The Childcare Apprentice Program builds strong caregiving skills essential to childcare and grows an essential economic industry. People who participate in the program earn a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job learning and take courses through UAA to earn an Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Infant and Toddler Development. Education increases caregiver retention, which is an essential way to ensure quality care for any community. Participants receive full tuition, technology and support, a cohort learning community, mentoring, and reflective supervision.
Through hands-on learning experiences and academic knowledge, the capacity to provide highly skilled care increases and changes lives. This two-year program offers support outside of the classroom in a collaborative, strength-based, and evidence-based model that removes barriers to education, making it a highly successful program.
What Participants Are Saying…
“I’ve learned the significance of creating safe and stimulating learning environments essential for a child’s growth. I’ve come to understand that play is not just fun; it’s a crucial part of learning that helps children develop important skills like problem-solving, social interaction, and creativity. Additionally, I’ve gained insights into the importance of building strong relationships with children to foster their emotional wellbeing and confidence, enabling them to explore and learn effectively.”
“I think that this program has allowed me to give families more grace and empathy towards their situations. This program has reminded me that parents are human, children are human, and so am I. It makes me want to take the extra step forward into more than just an apprentice, but someone who can be a support to children and families.”
“The cohort model has been amazing for me. It has provided a unique opportunity to progress my learning alongside other students, which has fostered a collaborative environment. We understand and support each other, often relying on one another to deepen our understanding of the material.”
“This program has allowed me the freedom to utilize my creative tendencies and skills in a way that can positively influence children! It is the first job I’ve worked where I have felt appreciated as staff and as an employee.”
“What I have learned from this program is that poverty affects the quality of early childhood education in so many different ways. Many children have limited access to resources, have a shorter time with quality teachers, have a hard time showing up every day, and have an unstable home environment, which leads to stress and emotional challenges with the family and children.”