EARN while you LEARN!



Logo of McLennan Community College alongside visuals of early education apprenticeship activities featuring students engaging with children in various learning environments.

 


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 McLennan Community College (MCC) 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!  

 


A group of young children engaging in a fun activity with an adult in a classroom setting.

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 MCC or previously attended college (if applicable)
  • Program director recommendation
  • Sign an EEA Program and Department of Labor agreement
Early Education Apprenticeship Staff

Have questions? Send us an email or give us a call at the numbers provided below!


Professional headshot of a woman with short, curly blonde hair, smiling in an office setting with a bulletin board and framed photos in the background.

Shari Buzbee Page,
MCC Apprenticeship Specialist

 Phone: 254.299.8728
Email: spage@mclennan.edu

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Amanda Castro,
MCC Faculty EEA Liaison

 Phone: 254.299.8789
Email: acastro@mclennan.edu

Child Studies & Education at MCC

Explore MCC's Child Studies & Education department!

The Early Education Apprenticeship is provided in partnership by:

Work Force Solutions
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