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On-the-Job Degree Program Elevates Early Childhood Professionals in Omaha

A new, innovative partnership between UNO and Educare of Omaha, Inc. allows working childcare professionals to fulfill their practicum and student teaching hours directly within their existing full-time workplaces.

Highlights

  • The Early Childhood Inclusive Professional Pathway program marked a major milestone this summer as its first cohort reached the halfway mark and a second cohort began their journey.
  • The unique partnership between UNO and Educare of Omaha, Inc. allows working childcare professionals to fulfill their practicum and student teaching hours directly within their existing full-time workplaces.
  • Participants advance their careers through a tailored, supportive cohort model that combines flexible coursework, dedicated mentorship, and shared celebrations of their professional milestones.


This June, the Early Childhood Inclusive (ECI) Professional Pathway program marked a major milestone as its first cohort of educators reached the halfway mark, just as a brand-new second cohort began their journey. UNO has offered the ECI degree since 2014, but this unique partnership with Educare of Omaha, Inc. marks a fresh approach to teacher preparation.

Educare, a network of five early learning schools serving children and families in North and South Omaha, works closely with CEHHS to support these educators. Participants work full-time at Educare while pursuing their bachelor’s degrees and Nebraska teaching certification, with coursework specifically designed to fit around their busy schedules.

ECI Program Director Tiffani Holmes said the partnership highlights the value of investing in teachers who are already firmly established in Omaha’s early childhood learning community. “It is about helping early childhood teachers advance themselves not only professionally, but personally, so they can better serve the children and families they work with,” she said.

“I always told myself I would come back to support Educare’s teachers. Now I have the chance to help them grow in their careers, get certified, and discover new opportunities."

 Tiffani Holmes, ECI Program Director

Holmes added that the program goes beyond typical preparation by including special education coursework and targeted coaching. She meets with the groups twice a month to provide academic and personal support, while the cohort model allows students to move through classes together and build a strong, collaborative learning community.

First-cohort member Leilani Garcia said this cooperative approach drew her to the program. “I was excited to work alongside other co-workers and have support while learning,” she said. “Being able to put what I’m learning into practice right away is helping me become a better teacher.”

Fellow cohort member Nancy Rivera agrees, adding that flexibility and support have made a big difference. “I always wanted to continue learning and become a better teacher, and this program is helping me improve my education and better myself as a person, teacher, co-worker, and team player,” she said.

As part of their studies, students explore child development, curriculum design, assessment, family-centered practices, and advocacy. Program benefits include tailored academic advising, peer networking, and the unique advantage of immediately applying classroom theory to their daily work. Upon graduation, participants are certified to teach from birth through third grade in both general and special education settings, or to serve as early interventionists.

For Holmes, guiding these Educare cohorts feels like coming full circle. She began her own career as an infant-toddler teacher at Educare nearly a decade ago before moving into leadership roles. “I always told myself I would come back to support Educare’s teachers,” she said. “Now I have the chance to help them grow in their careers, get certified, and discover new opportunities."

With strong community partnerships and scholarship funding available for all participants, the ECI Professional Pathway ensures that more young children in Omaha have access to skilled, compassionate educators who are already dedicated to their community's future.


Ready to Begin Your Own Teacher Certification Journey?

Already working in early childhood and ready to become a certified teacher? Discover how you can earn a teaching degree, build a supportive network of peers, and advance your career while continuing to work in the field you love. The program accepts candidates from Educare and other Omaha-area centers. Contact the Early Childhood Inclusive team and a faculty member will be in touch: unoeci@unomaha.edu or learn more about the ECI Professional Pathway.