Early Education Apprenticeship
What is the Early Education Apprenticeship Program?
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 McLennan Community College (MCC) 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 MCC)
- 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 MCC 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.
Upon completion of the program, apprentices will earn a Child Development Associate (CDA), Level I, and 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 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
- Submit a Program Director Recommendation (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!
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