Policy Resource
Pennsylvania Implements Statewide Apprenticeship Program for Early Childhood Educators
In an effort to address a statewide shortage of well-qualified early childhood educators, Pennsylvania launched the statewide Registered Early Childhood Education (ECE) Apprenticeship Program in early 2019.

The goals of the program are to:
• Strengthen and build capacity of the ECE career pathway from Career and Technical Education to teaching certification,
• Create a sustainable, standardized workforce model that provides access to articulated educational steps leading to credentials and higher wages,
• Ensure workforce equity and diversity by strengthening the articulation of educational steps with sustainable funding, and
• Achieve economies of scale by building a standardized system statewide.
To participate in the program, child care employers must commit to graduated wage increases for the staff who complete the steps in the program. Employers must also identify on-site coaches for students and support weekly meetings between coaches and apprentices.
Child care staff agree to participate in accelerated coursework, on-the-job learning, and on-site coaching. There is an optional pre-apprenticeship track for students who need remedial assistance to be successful in college classes. The program guides participants through the Child Development Associate, Associates Degree, and the Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education.
The apprenticeship model is currently funded using a combination of Child Care and Development Block Grant funds, state workforce dollars, and private foundation funding.
Read more about:
You might also be interested in
-
Article
Illinois Increases State Funding for Home Visiting
On April 19, 2022 Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Illinois FY 2023 spending plan HB900. Included in the state’s budget for the coming year is increased funding for evidence-based home visiting prog…
-
Article
New Jersey to offer home visiting to every family with a newborn
In June 2021 New Jersey passed S690 which will provide all New Jersey residents access to at least one, and up to three, post-partum home visits by a specially trained registered nurse for the parent…
-
Article
Alabama Increases Funding for Home Visiting in 2021
In April 2021, Alabama passed The Education Trust Fund budget SB 189, which included many increases in funding for programs serving children and families.
-
Article
Bill Adds State Funds for Community-based Home Visiting Models in Minnesota
In 2021 Minnesota passed HF 2128, an omnibus health and human services finance bill that included $4.5 million in state funds to significantly expand voluntary home visiting for pregnant people and f…
-
Article
Delaware Prioritizes Home Visiting
In 2019 Delaware passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 50 (SCR 50) requiring the Department of Health and Social Services – in collaboration with the Department of Education and Delaware Home Visiting …
-
Article
Rhode Island Cross-Sector Compensation Report Drives Legislative Action
Thanks to the work of the RIght from the Start campaign, composed of Rhode Island early childhood groups, leaders, and stakeholders convened as a part of the state’s Think Babies efforts funded by ZE…
Explore More Pennsylvania Focused Resources & Initiatives
-
Article
Pennsylvania Budget Funds Historic Home Visiting Expansion
New investment in Pennsylvania families through voluntary, evidence-based home visiting will provide parents and caregivers raising children the support they need to address substance use disorders, …
-
Article
Hurting the Families that Need it Most – Pennsylvania
It’s Time to Remove Child Support Enforcement from State Child Care Subsidy Programs.
-
Article
Places for All Babies: Home-Based Child Care is an Essential Part of the Solution - Pennsylvania
The decision to leave one’s child in the care of another adult is one of the most challenging and deeply personal actions a family may have to make in the early years. In 2021, there were over 11 mil…
-
Article
State Strategies to Strengthen Infant-Toddler Care, while Expanding Pre-k – Pennsylvania
Anticipating potential growth of state pre-k programs, state policymakers should consider a number of approaches to protect and expand the existing infant-toddler child care infrastructure. Beyond li…
-
Article
2019 State Budget Wins for Babies
Thanks to dedicated advocates and policymakers, babies and their families around the country will benefit from state budget boosts in the upcoming year.