Erikson Institute, a graduate school in child development, has launched an innovative Master of Science in Early Childhood Education (MSECE) licensure program with a triple endorsement in early education, special education, and bilingual/English as a Second Language (ESL). The first-of-its-kind master’s program in Illinois aims to diversify the early childhood workforce while increasing the number of highly qualified teachers in divested communities.  This “triple endorsement” degree will uniquely prepare Erikson graduates to meet the diversity of today’s learners. The three content areas woven together in Erikson’s curriculum are typically learned separately. The innovative approach focuses on preparing teachers to understand children entering the classroom more holistically–including identifying their strengths and areas for growth and supporting early learners with multiple life experiences—and making sure that early childhood classrooms are ready to support every child rather than expecting children to have “kindergarten readiness.” Erikson will award “Educator Impact Grants” covering full tuition and certain fees for qualifying students who commit to teaching in a divested community for four years post-graduation, in nonprofit Illinois public, private or parochial preschool or elementary schools that receive federal Title I funds to address economic inequity or that serve families with limited access to income.