Sponsorship of a registered apprenticeship program is provided by an individual childcare employer. The sponsor must be a center-based childcare facility, preschool, or a family group home.

While ECAAP education partners support the program’s implementation of content and industry standards through the required related instruction, it is with the Standards of Apprenticeship that the sponsor has the ability to:
ECAAP enhances and supports existing training and credentialing programs, as well as mentoring methods, to establish positive and supportive working relationships within the center. Not only are employee / employer bonds strengthened, but the program can also serve as a critical component for providing high-quality early childhood environments.

For the sponsor, ECAAP provides a variety of benefits, including a structured on-the-job training program and a sequenced system for continuing professional development of employees. ECAAP uses the eight Core Competencies to assess the center and its employee training and provides a progressive wage schedule to help employers increase compensation for employees who are increasing their knowledge, skills and performance, thus supporting employee recruitment and retention efforts.

The financial assistance for professional development and mentoring relationships is also an important benefit for early childhood care and education providers across Kansas,.  It allows the sponsor to provide growth opportunities for their staff members and enhances their reputation for high quality childcare.