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Future Proud Michigan Educator LAUNCH

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Future Proud Michigan Educator LAUNCH

The Michigan Department of Education and Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) continue to expand educational opportunities through the administration of the Future Proud Michigan Educator (FPME) LAUNCH program for students who are interested in careers in education or other fields related to children. Students in the program can earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Michigan School-Age Youth Development Associate (MI-YDA) credential. Students take specialized coursework, develop portfolios, and participate in practical field/clinical experiences.

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The Educational Initiative

Imagine the opportunity to graduate from high school with credits toward a college degree, land a job right away or launch a career with opportunities to grow in the field...

Future Proud Michigan Educator LAUNCH supports the Governor’s “60 by 30” goal for the state’s workforce. By 2030, 60% of working-age Michiganders will have a certificate or college degree.

For more information about Future Proud Michigan Educator LAUNCH, view the Credential Fact Sheet.

Resources

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Educator Resources

Why should a current Michigan educator be interested in this initiative?

Educators inspire students daily making a positive difference in their lives. This opportunity allows educators to encourage all students to get a jump start on their careers and continue to a brighter future for Michigan. Whether students are headed straight into the workforce in a high-demand or on to college, they look for guidance.

For information regarding the requirements of Future Proud Michigan Educator LAUNCH, download the standards for answers.

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Student and Family Resources

To meet the educator workforce shortage, Future Proud Michigan Educator LAUNCH helps students get a start in teaching. This exciting journey can help them earn credits toward a higher education degree, spark an interest in teaching as a career, and prepare them to enter the workforce immediately after high school graduation with the CDA/MI-YDA credential.

For participating schools, visit MI School Data. Search by program, and then enter Education General (13.0000).

Find Participating Programs at MI School Data

Learn More About Educational Credentials

High school students will benefit greatly from the CDA and MI-YDA credentials with a head-start into higher education and career opportunities in highly rewarding fields. Students graduate with job-ready skills and earn college credits without cost. That is a win-win for student's and Michigan.

The CDA credentials cover an array of topics such as: establishing and maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment; supporting social and emotional development; building productive relationships with families; managing an effective program operation; maintaining a commitment to professionalism; observing and recording children’s behavior; understanding principles of child development and learning; and Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential (Infant-Toddler or Preschool).

Educational Credentials

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Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential (Infant-Toddler)

Working with young children offers so much more than just a job. This rewarding career contributes to young children’s life journeys by creating safe and nurturing environments for learning, growth and development. Professionals in this fun and exciting career have a lasting impact on the children and families they work with.

To earn this credential, a candidate must:

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent or be enrolled as a junior or senior in a high school career and technical education program in the education & training career cluster
  • Apply to begin the credential process and develop a portfolio with training documentation.
  • Log 120 hours of instructional time and 480 hours of work-based learning working with children in a center-based setting.
  • Receive an observation by a PD specialist in a center-based setting. (Coursework and hours of experience must be complete prior to observation)
View Infant-Toddler CDA Tip Sheet
teacher sitting on the floor talking with nine elementary school students

Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential (Preschool)

Working with young children offers so much more than just a job. This rewarding career contributes to young children’s life journeys by creating safe and nurturing environments for learning, growth and development. Professionals in this fun and exciting career have a lasting impact on the children and families they work with.

To earn this credential, a candidate must:

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent or be enrolled as a junior or senior in a high school career and technical education program in the education & training career cluster
  • Apply to begin the credential process and develop a portfolio with training documentation.
  • Log 120 hours of instructional time and 480 hours of work-based learning working with children in a center-based setting.
  • Receive an observation by a PD specialist in a center-based setting. (Coursework and hours of experience must be complete prior to observation)
View Preschool CDA Tip Sheet
teacher and high school student working on robotics car while two other students watch

Michigan Youth Development (MI-YDA) Credential

The MI-YDA opens the door to careers working with young people including afterschool and summer programs, recreation and sports coaching, community arts programs, camp counseling, and much more.

To earn this credential, a candidate must:

  • Have a high school diploma or equivalent or be enrolled as a junior or senior in a high school career and technical education program in the education & training career cluster
  • Apply to begin the credential process and complete online portfolio with training documentation.
  • Log 120 hours of instructional time and 480 hours of work-based learning working with children in an out-of-school time setting (240 hours may be in a school-based classroom).
  • Receive and External Observation leading an OST program. (Coursework and hours of experience must be complete prior to observation)
View MI-YDA Credential Tip Sheet