The APRENDE Early Childhood Teacher Apprenticeship Program is a great opportunity to earn a salary as you gain skills, credentials, and a degree in the field of early childhood.
The APRENDE program is designed for working students interested in applying what they learn through college coursework directly in the classroom under the guidance of a qualified mentor teacher. APRENDE employers and program staff work closely with the apprentices to provide wrap-around support, training, and advisement.
To join the APRENDE Early Childhood Teacher 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/.
- All APRENDE apprentices work in a licensed or registered early childhood program.
- Apprentices use their work experience to demonstrate competency in their college coursework.
- Apprentices receive mentorship and support from an experienced early childhood mentor teacher.
- Apprentices earn the Child Development Certificate (CDC) and the Early Childhood Professional Certificate from the Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD), and a certificate and Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education through a public higher education institution that partners with APRENDE. Certifications and credentials lead to higher wages and lead teacher positions.
- Apprentices receive specialized advisement throughout the program and support with transfer to a university to complete a bachelor’s degree
