Apprentices

Job Description

The Basics

The Registered Child Care Apprentice

There will up to 50 statewide in the year 2001.

A commitment to learning on the job in conjunction with course work is required.

Salaries range from about $7-$10+/hour. Benefits include regular increases in compensation. Free, but required, academic course work. Guaranteed system of on the job mentoring / training / support.

A registered child care apprentice is an on the job learner who grows in skill and knowledge over the period of the apprenticeship, which is about 2 years for most people. The registered apprentice works in a child care program to help ensure the on the job learning environment supports ?best practice? in child care.

The apprentice needs to participate in related instruction, work in partnership with a mentor and be able to show how knowledge in the related instruction courses translates to skills needed support the development of children in child care. The successful apprentice enjoys working with children and understands the importance of continuous learning and applying that knowledge in the child care classroom. S/he is also willing and eager to gain from the personal relationship and support of an experienced early childhood teacher.

Apprenticeship has been a successful model for skill development in many fields and the Child Care Apprenticeship Program is now formally linking with that structure and joining other fields overseen and supported by the Vermont Apprenticeship Council. Because of the formal link to other apprenticeship programs, a representative from the Vermont Department of Employment and Training works with the registered apprentice and the employer to ensure that the formal apprenticeship agreement is in place and is being implemented appropriately. For the apprentice, the formal agreement includes regular supervision and assessment, related instruction and predictable salary increases. Including wage supplements through the VT Child Care Apprenticeship Program.

The apprentice may begin a career at the “Apprentice” level indicated on lattice diagram on the back cover of The Vermont Guide to Early Childhood Careers. After two years of successful participation in the apprenticeship program however, the apprentice may arrive at the “Teaching Associate” level.

The Vermont Child Care Apprenticeship Program also meets the national standards for the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training apprenticeship certificate for the “Child Development Specialist". This certificate is recognized nationwide in all states that have registered child care apprenticeship programs. (See the VT Guide to Early Childhood Careers.)