Questions About EWC?
We’ve Got Answers.

Membership is free and open to all education professionals—whether you are a student pursuing Early Childhood Education, a new or experienced teacher, or an education professional. To join, simply complete the online EWC Member Registration Form here (Links to external membership form).

Any education professional in Chicagoland can become a member of the Education Workforce Center. This includes students pursuing Early Childhood Education, new and experienced teachers, social workers, administration, and professionals working anywhere in the education field.

Yes. EWC members have access to individualized career coaching, which includes resume assistance and career goal setting. Members also have access to the Early Childhood Education (ECE) centralized job portal with user-friendly job search tools.

The Education Workforce Center is built through a collective impact model, utilizing existing and new resources and spaces - virtual and brick and mortar - to reimagine how we can support Education Professionals through a membership and community model. EWC is a one-stop shop providing academic support, mentorship, community, access to technology, professional development opportunities, and socio-emotional support tailored to each stage of the Education Professional’s trajectory— from community member to student through employment and career growth & development.

Both mentees and mentors will be members of the Education Workforce Center, where they will have access to resources such as classroom materials, a digital library, and professional development opportunities. Both mentees and mentors will have access to an online portal where they can engage in group discussions with other cohort members and access tools and resources as well.

Both mentors and mentees will be required to participate in annual surveys, in-person sessions, and data collection that will be used to inform the outcomes of the mentorship pilot.

Mentees should communicate with their mentor and project lead, Guadalupe Valdivia (gvaldivia5@ccc.edu), or any changes in employment or availability. All cases will be reviewed on an individual basis. If a mentee is no longer able to continue with the program, a new mentee will be assigned to the mentor.

Mentors must notify project lead Guadalupe Valdivia (gvaldivia5@ccc.edu) of any changes if they are unable to fulfill their commitment as a mentor. Payment will be distributed accordingly. If mentors cannot fulfill their commitment, a new mentor will be assigned to the mentee.

As a mentee, you must engage formally with your mentor monthly. This will require a 1:1 meeting monthly to discuss professional and personal growth. The monthly engagements will consist of a combination of formal action plans to submit for professional development and discussion boards with other cohort members. Mentees will participate in completing various surveys during the 2-year period. Mentees will receive guidance and intentional tools to prepare them for both their professional and personal trajectories. There will be orientation and professional development sessions, which will require in-person attendance. This will require time outside of regular work hours.

All interested mentees must complete the mentee application. Mentees must be in the ECE field and working in an Early Childhood setting in the City of Chicago. Applications for the Mentorship Program will open in Spring and close by Summer. Applications will be scored using a rubric and a short interview. All final decisions and pairings will be notified by mid-summer to begin in the Fall. All mentees must complete any paperwork necessary at City Colleges of Chicago and be a member of the Education Workforce Center.

All interested mentors must fill out a mentor application. Mentors must have a minimum of 8 years of experience in the ECE field. All applications will be reviewed, and you will be notified if selected. If selected, all mentors will be considered employees of City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) and must adhere to CCC’s hiring process. You will also become a member of the Education Workforce Center. As a mentor, you will receive an annual stipend of $2,000 upon completion.

The EWC mentorship program is proudly funded through the McCormick Foundation. This initiative includes a commitment that requires professionals in the Early Childhood field (birth to Pre-K) with limited experience to work alongside another ECE professional with seasoned experience in the city of Chicago. This program will begin accepting applications in the Spring to begin in the Fall. With the support of a mentor, both mentee & mentor will collaborate to address personal and professional challenges to find solutions through an equitable and strengthen-based approach. This program will require time outside of traditional work hours, as you will engage in monthly 1:1 meetings, check-ins with project lead, professional development, monthly assessments, and other group activities. The modality for this program will be a hybrid approach of both virtual and in-person interactions. Both mentors and mentees will be members of the Education Workforce Center and have free access to all resources that are offered. For any questions, please contact: Guadalupe Valdivia, Director at gvaldivia5@ccc.edu.

Yes. The EWC offers transcript evaluation services and vouchers to cover the cost of degree translation and equivalency. This helps internationally trained educators align their credentials to local requirements.

The Education Workforce Center is a one-stop hub for aspiring and current educators. Members gain access to tutoring, mentorship, scholarships, job placement support, professional development workshops, and resources to launch or strengthen their careers.

