Head Start Apprenticeship Brochure

Head Start Apprenticeships

Start your career in Early Childhood Education with support from highly qualified educators who care.

Post-Program Job Opportunities!

Lorain County Community Action Agency 1949 Broadway Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44052 1-888-245-2009 www.lccaa.net

Professional Development Program for Early Childhood Education To promote Early Childhood Education as a profession, LCCAA Head Start now offers an apprenticeship program.

Participants will complete coursework and receive specialized training, feedback and mentor support while gaining extensive classroom experience.

All apprentice work will meet the requirements to earn a preschool or an infant/toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

The CDA credential is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education and is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement in ECE. The CDA credential is based on a core set of competency standards, which guide early care professionals as they work toward becoming qualified teachers of young children.

Who Should Apply?

Anyone with no hands-on early childhood classroom experience who would like to begin a career in the field may apply.

LCCAA Head Start is actively working to partner with area high schools to offer apprenticeship opportunities to juniors and seniors planning careers in Early Childhood Education.

How to Apply Complete the program application available on our website or by emailing Sharon Harmon, Program Manager. Head Start and Early Head Start parents can also obtain applications from their Family Service Assistant or Home Visitor.

Return all applications to Sharon Harmon and you will be contacted for a formal interview. Onboarding will include a background check and physical.

CDA Requirements

The apprenticeship manager will help you determine which CDA program is right for you. LCCAA will pay for your coursework and support you at every step of the process. ► Approximately 120 hours of online coursework. ► Another 480 hours of classroom experience (can be during or after coursework). ► Completion of a professional portfolio. ► Apply to the Council for Professional Recognition. ► Schedule a site visit. ► Take an exam.

Self-paced options are available for the coursework and classroom time can be scheduled around other responsibilities.

The length of time to complete the apprenticeship will vary by participant.

Coursework and Experience CDA coursework includes more than 120 hours in eight required areas: ► Planning a safe and healthy learning environment; ► Advancing children’s physical and intellectual development; ► Supporting children’s social and emotional development; ► Building productive relationships with families; ► Managing an effective program operation; ► Maintaining a commitment to professionalism; ► Observing and recording children’s behavior; ► Understanding the principles of child development and learning.

As an apprentice you will: ► receive mentor support for your CDA coursework; ► gain valuable experience with children; ► enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding work environment.

Successful apprentices will be qualified to work in LCCAA Head Start classrooms in positions that require a CDA. If hired, they will be eligible for tuition assistance to work toward college degrees and promotions within LCCAA Head Start.

Start your new career today!

Start your career in Early Childhood Education with support from highly qualified educators who care.

Learn more by contacting Sharon Harmon, at 440-457-0364 or sharmon@lccaa.net.

Lorain County Community Action Agency 1949 Broadway Ave., Lorain, Ohio 44052 1-888-245-2009 www.lccaa.net