Stories

Early Educator Apprenticeship Program


A vibrant photograph showing a classroom or preschool setting where an adult instructor and two young children are playing an interactive learning game on the floor. In the center, a young girl with curly brown hair and a pink bow leans forward on a rainbow-colored mat, holding a small cut-out card. To her left, a young boy in an orange button-down shirt and jeans looks on with an excited expression. To her right, a female instructor wearing a pink cardigan smiles warmly as she holds up circular white cards to engage with the children. The background is filled with colorful classroom decorations, storage shelves, and various educational toys, including a toy castle.

Through the California Department of Rehabilitation’s (DOR) Demand Side Employment Initiative (DSEI), EBI has developed a newly-accessible childcare training opportunity: the Early Educator Apprenticeship Program.  This apprenticeship program has been adapted for regional center and/or Department of Rehabilitation clients who would like to work in a preschool, but who need support to complete the classes required for preschool employment.

 

The Early Educator Apprenticeship Program, in partnership with the YMCA and Berkeley City College, offers participants the skills and practice needed to begin a career in early childhood education. Individuals with disabilities will receive support to complete four required college courses and to be successful in a paid apprenticeship.  Adapted materials, tutoring, and on-the-job coaching are individualized to best meet each participant’s needs. For regional center/DR clients who want to work with young children, this program offers the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills, and practice in this field.

For more information about this program, please complete the Contact Information Form.

https://rb.gy/v19r2

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