Learn and Earn Career Pathway Program
First Up has partnered with Public Health Management Corporation’s Professional Development Organization (PHMC PDO) to provide comprehensive support to programs that have teachers currently or are interested in furthering their education through degree attainment. This program is called Learn and Earn Career Pathway Program.
This program is a strategy to address workforce shortages and advance the qualifications of the existing ECE workforce. Learn and Earn helps to reduce workforce barriers and encourages retention. The goal of the program is to offer employed ECE professionals support that will allow them to attain an ECE associate (AA) or bachelor’s (BA) degree. Programs that are enrolled in Learn and Earn are offered educational support and coaching throughout the process. Learn and Earn advancements count towards credit attainment, which expedites the process to complete the degree.
Learn and Earn offers layers of support to programs participating in the program. Our First Up Team individualizes these supports based on program needs. First Up works with the Program, Leadership Team, Student and on-site Coaching.

What is the Learn and Earn Pilot Program?
A hybrid model to provide comprehensive support to programs that have teachers currently or are interested in furthering their education through degree attainment.
Teachers Learn:
- On the Job in the classroom
- While attending college classes
- Through on-site coaching
Benefits of this program include:
- Leadership Development in alignment with Stars Standards
- Career Advising and PD Registry Support
- Paired Mentorship with other Directors
- Assessing Coach Selection
- Wellness Support
Learn and Earn Provides Support to Students:
- Guidance on continuing their career pathway
- Strength-based Coaching from an onsite colleague (Peer)
- Provide resources according to individual needs
- Time Management support
- Communication connection among partners


Learn and Earn Provides Support to Coaches:
- Coaching guidance from First Up Mentor
- Collaboration on setting action steps and goals in support of students meeting NAEYC competencies
- PQAS certified Strength-Based coaching professional development
- On-going Leadership skill development
- Virtual office hours
Learn and Earn Provides Support to Programs:
- Leadership Development in alignment with Stars Standards
- Career Advising and PD Registry Support
- Paired Mentorship with other Directors
- Assessing Coach Selection
- Wellness Support
