Join the Field

The early learning and childcare fields are brimming with diverse careers pathways and prospects.

As a professional in the early learning field, the impact you have on children’s emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development is immeasurable, helping children become compassionate, confident young people who are ready for school and future success. By choosing this profession, you open doors to varied and exciting opportunities such as an early childhood educator, preschool teacher, administrator, childcare business owner, home visitor, early intervention/special education professional, child psychologist and much more!

Care Connections & Education, our local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R), is your first stop to starting a childcare business or pursuing a rewarding career in early learning. They can connect individuals like you with vital information and support, education, and tools needed to get started.

There are opportunities available for individuals interested in the early learning field to qualify for financial assistance and support to complete college course work in Early Childhood Education. Care Connections and Education has a partnership with Umpqua Community College (UCC) to offer an Early Childhood Education cohort. This cohort provides funding to pay student tuition and fees, an opportunity to connect with local early learning professionals, and includes support to register and navigate college admission and classes. The Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board (SOWIB) offers an Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship that combines paid work experience in early childhood with UCC classes.