Funding Amount

Free

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Early Childhood Education Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Overview: A FREE opportunity designed to help high school and CTE (Career and Technical Education) students continue with higher education, access funding for the Child Development Associate (CDA) exam, and open doors to employment opportunities in early childhood education.

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

Target Population:

  • High school students

  • CTE students

  • Students preparing for early childhood education careers
  • Focus Areas:

  • Connection to existing apprenticeship programs

  • Approved training curriculum

  • Hands-on learning with career focus

  • Recognized credential opportunity (CDA)

  • Career counseling and support
  • Key Elements:

  • Connection to existing apprenticeship programs

  • Approved training curriculum

  • Hands-on learning with career focus

  • Opportunity to earn recognized credential

  • Access to support & career counseling
  • Benefits:

  • Classroom & technology-based training

  • Build work-readiness skills that employers value

  • Qualify for advanced standing with partnered apprenticeship programs

  • Guaranteed interview with Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Program upon successful completion

  • Entry-level employment opportunities in childcare industry

  • Connection to job outreach events & information
  • Funding Support Provided:

  • CDA workbooks/kits

  • Tablets

  • PENNAEYC memberships

  • Scholarships for concurrent enrollment

  • Free CDA testing opportunities
  • 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:

  • Program 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. Express Interest: Contact the Pre-Apprenticeship program coordinator
    2. Application Submission: Complete and submit application form
    3. Enrollment: Upon approval, begin classroom and technology-based training
    4. Hands-On Learning: Participate in career-focused learning experiences
    5. Credential Pursuit: Work toward CDA credential with program support
    6. Apprenticeship Pathway: Upon successful completion, interview with Apprenticeship Program

    Eligibility Requirements:

  • High school or CTE student status

  • Interest in early childhood education career

  • Commitment to program participation
  • Program Support Includes:

  • Work-readiness skill development

  • Career counseling

  • CDA workbooks and kits

  • Tablets and technology access

  • PENNAEYC memberships

  • Scholarships for concurrent enrollment

  • Free CDA testing
  • Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    educationteacher-developmentyouth-programsworkforce-development

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