Apprentices come from a variety of backgrounds. Typically they are individuals new to the field and/or individuals who have not had formal education in early childhood education. Apprentices must commit to fully participating in the training program.
Apprentices must meet the the following requirements:
- Must be currently employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week in a licensed public or private early childhood education program
- Must have a high school diploma or GED or be a student in a high school or technical center who is enrolled in a course of study that includes an employer/employee relationship within the community
- Commit to on-the-job training with a qualified mentor in their workplace for support, observations, assessment, and guidance
- Document a total of 4,000 hours of supervised work, which can typically be completed within two years of full-time employment.
- Earn 18-21 college credits through 6-7 college courses, typically one per semester, over a 2-year+ period
- Under the current T.E.A.C.H. Apprenticeship Scholarship model, college courses include:
- Dimensions of Self and Society (INT 1050)* when applicable
- Introduction to Early Childhood Education (EDU 1030)
- Communication in the Early Childhood Education & Afterschool Workplace (COM 1015)
- Child Development (PSY 2010)
- Supporting Young Children with Diverse Abilities (EDU 1270)
- Curriculum Development for Early Childhood Education (EDU 2045)
- Leadership, Mentoring & Supervision for Early Childhood & Afterschool Practitioners (EDU 2041)
- Attend community based trainings that address specific needs in the early childhood education setting.
- Under the current T.E.A.C.H. Apprenticeship Scholarship model, college courses include:
What are the benefits for apprentices?
- Support and guidance from a qualified mentor at their workplace
- Earn 18-21 credits through successful completion of the six or seven college courses
- Comprehensive T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Vermont scholarship that covers tuition, textbooks, paid release time, and provides an access stipend each semester
- Paid a bonus upon successful completion of each T.E.A.C.H. scholarship contract
- Gain additional skills and knowledge from required community based training
- Gather all the tools needed to complete their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in apprenticeship, if desired
- Earn a Certificate of Completion as a Child Development Specialist from the Department of Labor. This is a professional credential that is recognized nationwide as a Standard of Quality
- Become eligible to earn a Level IIIA certificate on the Northern Lights Career Ladder
- May be eligible for a bonus from the Child Development Division upon successful completion of apprenticeship
I’m interested! How do I find an employer who will sponsor me as an apprentice?
You can explore potential employers that have participated in sponsoring child care apprentices on the VT Department of Labor’s list. Please note, these programs may not currently be hiring or looking for apprentices. If you are applying for a position or are currently employed at an early childhood education program, ask the employer if they will sponsor you. Employers who are interested in becoming sponsoring programs can contact VTAEYC.
I’m ready! How do I apply?
Visit T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Vermont or contact Paula Nadeau and Brenda Schramm with specific questions at teachearlychildhooodvermont@vtaeyc.org or (802) 387-0870.
