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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.

 

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.

Eligibility

Must be employed by a NH licensed childcare center or Family Childcare center with children age 0-5, and be at least 16 years of age.

Priority is given to infant & toddler teachers.

How to Apply

For more information or to apply for the Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program, contact our Apprenticeship Coordinator at apprentice@snhs.org.

Employers Become an ECAP Host Site

Interested in having an apprentice join your staff team? Contact the ECAP Support Coordinator aenos@snhs.org to become a Sponsor Worksite.  

The childcare program/director must:  Offer a paid 30hr a week position in an infant, toddler or preschool classroom. Commit to incremental wage increases for apprentice. Have a qualified staff member to mentor apprentice.  Allow on-site visits from ECAP Support Coordinator. Commit to supporting the apprentice in the implementation of new skills.  Sign a Department of Labor Employer Agreement.   

Current ECAP Host Sites

Resources