Strengthening Foundations: Building Capacity in the Early Childhood Workforce

In Little Rock, the support for small businesses is robust, thanks to Mayor Frank Scott Jr.’s unwavering commitment. Numerous initiatives have been launched to foster the growth of small enterprises, from assisting with the complexities of applying for larger city contracts to providing guidance on essential aspects of business management, including help with obtaining a business license, setting up a business bank account and negotiating with banks to eliminate monthly account fees.

Despite these comprehensive efforts, one crucial area had been left untapped — an investment in the early childhood workforce.

Jennifer Glasgow, the city’s chief education officer, recognized the potential early on and had a goal to treat early childhood education as a vital component of the small business ecosystem, extending the same level of support and resources provided to other entrepreneurial ventures. Her vision not only acknowledged the critical role of early childhood professionals, but also aimed to integrate them into the broader framework of small business development.

https://www.nlc.org/article/2024/08/21/strengthening-foundations-building-capacity-in-the-early-childhood-workforce/