Requirements vary by role. Many positions require college coursework or degrees in Early Childhood Education, plus state or local credentials. The EWC offers transcript evaluation services and access to scholarships to help meet credentialing requirements.

Yes. Educators can advance through leadership roles, higher credentials, or specialized fields like special education. The EWC provides mentoring, academic tutoring, and professional development to support career growth.

ECE careers include classroom teachers, assistant teachers, family support specialists, child development professionals, program directors, and instructional coaches. Many roles exist across community-based organizations, schools, and early learning programs.

Early Childhood Education (ECE) focuses on the learning and development of children from birth to age 8. It includes teaching, caregiving, and support roles that shape children’s early growth and readiness for school.

As part of your participation in CELWS, you agree to:

• Apply for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa 
• Apply for Gateways registry https://registry.ilgateways.com/ 
• Maintain Good Standing and Continued Enrollment at your selected college/university, 
• Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher while participating in the scholarship program. CELWS will be rescinded if GPA falls under 2.0 for more than two consecutive terms. 
• Ensure your Director or school Principal is aware and supports your academic plan.
• Submit grade reports and/or have your Institute of Higher Education verify them at the end of every term. 
• Completion of surveys from CELWS team.
• Ensure academic status is up to date every term by checking with your CELWS/academic advisor.
• Submit official transcripts upon graduation/completion of academic program (CELWS will cover transcript fee).
• Submission of credential application when you have completed academic program:   CELWS Gateway Credential Application
• Live in Chicago or work in a Chicago Early Learning (CEL) Program.
• Commit to work in a Chicago Early Learning Program (Community-based Organization or Chicago Public School) for three consecutive years after completion of the degree or academic program.
• Contact the CELWS team at scholarships@chilearn.org  for enrollment status changes.

Contact employment@chilearn.org if employment status changes.

Those who receive CELWS funding, must agree to work in a Chicago Early Learning (CEL) Program (Community-based Organization or Chicago Public School) for a minimum of three years after the completion of coursework. Failure to meet the commitment period or remain employed in an eligible setting will result in you repaying the total or a prorated amount of the financial assistance received, based on the length of service completed after completion of approved coursework.

Graduates of CELWS will receive employment verification forms for the 3-year work commitment. Additionally, a survey will be sent out on a yearly basis to collect more detailed information regarding employment. If employment status changes at any time before official verification is sent, it is the individual’s responsibility to reach out and update their status. Individuals can e-mail employment@chilearn.org.

For any questions during the screening/eligibility phase, please email chilearn@ilgateways.com or call (866) 697-8278 and ask to speak to the CELWS program. For any general questions, please contact scholarships@chilearn.org. For any questions regarding the CELWS work commitment, please email employment@chilearn.org.

You are required to commit to work for 3 years in any Chicago Early Learning (CEL) program after completion of program/graduation. This may be where you are currently employed or at another CEL program. If the commitment period is not completed, the amount the student will be required to pay back will be pro-rated according to the percentage of the 3-year work commitment, which was completed.

Once you have been vetted and found eligible, you will be matched with a CELWS advisor at your IHE. If you are attending a 4-year University, after receiving your award letter, you will be notified by your CELWS advisor on when you are able to register for the current term. Your CELWS specialist will send a course authorization to your college/university. If you are attending City Colleges you will receive an email to your CCC student email from your scholarship advisor reminding you to register for courses each semester. If you have any questions about registration, which classes to take, or your scholarship status, contact your scholarship advisor.

Should you need to repeat a course, you will work with your Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship (CELWS) advisor to complete and sign the CELWS Academic Improvement Plan. Once received and approved, CELWS program will pay for a required class up to two times.

If you are unable to take courses for one or two consecutive terms, you can continue participating in the Chicago Early Learning Workforce Scholarship. After two consecutive inactive terms, you must re-apply for the scholarship program.

Yes, you should apply for other financial aid in addition to the CELWS, as this will serve as a “last dollar” scholarship. If you receive other forms of financial aid, including other scholarships, your college or university will deduct that financial aid prior to invoicing the CELWS for your remaining tuition, fees, and books (up to $250 for books/per course).

CELWS will support scholars through Academic program/Degree attainment, contingent on funding and scholars meeting following requirements: Maintain Good Standing and Continued Enrollment at your selected college/university, earn a GPA of 2.0 or higher, commit to work in a birth through Pre-K Chicago Early Learning Program (community-based organization or Chicago Public School) for three years after completion of the academic program or degree.

