Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Program
Paid 18-month registered apprenticeship training for aspiring early childhood (ages 0–6) educators with free college coursework and a pathway to earning your California Child Development Permit.
1530 W. 17th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706
Applications accepted for Fall and Spring cohorts
No experience required
Program Philosophy
Santa Ana College created its Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Program to ease the shortage of qualified early educators and remove the cost and access barriers that keep aspiring teachers out of the field. Built with the U.S. Department of Labor, the Division of Apprenticeship Standards, and local education agencies, it follows an earn-and-learn model: apprentices are paid employees who gain hands-on classroom experience while completing free college coursework toward a Child Development Teacher Permit, with mentorship and dedicated student support throughout.
Started in 2023
Visit program website
Aspiring early childhood (ages 0–6) educators seeking paid, hands-on training
Cohort-based. Apprentices are employed at a partner early learning site for paid on-the-job training (roughly 2,000 hours over the 18-month program) while concurrently completing required Santa Ana College coursework. Exact daily hours are set by the employing site and combine workdays with scheduled college classes.
Paid on-the-job training, free college credit, California Child Development Permit pathway, hands-on Early Childhood Education experience
Cost & Outcomes
Free to participate and paid work experience. Required Santa Ana College coursework costs $0, and apprentices earn an hourly wage over 2,000+ hours of on-the-job training (wage is set by the employer so it varies between $18.76 - $20.00/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: apprentices are paid employees while they train and study
Required college coursework provided at no cost, leading to a CTC Child Development Teacher Permit
2,000+ hours of hands-on, mentored on-the-job training in real early learning classrooms
Registered apprenticeship developed with the U.S. Department of Labor and California Division of Apprenticeship Standards
Dedicated student services, apprenticeship counseling, and Spanish-speaking support staff
Day in the Life
- Paid work experience with young children (ages 0–6) in a real early learning classroom
- Mentorship and guidance from lead educators and experienced teachers
- Concurrent Santa Ana College coursework in child development and early education
- Practicing skills like observation, DRDP documentation, and activity planning
- Cohort peer support plus access to counseling and student services
Led by Director Janet Anderson-Deusenberry, M.Ed, with a Student Services Coordinator (MSW), Student Services Specialist (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
Apprentices say balancing paid on-the-job hours with college coursework, and adjusting to the demands of working with very young children—including communicating with children who are still developing language—can be challenging.
Apprentices highlight gaining real, paid classroom experience, strong mentorship, and the confidence that comes with earning employment and credentials; several describe moving from roles like stay-at-home parent into confident early childhood educators.
Employment Support
Registered apprenticeship places apprentices in paid roles with partner employers
On-site mentorship from lead educators and faculty
Dedicated student services coordinator and apprenticeship counselor
Coursework and hours leading to a CTC Child Development Teacher Permit
Pathway from apprentice into ongoing employment with the partner site
Hear From the Program
1 of 2
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 Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Program is 18 months (1.5 years).
Yes. Apprentices are paid employees who earn wages while they train on the job.
Required college coursework is provided at no cost to apprentices.
Apprentices work toward a California Child Development Permit and college credit/degree, plus 2,000+ hours of work experience.
Applications are accepted for Fall and Spring cohorts.