Inside SFCC Vol 4 Noteworthy

SFCC partners with the City of Santa Fe to train more childcare providers

To help address New Mexico’s shortage of childcare professionals, SFCC has partnered with the City of Santa Fe to launch the APRENDE apprenticeship program for early childhood education this spring. Interested students can apply now. The program is funded with support from the City of Santa Fe, American Rescue Plan Act Recovery Funds and the Early Childhood Education Center of Excellence at SFCC.

The APRENDE Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship program is an associate degree program designed for students to use their work experience integrated with their college coursework.

Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber said, “Santa Fe needs quality, affordable childcare for all our residents. Using some of our ARPA funds to add more qualified childcare providers to our community will support moms and dads, their children, and the businesses here in town that need employees who can come back to work. I’m delighted that the City continues to work with the Community College and other partners to provide this family-friendly service to our community.”

“APRENDE is the first registered apprenticeship in early childhood education in the state,” added Catron Allred, director of ECCOE. “I’m thrilled that SFCC can offer such a robust apprenticeship program due to the support of the Mayor and the City Council.”

Apprentices will take courses at SFCC while employed at a registered or licensed early childhood program, under the guidance of a qualified mentor teacher. APPRENDE apprentices earn the Child Development Certificate, the Early Childhood Professional Certificate, and an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, leading to higher wages and a lead teacher credential. Students can take advantage of additional opportunities for professional development and wraparound supports.

SFCC president Becky Rowley, Ph.D., said, “We are grateful to the Mayor and City Council of Santa Fe for investing in an innovative workforce development program to increase the capacity of early education in Santa Fe. Through APRENDE, we will be building new pipelines into rewarding early childcare and education careers and helping current early childcare workers earn certificates and degrees that lead to higher wages and responsibilities.” Read more in this press release. Additional information and the application links are posted here.