Quality childcare is directly linked to quality education and experience. But how can you be expected to have the experience for the job if you need the job for the experience in the first place? We believe access to hands-on work experience should be possible for all new early childhood educators that also provides compensation for the work they do.
The Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program is designed to recruit early childhood educators and connect them with apprenticeships that support investing in education while providing on-the-job experience.
Upon completion of this 1.5-year program, apprentices will:
- Earn college credit through the Community College System of New Hampshire or Granite State College
- Have a recognized apprenticeship experience leading to a Childcare Development Specialist Certificate from the Department of Labor and the New Hampshire Bureau of Childcare Licensing and a credential to teach in a child care center
- Increase their earning potential through higher wages
Our Apprenticeship Program builds a solid foundation for new educators with on-the-job learning, coaching from highly-skilled early education mentors, mandatory wage increases and accumulation of college credit. Priority is given to those committed to working with infants and/or toddlers in early care or child care programs.
Get a Head Start in Early Childhood Education
Are you a high school junior or senior interested in working with young children? The Pre-Apprenticeship Program at Community Action Partnership of Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties (CAPHR) is a great way to explore a career in early childhood education while still in high school!
This unique training opportunity gives students hands-on experience in child care settings while also offering classroom instruction to build foundational skills. You'll learn how to support young children’s development and gain insight into what it’s like to work in a licensed child care center.
Why join the Pre-Apprenticeship Program?
- Build real-world experience working with children
- Learn from professionals in the field
- Start working toward a credential required for future teacher roles
- Increase your job skills, confidence, and potential for higher wages
- Automatically enroll in our DOL-registered Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program (ECAP) after graduation
Whether you’re exploring career options or are already passionate about early education, this program helps prepare you for success in the field, all while making a difference in the lives of young children.
For Early Childhood Educators in need of financial assistance for career development, we also offer T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarships for continuing education which may be applied towards these apprenticeships. T.E.A.C.H. NH reserves five scholarships for Early Childhood Apprenticeships each year.