Career Ladder

What is the Vermont Child Care Apprenticeship Program?

The Vermont Child Care Apprenticeship Program results, in part, from President Clinton's 1998 Child Care Initiative and the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, which has formally recognized the “Child Development Specialist” (child care worker) as an apprenticeship position. The U.S. Department of Labor and Vermont’s Department of Employment and Training apprenticeship programs are structured to include on the job training and supervision, related course work and increases in compensation. It is administered by the Vermont Child Care Industry and Careers Council.

Apprentices receive a minimum of 144 hours per year of classroom instruction, receiving credit for these classes. The curricula for these classes has been developed by qualified instructors in collaboration with representatives of the child care industry. Apprentices will be working full-time under the supervision of a qualified child care professional. They must work a minimum of 2000 hours per year and be assessed by their mentor for advancement in the process. This combination of class time and on-the-job training has strong roots in the construction and manufacturing industries in the United States. At the end of the 2-year program, apprentices will receive a Certificate of Completion. This certificate, coupled with their CDA credential, will assure placement in the field as these credentials are acknowledged in Vermont and on a national level as meeting quality standards for early childhood professionals.

I am not currently enrolled in the Apprenticeship Program. Can I still participate in their course offerings?

Yes, if you are currently working in the field. Courses are offered at little to no cost to students, with exception to book and registration fees. Some courses have prereqiusites, so it necessary to contact program coordinators for more information.

Can I take Apprenticeship Program courses and apply them toward my CDA professional development requirement?

Yes, Apprenticeship Program courses can be counted. Be sure to inquire about the CDA competency areas that each course addresses so you accumulate the appropriate number of hours in each competency area.

How can I learn more?

You can visit the website or directly contact: Sue Ryan, Vermont Child Care Apprenticeship Program Coordinator, susieszoo@msn.com or 802.985.2700.

For more information, see the Career Ladder