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EARN while you LEARN!

EARN while you LEARN!

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!

Deadline for next cohort starting June 2026 is Monday, April 13, 2026.

Apply Now

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

Program Information & First Steps

ECE1: Early Childhood Education Level 1 Infant & Toddler Track

ECE1: Early Childhood Education Level 1 Preschool Track

ECE2: Early Childhood Education Level 2

ECE3: Associate of Applied Science Degree in Child Development

Upon completion of year one 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 (ECE2) and ultimately an 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

Applications Open YEAR-round
The apprentice applications are now open! Ready to apply? Make sure you meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:
- Live/work 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);
- Work 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);
- Submit a Program Director recommendation; and
- Sign a Department of Labor agreement
After we receive your application and director’s recommendation form, our staff may contact you for additional information and to schedule an interview.

Have questions? Email us.
Application Deadline per Cohort (April Annually)

Selected apprentices not enrolled at McLennan Community College by May 13th will be removed from the EEA program. Students must be assigned an advisor prior to enrolling in courses. If you are not a current student at MCC, you must first apply for admission.

Have questions? Email us.
Summer Classes Begin (June Annually)

Classes begin at MCC! Apprentices who already hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) certification will begin classes in the fall. Have questions or need immediate assistance? Need help?

Have questions? Email us.