Recruit, Inspire, Support the Early Childhood Profession in Missouri (RISE-MO)

Building Missouri’s child care workforce through education, career exploration, and professional services.

An early childhood professional works with young children at at table.

Outcomes

We are expanding opportunities for individuals to enter and advance in the early childhood profession while helping communities build a stronger, more sustainable workforce. Through RISE-MO, communities are developing locally driven solutions for educator recruitment and youth apprenticeship, while our career exploration, CDA preparation, and undergraduate certificate programs open new pathways into the field.

By strengthening partnerships and creating articulation pathways with Missouri community colleges, we are building a pipeline of prepared and passionate early childhood professionals—recruiting, inspiring, and supporting the next generation of the workforce.

Program Purpose

Recruit, Inspire, Support the Early Childhood Profession in Missouri (RISE-MO) is building a stronger early childhood workforce in Missouri by creating accessible pathways for individuals to explore, enter, and advance in the profession. Through education, professional development, career exploration, and workforce solutions, RISE-MO supports current and future early childhood educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to provide high-quality care and learning experiences for young children.

From preparing students for careers in early childhood education to supporting professionals, schools, and communities with innovative resources and services, RISE-MO helps strengthen the systems that support children and families. By connecting education, training, and workforce development, RISE-MO is helping shape a more resilient and sustainable future for early childhood education across Missouri.

More Information

RISE-MO supports individuals at every stage of their early childhood education journey. Whether you are exploring a career in the field, preparing to become an early childhood professional, or looking to advance your education and career, RISE-MO offers pathways and resources to help you reach your goals. Click on the button below to learn more about RISE-MO.

RISE-MO Contacts

Dr. Brenda Lohman

blohman@missouri.edu

573-884-0598

Q107 1400 Rock Quarry Road Columbia MO 65211

Dr. Aileen Garcia

aileen.garcia@missouri.edu

573-882-2441

Q108D 1400 Rock Quarry Road Columbia MO 65211

Dr. Shinyoung Jeon

sjeon@missouri.edu

573-882-3029

Q162 1400 Rock Quarry Road Columbia MO 65211

Dr. Michelle Mathews

mathewsm@missouri.edu

573-884-6800

239 E Stanley Hall
Columbia MO 65211

Elizabeth Ireland, MPA

irelande@missouri.edu

573-882-8900

Q109 1400 Rock Quarry Road Columbia MO 65211

Explore Related Labs, Programs, and Services

Learn more about our Enhancing Early Childhood Development, Care, and Learning Labs, programs, and services by clicking the button below.

Explore Our Past Projects & Initiatives

Learn about the research, programs, and services that have advanced CFPR’s mission and made a lasting impact in communities across Missouri and beyond.