Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship

You can’t contain your nurturing nature when kids are around. And, you’re ready to put this part of your personality to work.

This means developing not only the endless energy for songs, games and stories, but the skills to keep children safe and healthy. Part guardian and part friend, an early childhood professional holds a special place in a child’s life and in the community.

The Early Childhood Apprenticeship program at Madison College is designed to give you on-the-job training while you work in a licensed establishment and attend school. You will be earning income during all phases of the training period, including the hours you attend classes. 

To get started, find an early childhood employer willing to apprentice you. You and the director of the child care program will work with the Department of Workforce Development to create an apprenticeship contract. Once Madison College receives this contract, you will be contacted by Madison College’s Early Childhood Education department with further information.

You may find employment working with children from birth to age five with a community, for-profit, non-profit or employer-sponsored childcare center.

An apprenticeship requires 4,000 hours of paid training. 432 hours of that training are spent in either online or in-person classroom setting.

You will train a minimum of 32 hours per week under a qualified professional. You will attend class an average of four and a half hours per week over four semesters. 100% attendance is mandatory for the successful completion of the apprenticeship program. 

Through worksite and classroom hours you will gain experience in:

• Planning and performing learning experiences
• Ensuring health and safety of children, other workers and yourself
• Building relationships with children and families
• Understanding child development
• Working with children with disabilities
• Supervising playground activities

Early childhood educators have both simple and complex daily tasks. Learn about the essential functions early childhood educators perform. 

Do More With Your Credits

Early Childhood Apprenticeship program credits count toward Madison College’s Early Childhood Education associate degree.

Program Details

Early Childhood Apprenticeship classes are offered online and in person, and you can choose the format that works best for you. 

Classes are held at the Madison Goodman South campus.