Early Childhood Educator Apprentice

Apprenticeship Training

The Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship program prepares students to work as early childhood educators. It combines hands-on fieldwork with related academic work. Graduates become responsible for the care and education of children in the birth-to-eight-years age range. They create and maintain safe and healthy play environments, guide behavior, plan and implement learning experiences, and work cooperatively with staff and families.

  • Early Childhood Education student and child playing with toys at a small table in a classroom.

    Program Outline
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    Term 1
    Course # Course Title Credits
    1030714800 ECE Foundations of Early Childhood Education 3.00
    Description

    This 3-credit course introduces the early childhood profession through a historical overview of the field. The course will explore program trends, quality indicators, and developmentally appropriate practices for children birth to age 8.
    1030716700 ECE Health Safety and Nutrition 3.00
    Description

    This 3-credit course examines the topics of health, safety, and nutrition within the context of the early childhood educational setting. This course includes training for Abusive Head Trauma, SIDS, and Mandated Reporter certifications.
    Term 2
    Course # Course Title Credits
    1030717900 ECE Child Development 3.00
    Description

    The 3-credit course examines child development within the context of the early childhood education setting. This course focuses on children ages 3 -8 years.
    1030718800 ECE Guiding Child Behavior 3.00
    Description

    This 3-credit course examines positive strategies to guide children's behavior in the early childhood education setting. This course meets the requirements of the Wisconsin Pyramid Model training.
    Term 3
    Course # Course Title Credits
    1030718700 ECE Children with Differing Abilities 3.00
    Description

    This 3-credit course focuses on the child with differing abilities in an inclusive early childhood education setting while examining strategies for cultivating partnerships with families and community supports.
    1030715100 ECE Infant and Toddler Development 3.00
    Description

    This 3-credit course explores infant and toddler development as it applies to an early childhood education setting. This course focuses children conception through thirty-six months. This course includes training for Wisconsin Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care certification.
    Term 4
    Course # Course Title Credits
    1030710800 ECE Early Language and Literacy 3.00
    Description

    This 3-credit course explores strategies to encourage the development of early language and literacy knowledge and skill building in children birth to 8 years of age.
    1030719500 ECE Family and Community Relationships 3.00
    Description

    This 3-credit course will examine the role of relationships with family and community in early childhood education. In this course, students will complete the Strengthening Families Training.
    4745545500 Transition to Trainer: Your Role as a Skilled Worker Trainer 0.00
    Description
    Total Credits: 24.00

    Talk with a Success Coach about the program outline. Together, you will determine if credits you've already earned satisfy any requirements, discuss possible alternative courses, and choose the best classes if you're thinking of transferring.

    At A Glance

    How You'll Learn

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    On Campus

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    Online Classes

    Next Academic Start Dates

    31
    Aug

    Fall 2026 Term Starts

    26
    Oct

    Additional Fall 2026 Start for Select Courses
    View Full Calendar

    Get Started

    Your application can be submitted online, it takes just a few minutes to complete.

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    Apprenticeship Pathway Program
    Our Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship allows students to earn a paycheck while working toward their degree. Apprentices work in a partnering early childhood program, receive mentorship from experienced professionals, and complete their college coursework alongside their on-the-job training. This pathway helps students gain valuable experience while reducing the financial barriers to earning a degree. *Note: They must be working with an approved Apprenticeship facility to complete this pathway.

    Benefits of Pursuing an ECE Career
    Early childhood educators have a lasting impact on children's development during some of the most important years of life. The field offers meaningful work, opportunities to build strong relationships with children and families, and a variety of career paths, including teaching, leadership, special education, and program administration. With the ongoing need for qualified early childhood professionals, graduates are in high demand throughout our region.