Creator(s): Adriana Mendoza, Jessica Mahon, Fangyu Zhao, Emily Henderson, Zhaoyu Wang
Course: PPUA6509 Techniques of Program Evaluation
Program Evaluation: Project Flourish is an apprenticeship program designed to develop early childhood specialists through a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training, mentoring, pay increases when benchmarks are reached, and, upon graduation, professional certifications. Project Flourish seeks to lower the known barriers for entry-level childcare workers in the state, such as lack of transportation, pace of classes, and limited English proficiency, that often prevent workers from obtaining the necessary requirements to advance in their field. The program also aims to support transitioning to college for workers who do not have a post-secondary degree. Ultimately, Project Flourish is working to improve retention in the childcare workforce and strengthen the childcare sector overall