EARN while you LEARN!
The Early Education Apprenticeship Program (EEA) offers a career pathway for child care providers and aspiring early educators in Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone and McLennan counties. EEA offers paid on-the-job-learning, flexible college coursework, and one-on-one coaching in an early childhood classroom.
Other benefits may include: wage increases, milestone stipends, and earning college credit at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» (Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³») within the first 12 months. In some circumstances, prior work experience and college credit hours will be accepted in substitute for EEA requirements.
Applications Open YEAR Round!
Apprentice Benefits
- On-the-job training and coaching with an assigned program mentor
- Earn-while you-learn with recommended wage increases
- Personalized apprentice specialist to help guide you each step of your educational journey
- Flexible college course schedule aimed to support the working student
- Advance your career without sacrificing your income
- Upon completion of year one, earn Child Development Associate (CDA,) Early
Childhood Level 1 certification, and Department of Labor Apprenticeship Level 1 certification - Short term, stackable apprenticeship tracks from an Early Childhood Level 1 certification to obtaining an Associates in Applied Science degree in Child Development
Apprentice Requirements
- Live in Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone or McLennan county
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Hold a current driver's license, state ID, birth certificate, or work visa (required of non US citizens)
- Working at least 30 hours/week in a Certified Texas Rising Star infant, toddler, or preschool program
- Be in good standing at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» or previously attended college (if applicable)
- Program director recommendation
- Sign an EEA Program and Department of Labor agreement
Program Information & First Steps
ECE1: Early Childhood Educator Level 1 Infant & Toddler Track
ECE1: Early Childhood Educator Level 1 Preschool Track
ECE2: Early Childhood Educator Level 2
ECE3: Associate of Applied Science Degree in Child Development
Upon completion of year one of the program, apprentices will earn a Child Development Associate (CDA), Early Childhood Education Level 1 Certification, and Department of Labor (DOL) Apprenticeship Level 1 certification. All college credit hours are stackable and can be applied to "Level Up" towards an Early Childhood Level 2 Certification (ECE2) and ultimately an Associate of Applied Science degree in Child Development at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³», which is a 60-hour degree program. Apprentices will also have the option to earn a at Tarleton State University through the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» University Center.
To be considered for the program, you must first:
- Meet the basic eligibility requirements listed above
- Complete the
- Upon applying, a Director Recommendation Form will be emailed to the director notated on your application
Apprentice Timeline
Have questions? Send us an email or give us a call at the numbers provided below!
Shari Buzbee Page,
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Apprenticeship Specialist
Phone: 254.299.8728
Email: spage@mclennan.edu
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