Bilingual Educator Apprenticeship Program
Paid 2-year registered apprenticeship preparing bilingual educators to support multilingual learners in after-school and school-aged settings.
1530 W. 17th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706
Applications accepted in the Fall
No experience required
Program Philosophy
The Bilingual Educator Apprenticeship Program was created to build a diverse, culturally and linguistically responsive educator workforce that reflects and serves multilingual students and families. Through an earn-and-learn model developed with local education agencies, apprentices work in after-school and school-aged settings as paid employees while completing free college coursework toward a Child Development Associate Teacher Permit. Mentorship and dedicated student support help apprentices strengthen dual-language instruction and move into lasting careers in education. The Bilingual Educator Apprenticeship Program was built with the U.S. Department of Labor, the Division of Apprenticeship Standards, and local education agencies.
Started in 2025
Visit program website
Future bilingual educators who want to support multilingual learners and families
Cohort-based over 24 months. Apprentices work paid hours in after-school/expanded learning or school-aged settings while completing required Santa Ana College coursework. After-school programming means hours are often in the afternoons; the exact schedule is set by the employer.
Paid on-the-job training, free college credit, Bilingual Authorization pathway, dual-language teaching skills
Cost & Outcomes
Free to participate and paid work experience. Required Santa Ana College coursework costs $0, and apprentices earn an hourly wage throughout the 24-month apprenticeship (wage is set by the employer so it varies between $20.24 - $22.40/hour).
Who This Program is Built For
This program was specifically designed with these communities in mind. If you see yourself, you belong here.
What Sets This Program Apart
Earn-and-learn model: paid on-the-job training in after-school and school-aged settings
Required college coursework provided at no cost, leading to an CTC Associate Teacher Permit
Focus on dual-language development and culturally/linguistically responsive teaching
Mentorship and coaching throughout the 24-month pathway
Registered apprenticeship developed with the U.S. Department of Labor and California Division of Apprenticeship Standards
Day in the Life
- Paid work supporting multilingual learners in after-school or school-aged settings
- Delivering lessons and activities under mentor and lead educator guidance
- Concurrent Santa Ana College coursework toward a CTC Associate Techer Permit
- Practicing culturally responsive, dual-language instruction
- Cohort learning with coaching and wraparound student support
Led by Director Janet Anderson-Deusenberry, M.Ed, with a Student Services Coordinator (MSW), a Student Services Specialst (MA), an apprenticeship counselor, and faculty/lead educators who mentor apprentices in classrooms.
Soft and technical skills you'll gain by program completion.
Highs & Lows
Balancing paid work hours in school settings with required college coursework, and building confidence delivering instruction to multilingual learners across cultural and language contexts, can be challenging.
Apprentices value the paid experience supporting multilingual students, mentorship, and the clear, low-cost pathway toward a teaching career.
Employment Support
Paid placement with partnering local education agencies during the apprenticeship
Mentorship and coaching from lead educators
Dedicated student services coordinator and apprenticeship counselor
Coursework leading to a CTC Associate Teacher Permit
Pathway into continued employment within expanded learning / school settings
Hear From the Program
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Student Apprentice
"One of my biggest achievements throughout the program was earning an intern position at SCC, which later led to a full-time job. This opportunity showed me how much I had grown both personally and professionally. Throughout the program, I developed important skills such as taking DRDP notes, observing children, planning activities based on individual needs, and managing a classroom. I also gained hands-on experience working with children from 6 months to 5 years old, which helped me build confidence and a deeper understanding of early childhood development. I have grown from being a stay-at-home mom to becoming a confident early childhood educator."
Student Apprentice
"Each day in the childcare environment presents new learning experiences and different situations that help me grow as an educator. I learn a great deal from the teachers who have been in the program before me, and I value their guidance and advice. This program allows me to build relationships with other professionals in Early Childhood Education throughout the Orange County area while gaining practical knowledge that will help me become a stronger leader. My goal is to become the best Site Supervisor in Southern California, and the more knowledge and experience I gain, the better prepared I will be to achieve that goal."
How It Works
Complete the online Interest Form for the CDES Apprenticeship Program
Be invited to attend an informational session
After the information session, receive application information and complete the application
Provide required documents (government-issued ID, proof of U.S. work authorization, immunizations, health screening/TB assessment)
Enroll as a Santa Ana College student and register for required coursework
Begin the paid apprenticeship with a partner employer alongside your cohort
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us.The Bilingual Educator Apprenticeship Program is 24 months (2 years).
Yes. Apprentices earn wages through paid on-the-job training with a partner employer.
Apprentices work toward a Bilingual Authorization and a college degree while gaining classroom experience.
Yes, a high school diploma or equivalent is required for BEAP.
Applications for BEAP are accepted in the Fall.