Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity for Child Care Aware of Minnesota, TEACH Early Childhood® Minnesota, and the early childhood field to celebrate the current and past participating employers, apprentices, and mentors. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about TEACH apprenticeship and what the program offers.

The TEACH Early Childhood® Minnesota Apprenticeship Program helps newer early childhood educators expand their teaching skills by combining a TEACH college scholarship with on-the-job training. Apprentices, with guidance from an experienced peer mentor and support from their employer, develop and expand their skills by bringing college learning straight into the early childhood classroom. At the end of the two-year program, apprentices earn a Minnesota Department of Labor certification. Apprenticeship includes financial support for employers, apprentices, and mentors to ensure time and resources for apprenticeship activities.

When asked how TEACH Apprenticeship supported their education, one participant responded, “The most valuable part of the apprenticeship for me has been connecting what I’m learning in school to what I do every day in my toddler classroom. It has helped me become more thoughtful and intentional in my teaching, rather than just relying on what feels natural. I’ve also grown in confidence as an early childhood educator who plays an important role in children’s development”.

Congratulations to all of our past and current participants! Your dedication to professional development is seen and appreciated.

If you are interested in being a sponsoring employer, a mentor, or an apprentice, please visit www.childcareawaremn.org/teach or contact an Apprenticeship Coordinator.