Funding Amount

No-cost (tuition, books, portfolio, and electronics covered)

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Program

Overview: Early childhood educators who work at least 25 hours/week providing care to infants and pre-school aged children can earn a no-cost Child Development Associate (CDA) credential through this apprenticeship program. Participants engage in learning-while-earning by taking college courses online to prepare for the CDA Credentialing Exam and complete their CDA Professional Portfolio.

Geographic Scope: Pennsylvania (supported by PA Department of Labor and Industry)

Eligibility:

  • Work at least 25 hours/week providing care to infants and pre-school aged children

  • Employer support required
  • Focus Areas:

  • Child Development Associate (CDA) credential attainment

  • Online college coursework

  • Professional portfolio development

  • CDA Credentialing Exam preparation
  • Benefits:

  • Guaranteed wage increases

  • Guaranteed work hours

  • Work experience translates into college credits

  • Trained Apprenticeship Coach support

  • Loaner laptop (based on availability)

  • All tuition, books, portfolio, and electronics are free if qualifying for PDO funding
  • Program Funding:
    Supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry of the U.S. Department of Labor as part of an award totaling $94,017.00 (19%) with 81% ($379,990.00) financed from non-governmental sources.

    Partners: Early Connections, PennWest, PASSHE PDO, NWPa JobConnect, PACareerLink, PA Dept of Labor and Industry

    Contact:

  • Apprenticeship Coordinator

  • Email: mstanford@earlyconnectionserie.org

  • Phone: (814) 874-0144

  • Address: 200 W 11th St Suite 200, Erie, Pennsylvania 16501
  • How to Apply

    How to Apply

    1. Employer Approval: Tell your employer you want to pursue the Apprenticeship program
    2. Submit Application: Visit the Apply page to apply for tuition and education cost coverage
    3. Qualification Review: The program will determine if you qualify for PDO funding
    4. Enrollment: Upon approval, begin online college coursework
    5. Support: Work with your assigned Apprenticeship Coach throughout the program

    Required Materials:

  • Application form (via online portal)

  • Employment verification (at least 25 hours/week in eligible childcare role)

  • Employer approval/support
  • No sequencing requirement: CDA courses do not have to be taken in any particular order.

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    educationteacher-developmentchild-careworkforce-development

    Categories

    Browse similar grants by category

    Related Grants

    Similar grants from this funder and related organizations

    Ready to apply for Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Program?

    Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.