Nap and Learn Series Training for ECE Apprenticeship Cohort 18

Early Education Career Institute (EECI) invites you to join Cohort 18 of our nationally recognized Early Childhood Educator U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program.This cohort is designed for adults who want a career‑ready, stackable pathway into early childhood education—whether you’re just getting started or already working in a childcare, Head Start, or school‑based program.

Program Schedule & Format

• Start Date: Monday, January 5, 2026
• First Class Time: 12:00 PM
• Class Schedule: Meets twice a week – Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12 PM
• Length: Approximately 6 months of instructor‑led coursework, plus on‑the‑job apprenticeship hours
• Coursework Hours: 270+ instructional hours (exceeds CDA minimum requirements)
• On‑the‑Job Learning: 2,000 hours of supervised, competency‑based experience in an approved early childhood setting
• Delivery: Live virtual sessions + guided independent work

Platforms Used:

• Eventbrite: Registration and event information
• Adobe Connect: Live, virtual instructor‑led classes and webinars
• Moodle (or EECI LMS): Course modules, assignments, resources, and progress tracking

You can join from anywhere with a stable internet connection. Sessions are designed for busy, working adults, with support for EOL learners and nontraditional students.

Tuition & Funding

• Program Tuition: $3,625 per apprentice (Most pay $0 )

Many participants may qualify for scholarships, employer sponsorship, or workforce funding (such as WIOA/ETPL or state grants). Funding options vary by state and employer.

What You’ll Earn

By the end of the program, eligible participants can earn:

• CDA Credential Preparation
• U.S. DOL Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship Credential
• 21 transferable college credits (through our partner college)
• Over 2,000 hours of supervised, paid on‑the‑job learning

These credentials are portable, stackable, and nationally recognized, helping you qualify for lead teacher and higher‑wage roles in many states.

Who This Program Is For

This cohort is ideal for:

• Current childcare center staff, Head Start staff, and family childcare providers
• Adults seeking a new career in early childhood education
• Paraprofessionals, teacher assistants, and home visitors
• Nontraditional and diverse adult learners, including English‑other‑language (EOL) learners

We specialize in supporting EOL learners and nontraditional students with live translation and individualized support.

Key Features

• 16 instructor‑led modules covering:
• • Child development
  • Health, safety, and nutrition
  • Curriculum and lesson planning
  • Family engagement and communication
  • Professionalism and ethics
• Culturally responsive instruction with experienced ECE and adult‑learning instructors
• Multilingual support (Spanish and additional languages as available)
• Individualized support that may include:
• • Help with technology and logging into Adobe Connect and Moodle
  • Coaching on assignments and portfolio development
  • Guidance on CDA application and verification

EECI apprenticeship pathways have historically achieved 88% program completion and 100% job placement for graduates.

Basic Eligibility

(Adjust if your state or funder has specific rules.)Participants should:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent (or be on track to complete)
• Be currently employed or willing to be placed in an early childhood setting for apprenticeship hours
• Have access to a device and internet for Adobe Connect and Moodle

Technology Requirements

You will need:

• A computer, tablet, or smartphone
• Reliable internet connection
• Ability to access:
• • Eventbrite for registration and updates
  • Adobe Connect for live sessions (audio/video)
  • Moodle for coursework, assignments, and resources

Technical orientation will be provided before or during the first week to help you log in and get comfortable with the platforms.

How to Get Started

1. Register for Cohort 17 using this Eventbrite page.
2. Watch for a confirmation email with:
3. • Adobe Connect access links
   • Moodle course login instructions
   • Orientation date and time
4. Attend the online orientation starting the week of January 5, 2026, where we’ll review expectations, technology, and next steps.

Join the Early Childhood Educator US Department of Labor Apprenticeship Cohort 18!

This is an exciting online opportunity for anyone passionate about early childhood education. Dive into hands-on learning, connect with fellow educators, and grow your skills with guidance from the US Department of Labor. Whether you're starting out or leveling up, Cohort 17 is where you want to be!