New Growth to work with Child Care Leaders Fellows Program
Now Accepting Applications: ECE Leader Fellows Program Builds Local Leadership for Child Care Access
Child care access in west central Missouri is in crisis—and it’s costing us. Our region faces an estimated $12.6 million in losses from employment disruption and reduced tax revenue due to the lack of available care. That’s why it’s time to step up with local leadership from those who know the challenges best.
We’re excited to share that applications are now open for the 2025–2026 Early Care and Education (ECE) Leader Fellows Program, a yearlong, paid opportunity for parents and child care providers to grow as leaders and advocate for better child care solutions in Missouri.
The program is hosted by Kids Win Missouri in partnership with New Growth, and is designed to lift up voices from across the state.
Our four county region is eligible for two fellows (one parent and one provider).
In our region—Cedar, Henry, Polk, and St. Clair counties—fellows will work closely with New Growth as their supporting community engagement partner. That means fellows will not only benefit from statewide leadership training and support, but also from a local partner helping them stay connected and supported throughout the experience.
What Fellows Receive:
- $1,500 stipend for active participation (with 80% attendance)
- Monthly virtual trainings focused on leadership, advocacy, and systems change
- In-person advocacy opportunities, with travel expenses covered
- Support from both Kids Win Missouri and New Growth throughout the year
Why It Matters:
This fellowship is designed to elevate the real voices of parents and providers—those living the child care crisis every day. By investing in leadership right where the challenges are felt, the program helps build stronger, more responsive child care systems from the ground up.
Whether you’re running a child care program or raising young children in our region, your lived experience matters—and your voice can help drive change.
How to Apply:
📅 Deadline to apply: June 30, 2025
📬 Fellows selected: Early to mid-July
🚀 Program runs: July 2025 – June 2026
📍 Eligible counties for New Growth’s regional support: Cedar, Henry, Polk, and St. Clair
👉To learn more, read the ECE Leader Fellows Information Sheet
👉To apply, fill out the ECE Leader Fellowship Application
Let’s lift up the voices of those who know the system best—families and providers in our communities. Together, with support from New Growth and Kids Win Missouri, we can grow local leadership that leads to real, lasting solutions.