educational Service District 123: Educational Service District 123 serves the diverse needs of schools and communities across Southeast Washington, providing a wide range of services to support student learning, educator development, and community engagement. ESD 123 is committed to building a strong and equitable educational system that prepares all students for success.