E-Learning Pioneer Acquires Leading Early Childhood Education Staff Training Provider

StraighterLine expands its focus on flexible, career-aligned credentials with the
acquisition of ChildCare Education Institute

BALTIMORE and WASHINGTON, September 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — StraighterLinea creator of affordable, flexible and career-focused post-secondary courses, today announced the acquisition of Institute of Child Care Education (CCEI), one of the largest online training providers for early childhood education professionals. The addition of the Early Childhood Education Learning Platform, which served more than 87,000 teachers and staff at more than 6,200 child care centers in 2021, reflects StraighterLine’s commitment to expanding access training that fills persistent talent gaps and creates pathways to economic mobility.

“As the pace of change in the labor market continues to accelerate, employers in fast-growing fields – from early childhood education to healthcare – are looking for new approaches to talent development. that bridge the gap between learning and working,” said Heather Combs, CEO of StraighterLine. “This acquisition is intended to help advance the promise of flexible and affordable education to both meet the needs of employers and help more people chart the path to rewarding careers.”

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated Staffing issues, child care programs across the country had long struggled with a shortage of qualified early childhood education and care professionals and high turnover rates. A 2021 study by the National Association for the Education of Young Children found that more than eight in 10 child care providers were experiencing staffing shortages and that half were serving fewer children due to hiring issues. Just this month, the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment reported that childcare employment still down more than 8% since the start of the pandemic, even as the economy as a whole recovers.

Since its inception in 2005, CCEI has launched more than 500 online child care training courses to meet state requirements and Starting requirementsas well as online certificate programs for nationally recognized degrees, including the Child Development Associate (CDA), Director’s certificate, Early Childhood Diploma, and other continuing education options. CCEI also manages the RegisterA workforce management system, which helps state agencies and regulators collect and maintain early childhood education data.

“There is an urgent need for skilled early care and education workers across the country,” said Maria Taylor, President of the CCEI. “This acquisition aims to create more lifelong learning opportunities that provide passionate individuals with flexible pathways to careers. We are excited to join the StraighterLine family and further expand the potential entry points in this meaningful profession.”

The continued evolution of StraighterLine’s offerings comes as most americans continue to be skeptical of the value of post-secondary education and its alignment with jobs. Best known for its low-cost, competency-based courses recommended by ACE learning assessments, StraighterLine supports learners by providing flexible and affordable pathways to their career goals. Through its partnerships with employers, in particular through FastTrack Bright Horizonslearners can improve their skills while working on a schedule and at a pace that meets their needs.

This acquisition is a first step in StraighterLine’s plan to expand its course offering, building on a significant investment from BV Investment Partners in April 2020. District Capital Partners served as financial advisor and Ropes & Gray LLP served as legal advisor to StraighterLine on this transaction.

To learn more about StraighterLine’s courses and courses, visit https://www.straighterline.com.

About StraighterLine

StraighterLine is the leading provider of affordable, high-quality online courses that help learners earn college credit and achieve their career goals. Each year, 150,000 learners take one of StraighterLine’s 215 courses to further their careers or earn credit at more than 2,000 colleges and universities around the world. StraighterLine works with partner institutions and companies to provide their students and employees with flexible training options that allow them to work and learn at their own pace. Visit https://www.straighterline.com for more information.

About ChildCare Education Institute, LLC

Based in the great Atlanta ChildCare Education Institute® offers high-quality distance education certificates and child care training programs in a range of child care settings, including preschools, family daycares, preschool classrooms , nanny care, online daycare training and more. Over 500 hours of childcare training courses in English and Spanish are available online to meet licensing, program recognition and Head Start requirements. CCEI also has online certification programs that provide coursework requirements for national degrees, including CDA, Director, and Early Childhood degrees. CCEI, a CDA Gold Standard™ Professional Accreditation Council training provider, is accredited by the Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC), is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation ( CHEA) and is accredited as an authorized provider by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

SOURCE StraighterLine