No, at this time courses are only offered in English.

International students who wish to transfer college credit earned from a non-U.S. accredited institution must request a foreign transcript evaluation through an Evaluation Agency listed here: https://www.naces.org/members.

You will receive an e-mail notification of your eligibility. A CELWS Specialist will initially contact and guide you through next steps in the CELWS application process. If determined eligible, upon receipt and review of required documents, including the CELWS Commitment letter, you will then begin the intake/registration with one of our approved college/university partners. Once you have been found eligible, you will receive next steps from a CELWS advisor from the college or university you have been matched with.

All applications will open mid-January for the following academic year.

The scholarship will serve as a “last dollar” scholarship, meaning it will cover everything that students’ federal grants and other scholarships do not cover. CELWS applicants will be required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or certify they are ineligible for financial aid. If you are not eligible for FAFSA, you must work with your college/university to fill out a FAFSA waiver during the registration process.

The program will pay tuition, fees, and books (up to $250 for books/per course) for eligible applicants whose goal is to earn coursework in early care and education to gain a state-recognized credential, degree, endorsement, or licensure. The scholarship only applies to current coursework and will not be applied to any previously incurred debt.

The application and information on how to apply, are available on the Chicago Early Learning website- www.chicagoearlylearning.org/scholarships. All applications will open mid-January. Once you have completed your application, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with next steps.

Current Chicago Early Learning (CEL) program staff who are looking to increase their credentials, endorsements, or ECE degree. Additionally, any Chicagoans interested in entering the early childhood workforce, including parents of children who are currently enrolled in one of Chicago’s early childhood programs, recent High School graduates, and DACA recipients. Recipients must be eligible for employment in a CEL program. (Recipients cannot have any felonies and must be able to pass an FBI, State of Illinois, and Sex Offender background check.)

A maximum of 15 semester hours or 23 quarter hours per term.

Multiple agencies collaborate in the administration, oversight and delivery of the Chicago Early Learning Workforce (CELW) Scholarship. These include the City of Chicago Mayor’s Office, the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), Chicago Public Schools (CPS), City Colleges of Chicago (CCC)- Harry S Truman College, the Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (INCCRRA), and partnering Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs). CELWS aims to support Chicagoans and the current Chicago Early Learning workforce as they pursue coursework to earn a credential, degree, endorsement, or licensure to work with young children (birth through Pre-K) and families in Chicago Early Learning programs. The scholarship serves an important role in Chicago’s efforts to expand access to early learning across the city and build a more robust workforce that can help Chicago expand high-quality early learning programs. CELWS provides recipients with meaningful career pathways through partnerships with Institutions of Higher Education, which also offer students personalized support as they navigate their desired course of study.

No, any site that is considered a CEL site, whether Chicago Public Schools (CPS) or a Community-based Organization, will fulfill the work commitment. All Pre- K classrooms in Chicago Public Schools are considered CEL work sites.

If this situation arises, please contact the CELWS Administration team at employment@chilearn.org to discuss further. All cases will be reviewed on an individual basis. Documentation may be required.

No, you do not have to be a classroom teacher. The CELW Scholarship is designed to support a diverse population and careers within Early Childhood.  Please see the list of approved, but not exclusive, list of professional tracks that qualify for CELWS listed on the Scholarship homepage. If you are unsure of a specific role/title, please reach out to employment@chilearn.org.

Regardless of the number of courses taken, all scholarship recipients are required to fulfill a 3-year work commitment upon graduation at a Birth- Pre-K CEL site.

If your place of employment loses funding and is no longer an approved Chicago Early Learning (CEL) site, please notify the CEL Workforce Scholarship (CELWS) team by emailing scholarships@chilearn.org. CELWS can assist you in identifying alternative employment resources. Active CELWS Scholars whose scholarship eligibility is based solely on their employment at a CEL site will not lose their scholarship while completing their degree or academic program, even if their site is affected by funding loss. This protection also applies to Scholars fulfilling their 3-year work commitment. Should your place of employment lose funding and no longer be an approved CEL site, you should notify CELWS by e-mailing employment@chilearn.org.

