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.
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.
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.
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).
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).
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:
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:
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:
