The 3rd annual National Conference on ECE Apprenticeship was a resounding success! The 2024 conference brought together more than 250 participants from 30 states and Washington, DC. Check out the PPT presentations from the 31 breakout sessions here!
SESSION 1: TUESDAY – 11:00-12:15
1. EARLY CHILDHOOD APPRENTICESHIPS: LEVERS FOR STATEWIDE SYSTEMS CHANGE
DESCRIPTION: The federally registered Illinois Apprenticeship Pilot was first in the state to link compensation with state-level Early Childhood credentials. The pilot is a collaboration among key state agencies, several institutions of higher education, and multiple employers. The project design simultaneously supports attainment of increased qualifications and higher compensation through implementation of a qualifications-based salary scale.
2. FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION: THE ROLE OF SUCCESS COORDINATORS IN ECEPTS APPRENTICESHIPS
DESCRIPTION: Success Coordinators are essential to the success of ECEPTS Apprenticeships programs. This unique role can encompass case management, tutoring, mentoring, and service coordination, all in service of ensuring participant success. In this session, Success Coordinators from four ECEPTS RAPs explain how they implement a “no fail philosophy” and center equity and access as primary drivers in program design and delivery.
3. OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO STARTING YOUR ECE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION: This presentation focuses on overcoming challenges typically faced in starting Early Learning Apprenticeship Programs. Topics will include securing sustainable funding, incorporating adequate participant supports, effectively engaging community colleges, and breaking down organizational silos. Video testimonials from providers and apprentices will be featured.
4. REGISTERED, YOUTH, AND CERTIFIED PRE-APPRENTICESHIPS FOR EARLY CHILDCARE EDUCATORS IN WISCONSIN
DESCRIPTION: The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development launched the registered Early Childcare Educator Apprenticeship in 2019 to address the ECE workforce shortage. The effort has since expanded to include Youth Apprenticeship and Certified Pre-Apprenticeship programs. Hear how these trailblazing initiatives engage employers and foster partnerships between state agencies and local workforce development boards.
5. WIDE OPEN SPACES: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ECE AND THE REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION: The IAA has developed and implemented programs to serve nearly 2,000 apprentices in 22 different nontraditional, apprenticeable occupations. Through a partnership with ECEPTS, IAA has developed a deep understanding of the unique economic and systemic challenges facing ECE and the potential of apprenticeship as a workforce development strategy. This interactive session will explore common concerns and confusion about the RA system.
SESSION 2: TUESDAY – 1:45-3:00
1. BA DEGREE PATHWAYS FOR ECE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS: THE EDVANCE COLLEGE MODEL
DESCRIPTION: Learn about EDvance College and its innovative approach to BA degree pathways in ECE Apprenticeships. EDvance College, a newly accredited online institution, is exclusively dedicated to ECE. This presentation will explore unique elements of the EDvance model, including a collaborative approach to working with employers, and an unwavering commitment to understanding and responding to professional development needs of ECE workers.
2. EXPANDED LEARNING PROGRAM LEADERS: AN ECEPTS APPRENTICESHIP PATHWAY FOR EDUCATORS
DESCRIPTION: ECEPTS’ Expanded Learning (EL) Apprenticeship is a participant-centered earn-and-learn model that promotes career advancement and economic mobility for low-income workers and people of color. Apprentices expand career options, complete 2000 hours of paid on-the-job training, and earn 48 credits toward an AA degree, all at no cost to apprentices. EL Apprenticeships can provide a pipeline to advanced ECE Apprenticeships and PreK-12 Apprenticeships.
3. FIELD-BUILDING AND EXPANDING ECE APPRENTICESHIPS: UNDERSTANDING ECEPTS’ ROLE AS A NATIONAL INDUSTRY INTERMEDIARY
DESCRIPTION: As an Industry Intermediary, ECEPTS is initiating field-building opportunities and expanding ECE Apprenticeships nationally. This workshop will explain the technical assistance ECEPTS can provide to support developing, implementing, and sustaining Registered ECE Apprenticeships that prioritize equity and address community workforce needs. Come learn about ECEPTS Boot Camps, Deep Dives, and individualized program-specific training and support.
4. IT TAKES A VISION: STRENGTHENING HAWAII’S ECE WORKFORCE
DESCRIPTION: Learn about the collective vision that brought together ECE leaders to build Hawaii’s first ECE Registered Apprenticeship. Team members will share their collaborative efforts to strengthen the ECE workforce through a partnership with Keiki O Ka ‘ Āina, a community-based Native Hawaiian family learning organization, Honolulu Community College, and the State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
5. REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP FOR FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDERS: A UNIVERSITY-COMMUNITY COLLABORATION
DESCRIPTION: Learn about the landscape of Family Child Care in Maryland and a Registered Apprenticeship developed to meet the unique strengths and challenges of this critical segment of the ECE workforce. The presentation will highlight the use of the CDA as the basis for Related Supplemental Instruction, a scaffolded approach to On-the-Job Training, and innovative strategies for recruiting and sustaining Mentors and Coaches.
SESSION 3: WEDNESDAY – 9:30-10:45
1. EMPOWERING EARLY EDUCATORS: A COMPREHENSIVE INTERVENTION PLAN FOR APPRENTICESHIP EXCELLENCE
DESCRIPTION: Camp Fire First Texas registered the first Early Childhood Apprenticeship in Texas in 2019. Since then, the program has grown significantly and successfully engaged educators from across the state. This session will highlight program successes, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for others.
2. INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED: UNDERSTANDING AND WRITING REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP STANDARDS
DESCRIPTION: Developing Registered Apprenticeship Standards can feel like a daunting undertaking! This highly interactive session will break it down, explaining the component parts of Apprenticeship Standards, and clarifying the process of writing and submitting standards at the state and/or national level. Bring your questions and concerns!
3. INTEGRATING THE CDA WITH PRE-APPRENTICESHIP AND YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP: BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR ECE PROFESSIONALS
DESCRIPTION: The Council for Professional Recognition, the administering body of the National Child Development Associate® Credential, understands the importance of providing aspiring ECE professionals with comprehensive preparation and hands-on experience. This session focuses on seamless integration of the CDA in youth apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, offering practical insights and best practices for implementing successful integration models.
4. RECRUITING AND TRAINING FUTURE EDUCATORS THROUGH YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
DESCRIPTION: Despite growing interest in expanding Youth Apprenticeship to train ECE professionals and other educators, significant barriers stand in the way of broad adoption and replication. Drawing on the national experience of New America’s Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship (PAYA), this workshop will explore the opportunities and challenges, and examine federal, state and local policies and strategies.
5. WALKING THE WALK: CENTERING EQUITY IN ECEPTS APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS
DESCRIPTION: Historic and socioeconomic inequities have often made it challenging for the non-traditional and diverse groups that make up the ECE workforce to succeed in job training and higher education. To mitigate such barriers, ECEPTS Apprenticeships embed research-based supports to address a range of participant academic and workforce needs. This workshop will demonstrate how the ECEPTS model centers equity and access throughout the program design.
6. WHO, WHAT, WHERE AND HOW OF FAMILY CHILD CARE APPRENTICESHIP
DESCRIPTION: This presentation will provide an overview of the SEIU Education and Support Fund’s FCC Apprenticeship programs and an update on their national efforts. Learn about the value of working with industry intermediaries, how to meet the unique needs of FCC providers in apprenticeship programs, the pros and cons of engaging incumbent workers vs. ECE newcomers, and the challenges of registering Apprenticeships for FCC providers.
SESSION 4: WEDNESDAY – 1:45-3:00
1. CDA AND DIRECTOR APPRENTICESHIPS: DIVERSIFYING ECE LEADERSHIP THROUGH NON-TRADITIONAL PATHWAYS
DESCRIPTION: Massachusetts-based Neighborhood Villages launched two apprenticeship programs in 2023: one to support educators earning a CDA and Lead Teacher Certification, and one focused on Director Certification. Both programs represent non-college alternative pathways designed to support the needs of diverse learners with flexibility and support. These initiatives aim to develop and diversify ECE leadership by creating accessible career pathways.
2. COHORT LEARNING: KEY TO CENTERING EQUITY AND ENSURING PARTICIPANT SUCCESS IN ECEPTS PROGRAMS
DESCRIPTION: Fostering a sense of community and belonging in ECEPTS Registered Apprenticeship programs is essential to centering equity and participant success. Cohort learning offers a dynamic and impactful foundation for apprentices to forge strong connections that extend beyond the classroom. This workshop will delve into the profound impact of cohort learning and explore how it amplifies apprentices’ learning and professional experiences.
3. EARLY CHILDHOOD YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP AND THE NEST EARLY LEARNING CENTER: A PARTNERSHIP FOR SUCCESS
DESCRIPTION: The Early Childhood Youth Apprenticeship program is a completer pathway for high school students who wish to work with preschoolers. Students complete a work-based learning experience at The Nest Early Learning Center, earn a CDA and 12 articulated community college credits.
4. TICKET 2 TEACH ECE APPRENTICESHIP: A COUNTY-WIDE COLLABORATION IN CALIFORNIA
DESCRIPTION: This presentation will provide an overview of San Luis Obispo County’s development and implementation of the Ticket 2 Teach ECE Apprenticeship program, concentrating on how partnerships and collaborative efforts within the community helped in building a larger system to support the program and the ECE workforce.
5. WORKFORCE SUPPORT IN NEW MEXICO: APRENDE’S PRE-APPRENTICESHIP TO APPRENTICESHIP PIPELINE
DESCRIPTION: APRENDE at Santa Fe Community College has been an apprenticeship sponsor since 2022. Having moved from innovation to implementation, they have seen exponential growth in the numbers of apprentices and employers. This session will highlight the program development journey, the benefits of a building pre-apprenticeship to apprenticeship pipeline, and lessons learned that might inform prospective and established apprenticeship sponsors.
SESSION 5: THURSDAY – 9:30-10:45
1. ADDRESSING LANGUAGE BARRIERS: MAKING ECEPTS APPRENTICESHIPS ACCESSIBLE TO SPANISH-SPEAKING FCC PROVIDERS
DESCRIPTION: Family Child Care providers are uniquely capable of meeting social and educational needs of young dual language learners. But many face significant barriers to engaging in professional development programs, especially if English is not their first language. This registered On-the-Job Training Program in California was conducted in Spanish, provided mentoring, college courses, and a cohort experience, and culminated in earning Associate Teacher Permits.
2. CREATING A PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM WITH A UNIVERSAL DESIGN LENS
DESCRIPTION: Learn how Maine explored the creation of a pre-apprenticeship model to help recruit and prepare potential candidates to join the ECE workforce, including those providing license-exempt care. The model identified barriers to success and incorporated participant supports responsive to different settings, abilities, and cultures.
3. INNOVATIVE PATHWAYS FOR TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF DEGREE-DRIVEN ECE APPRENTICESHIPS
DESCRIPTION: Come learn about Child Care Innovations, Red Rocks Community College’s work with ECE Apprenticeships in Colorado. They will highlight their innovative pathways for related technical instruction, and the implementation of their degreed apprenticeship model.
4. THE ROAD TO BUILDING EARLY CHILDHOOD APPRENTICESHIPS: A STATEWIDE COLLABORATION
DESCRIPTION: Learn how Connecticut’s Office of Early Childhood mobilized to pilot workforce models, bringing together state agencies, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and local child care programs. Hear about pilot programs built to provide an on-ramp to both center-based and family child care home employment.
5. THE ROLE OF MENTOR STRATEGIES IN BUILDING SUCCESSFUL EARLY CHILDHOOD APPRENTICESHIPS
DESCRIPTION: At the heart of successful apprenticeships is the support provided to apprentices throughout their on-the-job training (OJT). In this session, attendees will hear from Arkansas and Minnesota teams about the unique mentor strategies they’ve developed to support OJT within the framework of apprenticeship programs that embed the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship Program.
SESSION 6: THURSDAY – 11:00-12:15
1. ADVANCING AS FAMILY CHILD CARE PROFESSIONALS: NAVIGATING ACCREDITATION AS A KEY PATHWAY TO APPRENTICESHIP
DESCRIPTION: This session looks at supporting FCC professionals who seek to deepen an understanding of accreditation as a component of apprenticeships. The five-step NAFCC accreditation process will be examined, highlighting tools to successfully navigate each step. As well, the symbiotic relationship between accreditation and apprenticeship will be considered, with a focus on how these frameworks mutually reinforce quality standards and professional development.
2. BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE ECE WORKFORCE: A COHORT-BASED APPRENTICESHIP MODEL
DESCRIPTION: This session will explore the journey from creation to management to final outcomes of an apprenticeship program in North Carolina in which apprentices earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Learn how to maximize ECE staffing by recruiting current employees, volunteers, community educators, and parents, and offering an Apprenticeship through which to earn a nationally recognized credential.
3. HOW TO WORK WITH THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM
DESCRIPTION: This presentation will focus on how state agencies and workforce development boards can work together to develop ECE Apprenticeships that foster sustainable employment and professional development. We will showcase successful programs that demonstrate how these strategic partnerships can overcome barriers, strengthen ECE career pathways, and communicate the significance of ECE to diverse industries.
4. THE POWER OF YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP: BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF EDUCATORS
DESCRIPTION: Oakland Unified School District in California is just completing the pilot year of its Early Educator Pre-Apprenticeship for high school students. Learn about the program’s design and development, successes and challenges, lessons learned, and opportunities for the future. In addition to program staff, OUSD apprentices will share their experiences and how the program is shaping their futures.
5. UNLOCKING POTENTIAL: ENGAGING CALWORKS RECIPIENTS IN AN ECEPTS APPRENTICESHIP
DESCRIPTION: The Early Educator/CalWORKs Apprenticeship is a partnership between ECEPTS, First 5 Alameda County, the County Department of Social Services, and the YMCA of the East Bay. Now in its fifth cohort, the program has consistently resulted in increased staff retention and program completion rates. What began as a pilot project is now a replicable model for countywide, multi-agency ECE workforce initiatives.