The CELWS 3-year work commitment is required to be completed in a birth- Pre-K setting in the City of Chicago. No exceptions will be made for licensed teachers. After the 3-year work commitment is completed, licensed teachers may choose to move to older grade bands. Documentation regarding the CELWS requirements will be provided for these individual cases if needed. If challenges are presented due to unforeseen grade band changes, individuals are asked to reach out to CELWS at employment@chilearn.org.

All graduates/completers are required to fulfill their 3-year work commitment at a birth- to Pre-K site. Should there be a change in your job location/position please e-mail employment@chilearn.org to update your records.

Individuals are encouraged to ask their CEL Site administration what the funding stream(s) of their program are to ensure that they are a CEL approved site. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to visit the Chicago Early Learning website to verify whether their site is CEL and/or search for Scholarship eligible jobs on the EWC-ECE job portal at  https://app.steame.com/jobs/chicagoewc

All students will receive an exit guide from the CELWS advisor with resources for each IHE’s career resources and employment tips for success. All scholars are encouraged to use this guide and to reach out to their CELWS advisors, contact career centers at their college/university for work resources and postings during their last semester before graduation/completion. All IHEs have different resources and events, which assist students with work opportunities. Additionally, in partnership with Chicago Early Learning City partners, the CELWS team is working to centralize access to resources for employment through the CEL and Education Workforce Center websites. The EWC (www.chicagoewc.org) website can be used as a resource after graduation/completion for employment opportunities. For any specific questions, please reach out to employment@chilearn.org

ALL graduates/completers must commit to be in the ECE workforce for a minimum of 3 years after graduation or completion of program. If the 3-year work commitment is not something that can be completed, an individual

As long as your family childcare business is a CEL program, you may continue to fulfill your 3-year work commitment at your childcare business. If you are unsure if your family childcare business is a CEL site, please visit the Chicago Early Learning website to verify whether your site is CEL funded.

No, the 3-year work commitment verification process begins after graduation or completion of your approved education program.

The amount required to pay back will be pro-rated according to the percentage of the 3-year work commitment completed by the scholarship recipient.

All graduates/completers are expected to fulfill their 3-year work commitment at a Chicago Early Learning program. All individuals sign a Commitment Letter during the onboarding phase. If graduates/completers are not able to fulfill their commitment, the process for repayment of scholarship will take place. Please contact employment@chilearn.org for any questions.

In the event that an individual should go on FMLA/Parental leave, this time will be observed as a protected leave and continue to count toward the 3-year work commitment. If circumstances do not allow an individual to return, they should contact the CELWS Admin team at employment@chilearn.org All cases will be reviewed individually.

The 3-year commitment is dependent on your employer/CEL program’s definition of a full year. Some programs run year-round, while others run on an academic school calendar.

Graduates/completers of CELWS will receive employment verification forms on an annual basis from employment@chilearn.org for 3 consecutive years where they will be expected to show proof of employment by attaching their most current paystub to the form. Additionally, a survey will be sent out on an annual basis to collect more detailed information regarding employment. If employment status changes at any time before official verification is sent, it is the individual’s responsibility to reach out and update their status. Individuals can e-mail employment@chilearn.org.

If you are transferring to a partner institution for a Bachelor's or have completed coursework to continue a licensure program under CELWS, the 3-year work commitment will begin once you have finished receiving funding under CELWS. Should you transfer and opt out or be rescinded at a 4-year institution, you will be notified of your 3-year work commitment start date.

Yes, the 3-year work commitment must be consecutive. Should there be a medical/family emergency that would prevent you from fulfilling this commitment consecutively you should reach out to the CELWS Admin team at employment@chilearn.org. All cases will be reviewed individually, and documentation should be provided if necessary.

The 3-year period begins upon completion of a degree or program. All graduates/completers have 6-month grace period after graduation or completion of program to find employment in a Chicago Early Learning (CEL) program. If you should continue your education with another degree under CELWS, the work commitment will not begin until the completion of degree or program and you are no longer receiving scholarship funds to earn a degree or credential.

All graduates/completers have 6 months after graduation or completion of program to find employment in a Chicago Early Learning (CEL) program (Community-based Organization or Chicago Public School). All cases will be reviewed on an individual basis should you not be able to find employment within 6 months. In partnership with Chicago Early Learning (CEL), the CELWS team is working to centralize access to resources for employment through the CEL and Education Workforce Center websites. Scholarship advisors at your respective Institution of Higher Education (IHE) will also inform you of career fairs you can attend.