LANSING, Mich. – Michiganders interested in working with children now have access to clearer, more direct guidance to get started and grow their careers. A new Career Exploration Tool from MiRegistry helps users understand what it takes to become an early educator or work with school-age children, from the first step through long-term career growth.

Launched in partnership with the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), the tool is designed for both people exploring pathways and current professionals looking to build new skills, earn credentials, and advance in the field, all while supporting Michigan’s youngest learners through early education and youth programming.

“Working with children and youth is both meaningful and essential to Michigan’s future,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, director of MiLEAP. “This tool gives people a clear starting point and a better understanding of how to move forward in these careers. By helping more individuals find that path, we’re strengthening recruitment, retention and ultimately the quality of support children and families rely on every day.”

The early childhood and out-of-school-time workforce is in high demand across Michigan, with a strong and growing need for caring, qualified professionals who want to make a difference in children’s lives.

In response to this demand, the tool provides clear, easy-to-follow guidance to help users:

• Learn what it’s like to work with infants, toddlers, prekindergartners or school-age children,
• Explore roles that match their interests and skills,
• Learn what training or credentials may be needed,
• Find programs and financial supports that can help cover the cost of training, and
• See how careers can grow and advance over time.

“This resource was built for people at all points in their career journey,” said Chelsea Fray, director of communications and marketing at MiRegistry. “Whether someone is exploring the field or already working in it, it helps them understand their next step and shows that there are many ways to grow a meaningful career in early childhood and school-age care.”

The resource also includes stories from professionals working in the field, offering real-world examples of how people got started and how their careers have grown over time.

“These stories help bring the work to life,” said Kelsey Laird, director of professional programs at the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children. “They show that there are many entry points into this field and many opportunities to continue growing once you are in it.”

At the same time, helping people see those possibilities is only part of the solution. Many still need clear direction on how to take the first step or what to do next in their careers.

“Too often, people are interested in this work but do not know where to begin or how to move forward,” said Emily Laidlaw, deputy director at MiLEAP overseeing the Office of Early Education. “This resource helps remove that barrier by laying out clear pathways and connecting people to the supports they need at every stage.”

The tool also supports current professionals looking to advance their careers through additional training, credentials, or education.

“Professional growth is key to building a strong workforce,” said Lisa Brewer-Walraven, director of the Child Development and Care program at MiLEAP. “This resource helps people not only get started, but also see what their next step could be and how to take it.”

Early users say the tool makes it easier to understand opportunities in the field.

“As a career and technical education teacher, I’m always looking for ways to help students see real pathways into meaningful careers,” said Erica Boulas of Belleville High School in southeast Michigan. “This resource gives them a clear picture of the opportunities in early childhood and youth development and helps them see how to get started.”

The resource also builds on MiLEAP’s broader efforts to strengthen and grow the early childhood workforce, including initiatives such as the T.E.A.C.H. scholarship program, educator wage supports, Nurture Benefits, and access to low- or no-cost professional development opportunities like LETRS training.

The tool will continue to expand with new roles, features, and stories from professionals across Michigan.

Individuals interested in exploring or advancing in a career working with children can visit MiRegistry.org to access the resource.