NEW! BBF Playbook
Developing and Scaling Early Childhood Education Registered Pre-Apprenticeships and Apprenticeships in North Carolina
BBF has published its 2025 playbook, highlighting its evolution from pilot program to long-term workforce strategy for supporting early childhood educators in NC through registered apprenticeship. The playbook discusses the history and evolution of ECE pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship, lessons learned and best practices, and recommendations for the program moving forward.
NC Career Launch
Support for High School Pre-Apprentices
Do you have high school pre-apprentices at your center, or are interested in including them? NCBCE's NC Career Launch (NCCL) program can support those efforts! In partnership with Building Bright Futures, NCCL helps employers connect employers to their local high schools and community colleges, set up pre-apprenticeship-to-apprenticeship pathways, and provides financial support for pre-apprentices, mentors, and employers. High school pre-apprenticeship is a valuable training and recruiting tool that provides both the student and employer opportunities for growth in the field. Check it out today!
As early childhood apprenticeships increase, leaders say more are needed to support ‘the workforce behind the workforce’
Liz Bell
September 9, 2025
EdNC.org
EdNC early childhood education reporter, Liz Bell, discusses the growth and impact of early childhood education pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships in NC and the role of Building Bright Futures and its partners. The article also highlights BBF participants Kids R Kids Learning Academy of RTP in Durham, who are part of the Early Years Durham Pre-K apprenticeship program, as well as the McDowell County Schools pre-apprenticeship program. Share this with your networks!
NEW! Participant and Partner Spotlights
Our BBF participants and partners have shared with us their experiences, career journeys, and insight on early childhood education and apprenticeship. Check out this new section that brings all of their valuable knowledge together!
North Carolina’s children, families, and businesses need more early childhood education and care options, and Building Bright Futures is an innovative solution to increase access. By supporting and encouraging students to enter the early childhood profession, we’ll help make sure more families and employers have the quality child care they need to thrive.