Child Care Apprenticeship Program Career Certifications

The Community Connection Child Care Specialist Apprenticeship Program is a State Recognized, two-year program. We strive to improve the quality of childcare in America by giving childcare workers extensive classroom and on-the-job training (OJT). During the program's six semmesters students will study first aid, CPR for young children, curriculum for developmentally appropriate activities for young children, 10-hour modules for special needs children, curriculum for infant and toddler, and curriculum for the after school care for school-age children. Students will have the opportunity to do hands-on activities to use with young children at their childcare centers. This program meets Child & Family Services licensing standards of a CDA equivalency.

In most cases, a great deal of financial resources and energy are required to prepare for a career, but in our registered apprenticeship program, you are paid a progressively increased wage while you are working and you learn this exciting occupation. This program is an aggressive step toward addressing what has become one of the most urgent needs of America's working families-quality childcare and good wages for childcare workers. Learning Materials are loaned to the apprentices each semester. Apprentices are required to work a total of 4,000 hours of on-the-Job Training and 400 class hours for successful completion of the program.

Classes are Hybrid so On-Line availability due to the present Corona Pandemic.

• employment training, life skills, future college opportunities if desired.  

1. Complete the Application below and Return it to Community Connection Services, Inc.
2. Potential apprentices must be 16 years of age or older and employed at a childcare center.
3. Community Connection Services Child Care Development Apprenticeship GNJ Committee must select first year apprentices, before beginning the program.
4. High school diploma or GED equivalency is required for admission into the program.
5. High school transcripts required. GED grades report required when applicable.
6. If a HS diploma or GED is not available, our Pre-Apprenticeship program is an entry option for you.
7. Employment available in a Family Child Care facility.

Apprenticeship stakeholders – employers, educators, and workforce professionals – across the country are launching apprenticeship programs for youth ages 16-24. This program combines technical classroom instruction with paid work experience. We provide the foundation for young people to choose multiple career pathways, enroll in college, begin employment, or a combination.

• Youth engage in work-based/experiential learning and continue in furthering their education during (dual enrollment) or after high school and/or college.

• Schools find new ways to engage students, connecting them to career pathways during their secondary and post-secondary education, increasing the potential for career success.

• Businesses gain access to a talent pipeline of entry-level workers to address the present skills shortages in the workplace.

 We maintain partnerships with businesses, high schools, community and technical colleges, and local communities and develop youth apprenticeship programs that make a difference in the lives of youth while supporting economic and workforce development.

We provide new opportunities for youth and ways for businesses to recruit new talent.

We graduated 4 gainfully employed participants this year!