The following certificates are completed during the Apprenticeship:

Registered Behavior Technician
Paraprofessional
Child Development Associate
90-hour Preschool
90-hour Infant and Toddler
90-hour School-Age

If you have already earned one of these certificates, you may be eligible for credit for that specific training. For credit for previous training, submit your unexpired certificates with your application materials.

Minimum criteria for admission to the childcare apprenticeship:

1. Pennslyyanıa Resident
2. At least age 18 years
3. Have earned a high school diploma or GED®
4. Have reliable transportation
5. Be able to pass a medical evaluation and be cleared to work with children
6. Be able to pass a background check to work with children (fingerprinting and child protective services check

There are a limited number of slots in each apprenticeship cohort. Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee admission; the most highly qualified applicants will be accepted into each cohort.

All applicants are required to be employed while in the apprenticeship program.

1. No experience is necessary.
2. Individuals accepted into the apprenticeship are matched to a participating employer for hiring.
3. Individuals currently working for a participating employer may also apply for the apprenticeship.
4. Apprentices are encouraged to work with the same employer throughout the apprenticeship but may apply to work with a different, participating employer.
5. 3,000 hours of employment over the course of the 18-month apprenticeship. Prior work experience may be used to meet this requirement when evidence of that experience is submitted with the application.
6. Apprentices must maintain full-time employment throughout the apprenticeship.

The College’s teacher education faculty and staff assist apprentices in successfully navigating the coursework and assist apprentices with their application to the Maryland Child Care Credentialing program.
Apprentices interested in continuing their education after completion of the apprenticeship receive support from the College in applying for the CCCPDF grant which covers 100% of tuition, books, and fees for select childcare providers.
Apprentices are eligible to articulate to college credits towards a degree program after successfully completing the apprenticeship.

Applicants accepted into the apprenticeship must go through the hiring process with a participating employer including the completion of a fingerprint-based background check, child protective services check, and submission of a medical evaluation. Apprentices are expected to begin full-time employment no later than the start of the apprenticeship. Apprentices are expected to schedule interviews and complete the hiring process in accordance with this timeline.

STEP 1:
BEFORE starting the application, gather the following:

1. Proof of residence (driver’s license or state identification card
2. Proof of high school diploma or GED®
3. Name, address, and phone number of the employer, if currently employed in childcare.
4. Name and email address of the director, if currently employed.
5. Letter of support from the director, if currently employed, or someone else knowledgeable about your ability to work in child care. You will receive a confirmation email after completing your submission that will include the letter for the Director to complete.
6. Child care certificates you have earned (e.g., Basic Health & Safety, Including All Children and the Americans with Disabilities Act, CPR/first aid, etc.)
7. College transcript (unofficial is acceptable), if you have passed any college courses
8. Standardized test scores (SAT, GED®, ACT, Accuplacer, PARCC), if available

STEP 2:
Write an essay. You will copy this onto the application.
Write a paragraph stating why you are interested in pursuing a career in special education. Make sure to include your career goals and how the apprenticeship will help you achieve these goals. Your answer will be scored on your ability to answer all parts of the question and provide sufficient details, as well as your grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

STEP 3:
Complete the Application
APPLY
NOTE: The deadline may be extended if space allows.

STEP 4:
1. Email the supporting documentation to Abby at akariuki@eiforei.org or careerdevelopment@eiforei.org
2. Proof of residence (driver’s license or state identification card)
3. Proof of high school diploma or GED®
4. Letter of support
5. Child care certificates you have (already) earned
6. College transcript, if you have passed any college courses
7. All selected apprentices will have to sign an apprenticeship agreement further detailing the rights and responsibilities of apprentices.

If you have any questions about the Child Care Apprenticeship or the application process, contact the Apprenticeship Coordinator, Abby, at akariuki@eiforei.org or CALL: 215-514-2560.

What if I have already taken some of these courses?
That’s not a problem. We will collect all prior learning certificates during the application process and give you credit for what you have already taken. Depending on what courses you have taken, you may receive approval from the college to decrease the program length. Each person’s application is thoroughly reviewed to determine if this is an option.

Do I have to work during the program?
Yes. Working full-time in an approved program is one of the requirements of participation in the program. Individuals accepted into the apprenticeship are matched to a participating employer for hiring. Individuals currently working for a participating employer may also apply for the apprenticeship. Individuals currently working at a childcare facility that is not a participating employer may stay at that facility provided they agree to become a participating employer. Apprentices are encouraged to work with the same employer throughout the apprenticeship but may apply to work with a different, participating employer. Apprentices must complete 3,000 hours of employment over the course of the 18-month apprenticeship. Prior work experience which has been verified at the time of acceptance may be used to assist in meeting this requirement at the discretion of the Apprenticeship Committee. Owner/operators of licensed family child care programs may be participating employers but may not be apprentices.

How are raises given and when?
Apprentices are paid by the program, not the college. Salary requirements increase every 1,000 work hours or every six months. At the beginning of the apprenticeship, you’ll make at least 90% of the lead teacher rate, after you complete the requirements of the first six months, you will make at least 95% of the lead teacher rate. After you successfully complete the requirements for the first year, you will make at least 97% of the lead teacher rate. After you complete the apprenticeship, you will make at least 100% of the lead teacher rate. (If you already make more than this due to seniority, your salary will not decrease but you may not receive raises.)

I work in a family childcare program. Am I eligible to participate?
An owner/operator of a family childcare can NOT participate as an apprentice, but they can serve as an employer/mentor if they have a full-time employee. The full-time employee could be their apprentice but must be mentored at all times by the owner/operator.

What does my employer have to do to become a participating center?
The Apprenticeship Coordinator will provide your director with information about the apprenticeship program. If your director decides to participate, they will need to complete documents to become registered with the Labor Board. They must agree to assign you a mentor, provide all necessary on-the-job training, adhere to salary requirements and adhere to all other apprenticeship standards.