Early Education Apprenticeship
The Early Education Apprenticeship (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, college coursework, and one-on-one coaching in an early childhood classroom.
Other benefits may include: wage increases, milestone stipends, and earning up to 15 credit hours at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» (Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³») within 12 months. In some circumstances, prior work experience and college credit hours will be accepted in substitute for EEA requirements.
Applications for cohort 3 are now open. The application deadline is Monday, April 14.
Apprentice Benefits
- On-the-job training with college credit embedded (15 college credit hours from Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»)
- Earn-while you-learn with wage increases during the program
- Upon completion, earn Child Development Associate (CDA) Level I and Department of Labor (DOL) certificates
- Gain relevant workplace skills through on-the-job learning
- Advance your career without sacrificing income
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 a Department of Labor agreement
Program Information & First Steps
The third EEA cohort begins June 2, 2025, and runs through July 2026. Currently, the program offers a track for infant, toddler and preschool educators.
Infant & Toddler Track Preschool Track
Upon completion of the program, apprentices will earn a Child Development Associate (CDA), Level I, and Early Childhood Education Level 1 Certification Department of Labor (DOL) certificates. The 15 college credit hours can then be applied to the 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
- Submit a (form must be completed by director, not apprentice).
Spring 2025 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
Explore Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»'s Child Studies & Education department!
