Child Care Apprenticeship Program Career Certification

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Our program is approved by the Departments of Labor and Education and is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education. It is framed from a critical literacy, social justice, and antiracist perspective, and utilizes culturally responsive and culturally sustaining teaching methodology.

This program is a hybrid of classroom, online, and self-paced learning. It is available in an open-enrollment format. The CDA is a credential that early childhood educators can apply for from the Florida Department of Children and Family Services. Our Apprenticeship Program meets or exceeds the requirements of the National CDA and is recognized by regulatory agencies throughout the entire United States. The required elements include completion of at least 120 hours of formal early childhood education coursework, preparation of a professional portfolio, and obtaining professional work experience.

Upon completing your Childcare Development Apprenticeship with Community Connection Services, you will have an opportunity to expand your career pathway by continuing your training to own your daycare facility or pursue a degree program at any college or university.

Our Focus:

Culturally Responsive Learning in Early Childhood Education
Exploration of strategies, and practices for advancing young children’s physical, cognitive, communicative, creative and intellectual development from a culturally responsive, anti-racism and critical literacy perspective.

Health, Safety, and Nutrition in the Early Years
Exploration of culturally responsive strategies, policies and practices for creating, establishing, and maintaining the health, safety, and nutrition of children in the early years.

Child Development and Learning
Understanding principles of child development, including social development, emotional development, and learning, using the cultural resources (language, cultural traditions, heritage, knowledge) children bring to the learning community.

Program Management in Early Childhood Education
Exploration of various forms of program management in early childhood settings including observation, documentation, planning, evaluation, record keeping, and building community, from a culturally responsive and anti-racist perspective.

Professionalism and Community Building
Exploration of the role early childhood educators play in community building to support the needs of young children and in engaging in courageous and professional leadership.

The following courses will fulfill the commitment to professionalism and understanding child development educational component for the Credential.

The courses are all self-paced, hybrid presentation meaning the material is completed on your time, online and in classroom.  

Please contact Dr. Darryl Clare at Darryl.Clare@ccsifl.org for more information.

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.