Leading Providers of Early Childhood Education Training Join Forces to Serve Industry Needs
Leading Providers of Early Childhood Education Training Join Forces to Serve Industry Needs GlobeNewswire
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WASHINGTON, D.C., March 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — StraighterLine
StraighterLine Acquires ProSolutions Training to Expand Early Childhood Education Solutions
WASHINGTON, D.C., March 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — StraighterLine, a creator of affordable, flexible, and career-aligned postsecondary courses, today announced the acquisition of ProSolutions Training, a professional development division of Care Solutions, Inc. that provides training for early childhood educators. This acquisition expands StraighterLine’s early childhood education training and certification solutions as ProSolutions Training (PST) joins ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) as the newest subsidiary under StraighterLine.
Addressing the Need for Qualified Early Childhood Educators
“Now more than ever, there is a great need for qualified early care and education workers across the nation. We are excited to join together to provide the best-in-class early childhood training and certification services to upskill this industry,” said Shweta Kabadi, interim CEO of StraighterLine. “The combination of our companies will allow us to create more opportunities for early childhood educators to advance their careers, attain their degrees, and realize a higher earning potential.”
Shortage of Childcare Workers
Childcare programs across the country have long struggled with a shortage of qualified educators and caretakers, but post-pandemic numbers reflect a continued decline in the number of childcare workers. Eight in 10 early childhood providers experienced staffing shortages in 2021, and half were serving fewer children as a result of hiring problems according to a study from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Today, there are 38,200 fewer childcare workers than in 2020 according to a new study by the Center for American Progress.
About ProSolutions Training
Founded in 2008, ProSolutions Training offers more than 120 individual online professional development training courses, multi-course packages, and certificates in early care and education. Designed for busy adult learners, their courses are self-paced and available 24/7 to meet the diverse needs of their learners. PST and CCEI are accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET), and both offer an online curriculum to obtain a Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential
of the Council for Professional Recognition.
Expanding Course Offerings in Early Childhood Education
This acquisition reaffirms StraighterLine’s commitment to expanding its course offerings in early childhood education and creating career pathways to meet the needs of future educators. The addition of PST into StraighterLine’s family of companies builds on a significant investment by BV Investment Partners in April 2020.
Financial Advisors and Legal Advisors
District Capital Partners served as the financial advisor and Ropes & Gray LLP served as the legal advisor to StraighterLine for this transaction. Brookwood Associates acted as financial advisor to Care Solutions in this acquisition. Bird Loechl McCants & Holliday acts as outside general counsel to Care Solutions and advised the company in connection with the sale of its PST division to StraighterLine.
About StraighterLine
StraighterLine is the leading provider of high-quality, affordable, online courses that help learners earn college credit and meet their professional goals. In 2022, StraighterLine acquired ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI), one of the largest online training providers for early childhood education professionals. Each year, a combined 150,000 learners from StraighterLine and CCEI take one of 250+ online courses or certification programs to upskill into new careers or earn credit from over 3,000 colleges and universities worldwide. StraighterLine works with institutions and corporate partners to provide their students and employees with flexible education options that allow them to work and learn at their own pace.
About ChildCare Education Institute, a StraighterLine Company
ChildCare Education Institute® (CCEI) provides high-quality, distance education certificates and child care training programs in an array of child care settings, including preschool centers, family child care, prekindergarten classrooms, nanny care, online daycare training and more. Over 200+ English and Spanish child care training courses are available online to meet licensing, recognition program, and Head Start Requirements. CCEI also has online certification programs that provide the coursework requirement for national credentials including the CDA, FCCPCs, and Director Credentials. CCEI, a Council for Professional Recognition approved training partner, is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and as an IACET Accredited Provider, offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard.
About ProSolutions Training
Since 2008, ProSolutions Training (PST) has been at the forefront of providing innovative and high-quality training for Early Care and Education (ECE) professionals. PST delivers exceptional professional development and onboarding training – so educators can ultimately have a positive impact on the students in their care. More than 200 individual online professional development training courses, multi-course packages, and certificates in early care and education are available in English and Spanish. PST also offers a 120-hour online CDA training curriculum that meets the formal education requirement for the Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential of the Council for Professional Recognition available in English and Spanish. Additionally, a 45-hour curriculum specifically for CDA renewal is available.
To learn more about StraighterLine’s courses and pathways, visit www.straighterline.com.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The issues highlighted in the article are related to the shortage of qualified early childhood educators and caretakers, which impacts the quality of education, gender equality, economic growth, and inequalities in the workforce.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 4.2: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education.
- Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
The article highlights the need to provide quality early childhood education, promote gender equality in the workforce, ensure decent work opportunities, and reduce inequalities in the education and childcare sector.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Indicator 4.2.1: Proportion of children under 5 years of age who are developmentally on track in health, learning, and psychosocial well-being, by sex.
- Indicator 5.5.1: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments.
- Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age group, and persons with disabilities.
- Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.
These indicators can be used to track the progress in ensuring access to quality early childhood education, promoting gender equality in leadership positions, achieving decent work opportunities, and reducing inequalities in the education and childcare sector.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.2: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education. | Indicator 4.2.1: Proportion of children under 5 years of age who are developmentally on track in health, learning, and psychosocial well-being, by sex. |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life. | Indicator 5.5.1: Proportion of seats held by women in national parliaments and local governments. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | Indicator 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age group, and persons with disabilities. |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: globenewswire.com
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