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ECAAP

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1. What's the difference between Registered Apprenticeship and other types of programs?

Apprenticeship includes on-the-job training and classroom instruction which occurs simultaneously. The result is that apprentices learn both the theoretical and practical aspects of the job. Apprentices are taught all of the core competencies associated with early childhood, and not just a few related segments. It is not a scholarship program, but does provide stipends to support various aspects of the program.

2. What is an Apprentice?

An apprentice is an employee of a registered apprenticeship Sponsor who has applied and been accepted in the ECAAP program. The apprentice learns a craft through planned, supervised on-the-job training combined with related early childhood instruction from one of the ECAAP educational partners.

3. What are the requirements to be a Sponsor?

All ECAAP sponsors must be a licensed center-based or a group home that serves children ages birth to five years. The sponsor must provide a qualified mentor for each apprentice and apprentices must work directly with children a minimum of 30 hours per week. Contact the ECAAP office to get started.

4. Who pays for ECAAP participation?

Program expenses are shared by the ECAAP sponsor and the State of Kansas. The Sponsor provides progressively increasing wages to the apprentice as well as a skilled mentor. ECAAP provides stipends for CDA assessment fees, as well as books, fees and tuition for the all required related instruction. Small mentor stipends are available through ECAAP. While there are no monetary costs to the apprentice, ECAAP apprentices are required to apply for Pell grants through Federal Financial Aid.

5. What is a Mentor?

A mentor (also called a journeywoker) is a fully skilled early childhood professional. A mentor has worked in the field for a significant time and has received education and training in child development, early childhood education and teaching of other adults. The mentor is a peer employee that coaches and guides the apprentice through the 2 year process.

6. How much are Apprentices paid?

New apprentices typically earn 50% of the journeywoker wage and, if progress is satisfactory, they usually receive increases every 6 months. Most apprentice entry-level wages range from $7.00 to $9.00 per hour.

Apprentices nearing the end of their training generally earn 90% to 95% of the journeywoker wage, which typically rages from $9.00 to $12.00

7. What classes do I take?

This program requires 20 hours of early childhood college credit as the related technical instruction component for the program. Apprentices must follow the ECAAP related instruction outlines established with our educational partners.

8. I am working as a childcare provider. How do I become an Apprentice?

Have your employer contact the ECAAP office.

9. Are there positions available to become an Apprentice?

The ECAAP Directory will lists our registered sponsors. The list does not signify that they are taking applications for apprenticeship or employment. Program sponsors determine individually when they take applicants.

10. How do I become an Apprentice?

If you are employed, your employer should contact the ECAAP office. An ECAAP Program Consultant will help you and your sponsor complete the application and registration process.

If you are not employed, you can find ECAAP sponsors who may have open apprenticeship positions through the ECAAP Registry.

11. How is the training structured?

The program lasts approximately 2 years. Apprentices work on actual job sites under the supervision of a qualified mentor (or journeyworker). The training includes courses in early childhood education and development coupled with on-the-job experiences aligned with the core competencies.

12. What do I get them I complete the ECAAP program?

Each graduate of ECAAP has 20 hours of early childhood college credit and 2 years of documented work experience. Through ECAAP, Apprentices obtain both the Child Development Associate (CDA) and the Apprenticeship Certificate of Completion. Both are nationally recognized certificates that attests to the apprentice’s achievement and abilities.

13. How do we plan ECAAP into community Smart Start funding?

Consider and plan for the use of ECAAP in your grant budget and proposal.

1.Start with a list of licensed child care centers or Head Start providers serving children birth to five in your smart start service area.
2.Contact each facility about their interest in and/or current participation in ECAAP.
3. Contact ECAAP staff for guidelines on current budgeting for program participation. Contact Us