The Education Workforce Center

Building Chicago’s Early Education Workforce

The Education Workforce Center provides early childhood educators with professional resources, mentorship, employment support, networking opportunities and community connections. We bridge the gap between educators and employers while offering tools for career advancement and personal well-being.

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What is the Education Workforce Center?

The Education Workforce Center is a space dedicated to increasing access and opportunities for early childhood education professionals in Chicago, offering them resources at no cost. We offer job search and placement, professional development, literature for personal development and use in the classroom and a virtual lending library with technology and instructional tools. Our brick-and-mortar and virtual spaces create an educational learning community where Education Professionals work together with community partners to learn and reflect, addressing the teacher shortage crisis while diversifying the workforce.

Why We Created The Education Workforce Center

Nearly 1,000 Chicago early childhood education professionals expressed interest in attending an education workforce center at the City Colleges of Chicago. We launched in response to address the teacher shortage crisis and diversify the workforce by supporting our future teachers differently and ensuring there are also supports for seasoned professionals.

Providing Support That Educators Need

City-wide survey responses from over 950 ECE professionals found:

Resources

of respondents reported a lack of professional resources.

Engagement

said they would engage more with professional support if offered in their communities.

Mentorship

expressed a strong interest in mentorship.

Support

indicated that scholarships, professional development, and wellness support would be most beneficial.

Our Vision for Strengthening the Education Workforce

We envision a thriving early childhood education workforce where educators are valued, supported, and equipped with the necessary resources to succeed. Our goal is to create sustainable career pathways that attract and retain dedicated professionals.

Voices From the Field

Download Our Survey Findings

“I wanted to go back to school, but I didn’t know how I was going to pay for it. So, I applied for the Workforce Scholarship. This scholarship has changed my life and I would have never have been able to have all of the resources and skills that I need for the classroom if it wasn’t for the Workforce Scholarship.”

Timothy Avant, Workforce Scholarship Alumni

“Before the program, I would often doubt my abilities. At times, I even felt like I was not good enough. That’s when I leaned on my college family of educators and advisors, as well as my family and peers. Today, because of [The Workforce Scholarship], I am a teacher who ensures that all my students reach their highest potential. I’m thankful to have received the scholarship because it gave me the tools to shape the next generations of doctors, teachers, leaders, and more. I want everyone to know that this program is impacting my life and our world for the better.”

Charlene Macklin, Workforce Scholarship Alumni

“I know how hard we work and what we do…We have teachers with all sorts of educational backgrounds teaching in the classroom. You have to be able to love what you are doing. [The Workforce Scholarship] can only help you accomplish your goals. It’s doable, and it’s going to save you money. There is also some flexibility in terms of your work schedule and course load.”

Evelyn Patino, Workforce Scholarship Alumni

Meet the CELWS Team

Sandy De León

Executive Director, Education Strategy, Planning & Development at City Colleges of Chicago

Sandy De León is an accomplished Executive Director with extensive experience in community development and social services. Currently leading the Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship and the Education Workforce Center at City Colleges of Chicago, she has a proven track record in grant writing, program management, and community outreach. Sandy's career spans various roles in non-profit organizations, showcasing her ability to adapt and thrive in dynamic environments. With a strong educational background in Social Service Administration, Advocacy and Psychology, she combines academic knowledge with practical skills to drive impactful initiatives. Her leadership in policy and program development has significantly contributed to youth systems and community development in Chicago. Sandy is passionate about fostering inclusive communities and empowering individuals through education and support services.

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Guadalupe Valdivia

Director, Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship

Guadalupe is a Chicago native, with a diverse Early Childhood Education (ECE) background for over 20 years. She is committed to support and design educational pathways for the Early Childhood field, by building equitable systems and provide a positive scholar experience while building a robust ECE workforce for the City of Chicago. Additionally, through the Education Workforce Center, Guadalupe is excited to serve the ECE workforce by providing mentorship opportunities and professional development through oversight of the EWC Mentorship initiative.

Mohammed Azaan

Manager, Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship

A Chicago native, Mohammed manages the Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship (CELWS) initiative, where he focuses on developing systems that strengthen data interpretation, analysis, and outcome tracking. His work aims to create a seamless experience for scholarship recipients while showcasing the scholarship’s impact on Chicago’s incumbent early childhood education workforce. Mohammed brings experience in higher education and teaching, with a strong emphasis on data and building pathways that advance equity in access and educational outcomes. Outside of work, he enjoys unwinding in local cafes, listening to music, and spending time with his cat, Charlie.

Darrell Brown

Manager, Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship

Darrell Brown has dedicated over 20 years to strengthening the Early Childhood Education (ECE) workforce. Starting at age 16 as a summer childcare worker, he has since served as an infant-toddler teacher, pre-K teacher, site coordinator, and curriculum coach for Early Head Start. His expertise includes CLASS observation, environmental rating scales, and training educators in Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies GOLD.

Darrell led a successful workforce development program at It Takes a Village Family of Schools, helping educators earn CDA credentials and bringing new talent into ECE. In October 2024, he presented “Combating the Teacher Shortage Crisis Using a Grow Your Own Model: A Lesson from Chicago” at the Early Educators Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

Today, Darrell manages the Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship at Truman College, continuing his mission to grow and support ECE professionals.

Outside of his professional work, Darrell enjoys traveling, dancing, acting, singing, and performing in local theater productions, bringing creativity and energy to every aspect of his life.

Meet the EWC Team

Caleb Blaize

EWC, Education Specialist

Caleb is a dedicated educator and youth development specialist with over 15 years of experience working at the intersection of education, outreach, and community. He has designed and led impactful programs that support youth growth both inside and outside the classroom, with a strong focus on mentorship, engagement, and equity. Through his work, Caleb continues to build bridges between youth, families, and community partners to create meaningful opportunities for learning, connection, and empowerment.

Patricia Delgado, MSW

EWC, Education Specialist

Patty has a background in social work and has previous experience in both early childhood education and workforce development. She strongly believes in empowering people and communities through empathy and wrap-around support. Patty looks forward to meeting with EWC members, learning about their strengths and goals, and providing them with individualized support and connections to become successful education professionals.

Ruby Agustin

EWC, Manager

Ruby is looking forward to the launch of EWC services, including the loaning libraries – both literature and tech – and inviting EWC members to continue to share ideas and suggestions on how to continue to grow the support and resources in educator’s career development. Ruby has a background in youth development and workforce development with a focus on meeting community members where they are at.

Chazz Johnson

EWC, Manager