What is the Early Education Apprenticeship Program?
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!
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
Program Information & First Steps
ECE3: Associate of Applied Science Degree in Child Development
Upon completion 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 and ultimately the Associate of Applied Science degree in Child Development at McLennan Community College, which is a 60-hour degree program. Apprentices will also have the option to earn a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Child Development and Family Studies at Tarleton State University through the MCC University Center.
To be considered for the program, you must first:
- Meet the basic eligibility requirements listed above
- Complete the Apprentice Application
- 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!
