The APRENDE Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program is a great opportunity to earn as you learn. You will complete an associate degree in early childhood education while using your skills in an early childhood program during the day.
The APRENDE coursework is designed for working students so that you can use what you learn directly in the classroom under the guidance of a qualified mentor teacher. APRENDE employers will help you succeed and work closely with the program to ensure that apprentices have wrap-around support and advisement.
To join the APRENDE Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program, you should meet the following criteria:
- Employed at an early childhood center or interested in becoming employed in an early childhood setting
- Have a high school diploma or high school equivalency (ex. GED, HiSET)*
- 18+ Years Old
- Able to pass a background check
- Willing to take early childhood coursework while working in an early childhood classroom setting
* Applicants to the APRENDE apprenticeship must have a high school diploma or high school equivalency/GED. If you do not have a high school diploma or GED, see the college’s HSE/GED program page: https://www.sfcc.edu/new-student-registration-hse-ged/ or the I-BEST Program for Early Childhood Development: https://www.sfcc.edu/career-training-opportunities-i-best/
- All APRENDE apprentices work in a licensed or registered early childhood program.
- Apprentices use their work experience to demonstrate competency in the college coursework.
- Apprentices receive extensive and ongoing coaching from early childhood faculty.
- Apprentices receive mentorship and support from an experienced early childhood mentor teacher.
- Apprentices earn the Child Development Certificate (CDC), the Early Childhood Professional Certificate, and an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education through the APRENDE Program leading to higher wages and a lead teacher credential.
- Apprentices receive specialized advisement throughout the program and support with transfer to a university to complete a bachelor’s degree
