States Could Address Acute Workforce Shortages in Early Childhood Education and Care by Reducing Obstacles to Recognition of Foreign-Earned Qualifications

WASHINGTON, DC — Amid severe labor recruitment and retention difficulties, the U.S. early childhood education and care (ECEC) workforce has diminished at the same time demand for qualified workers has risen. Efforts to alleviate these challenges have often overlooked a promising talent pool: immigrants with relevant college degrees or high school diplomas and work experience obtained abroad.