Building the Early Childhood Workforce Pipeline:

Partnering with Vocational Programs

with Elizabeth Kennedy of Old Rochester Regional High School

This session highlights how Massachusetts Chapter 74 Early Education programs can partner with Head Start to strengthen the early childhood workforce pipeline. The presenter, a Chapter 74 Early Education teacher, and select high school students will share how vocational programs prepare students for careers in early childhood, the importance of early professional identity development, and how Head Start programs can effectively support, mentor, and retain young educators entering the field. Participants will gain practical strategies for collaboration while hearing directly from future early childhood professionals.

Who is Elizabeth Kennedy?

Elizabeth Kennedy is a licensed Massachusetts Chapter 74 Early Education and Care teacher at Old Rochester Regional High School, where she prepares high school students for careers in early childhood education through classroom instruction, preschool laboratory experiences and community-based internships. She also teaches child development as an adjunct instructor at Fisher College.

Before entering vocational education, Elizabeth worked for PACE Head Start as both a Children’s Services Manager and Classroom Specialist. In these roles, she supported children, families, educators and program leaders across early childhood settings. She holds a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education Administration and Leadership and is a Certified Early Intervention Specialist and EEC Director I and II qualified educator.

Elizabeth is passionate about strengthening partnerships between early childhood programs and Chapter 74 schools, developing the future early education workforce and helping young educators enter the field prepared, confident and committed to children and families