The New Jersey Early Childhood Apprenticeship Pilot Program is focused on expanding the number of child care staff with the Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) certification and increasing the capacity of the infant and toddler workforce across New Jersey. For the pilot, NJ has committed to supporting up to 20 licensed child care centers to employ up to a total of 20 full-time apprentices across the state. Participating centers will receive up to $15,000 to support on-the-job training, mentorship and wages of the apprentice.  Additionally, the apprentices’ educational requirements will be supported through the NJ Scholarship Program as they pursue their CDA. It is estimated that most apprentices will complete the requirements of the program within 18 months.

This pilot is being offered by the New Jersey Division of Family Development (DFD) and Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOL), in partnership with the NJ Workforce Registry. Funding is provided by the Preschool Development Grant Birth to 5 (PDG B-5). During the pilot phase, NJ will be working to register the Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program with the U.S. Department of Labor.

An early childhood apprenticeship is an arrangement between an employer (the licensed child care center) and an employee that allows the worker to gain direct experience with working with children through supervised on-the-job learning. This is in conjunction with the completion of required coursework and/or training. At the end of the apprenticeship, the employee may earn a recognized credential or certificate.

Workforce strategies like apprenticeship enable employers to develop and train their future workforce while offering career seekers affordable paths to obtain and secure quality jobs. Additionally, apprenticeship programs support the current need to strengthen the early childhood workforce, address workforce shortages and support an increase in recruiting and retaining a highly skilled workforce. DFD and DOL recognize the value of apprenticeship and the impact it can have across our state.

Employers benefit by:

  • Recruiting and developing a diverse and inclusive skilled workforce
  • Expanding opportunities within the early child care industry
  • Reducing turnover, promoting loyalty and increasing retention
  • Adopting standardized, industry-vetted training
  • Improving productivity and profitability

Apprentices benefit by:

  • Earning wages as they learn
  • Potentially obtaining college credit
  • Gaining career pathway and advancement opportunities
  • Learning relevant workplace skills
  • Preparing for their Child Development Associate (CDA) certification
 

Infant and Toddler Educator Apprenticeship Pilot Program Approved Employers:

  • Chiki Daycare, Hudson County
  • Half Pint Day Care, Hunterdon County
  • Son Catchers Learning Center, Atlantic County
  • Believers Learning & Day Care Center, Sussex County
  • The Learning Gate, Somerset County
  • The Learning Center, Mercer County
  • The Nurturing Place, Hudson County
  • Learning Tree Academy, Morris County
  • Newark Federal Kids Care, Essex County
  • Busy Bees of Palisade Day Care Learning Center, Hudson County
  • Cinnamon Sticks Learning Center, Burlington County
  • Linwood Head Start Center, Atlantic County
  • Monmouth Day Care Center, Inc., Monmouth County
  • Woodbine Head Start Center, Cape May County

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the Informational Session presentation slides be shared with us?
A: You can download the presentation slides here.
 
Q: Will a recording of the informational session be shared
A: No, all information presented can be acquired by reviewing the presentation slides and this FAQ.
 
Q: Do we need to sign in to the informational webinar for credit?
A: No. Attendance of all participants during the webinar is automatically logged once participants join the webinar session.
 
Q: Are sites still able to submit and interest form? 
A: The interest form was open from 7/15/2024-8/1/2024. We are no longer accepting interest forms.

Q: Do we have to find an apprentice?
A: It will be the responsibility of the Employer to identify the apprentice candidate(s).
 
Apprentice I – The applicant is new to the field of Early Childhood Education and does not currently have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or relevant educational experience. They are new employees at a participating employer site and have been cleared to work in a licensed program.
 
Apprentice II – The applicant is a current entry-level Early Childhood Education professional interested in upskilling by earning a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; and the applicant is already employed at a participating employer site.
 
Awarded employer sites that need assistance with recruitment/hiring will be supported by PCG/NJ Workforce Registry and will be connected to a liaison at your local One-Stop to receive referrals for individuals interested in pursuing a career in early childhood education with an emphasis in Infant Toddler care.
 
Q: Where are the CDA courses taught/by which agency?
A: There are many CDA Training agencies, providers, and institutes within NJ. We will provide a list of Training agencies who currently have agreements in place with the NJ Workforce Registry and accept the NJ ECE scholarship. It is preferred that scholarship recipients use an agency that currently has an active agreement with the NJ Workforce Registry however they are not limited to those listed.  Using an agency outside of that list could cause delays as we will need to secure an agreement with them. If an apprentice selects an agency that we do not have an agreement with, we are not able to issue the scholarship until we have an agreement. Most of our current agencies offer virtual classes, and they are all over the state, including community colleges.
 
Q: What pay rate do we have to provide the apprentice?
A: At the time of hire, the apprentice must receive minimum wage or higher with the requirement that the apprentice(s) receive a 3% increase upon completion of the program. All employer sites will be required to provide a salary scale.   
 
 Q: I have several locations.  Will I be eligible for up to 3 apprentices at each location? I believe that you stated there were only 20 apprentices being approved during the pilot.
A: Yes, if you have multiple locations, each application is for your physical address and associated with your licensed program. Therefore, each program can apply for up to 3 apprentices.
 
Q: What CDA Credential can an apprentice enroll in?
A: For the pilot phase, apprentices must pursue an Infant Toddler Child-Development Associate (CDA) Credential.
 
Q: Is there a timeline for when the 2,000 hours of on the job Training needs to be completed by the apprentice?   
A:  The timeline for completion is based on how many hours the apprentice works per week. On average, we expect approximately 18 months for timeline completion.
 
Q: Can a director be a mentor?
A: Yes, if they meet the minimum qualification for the role. Director’s intending to be a mentor must consider that a significant amount of their time will be needed in the classroom to observe, guide, model, and provide constructive feedback to the apprentice. Directors must consider how this can be done while also staying in compliance with any OOL regulations of the Director position. All mentors, regardless of position at their center, are required to participate in about 40 hours of mentor training annually, and be in compliance with OOL regulations.  It is a 1:1 ratio. So, a director may only work with one Apprentice during this pilot phase.

Q: If we don’t have any possible CDA candidates for the program, is there a pool of interested candidates we can contact?
A: There is not a pool of candidates. For the approved employer programs, PCG will work closely with you to help you identify candidates. You will also be connected with your local one-stop career center liaison to help you identify individuals who are interested in starting a new career path.
 
Q: What are the requirements to become a mentor?
A:  The Mentor education and experience minimum requirements are as follows:

Must possess an Associates or Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Services, or related Fields from an accredited post-secondary institution; and
Have a minimum of 2 years’ experience in an infant/toddler classroom;
 -OR-
Possess a valid and current Child Development Associate (CDA); CCP; New Jersey Infant/Toddler Credential; New Jersey Family Development Credential; US Department of Labor Child Development Specialist; or NJ Office of Licensing (OOL) Group Teacher approval; and
Have a minimum of 3 years’ experience in an infant/toddler classroom.

Q: The payment breakdown to apprentice and mentor is on top of what we pay them per hour or salary biweekly?
A: Funding provided in this grant designated for the apprentice may be used to supplement the apprentice’s current salary and/or be used to support the minimum 3% wage increase upon completion of the program requirements. If funds are used solely to supplement the apprentice’s regular salary throughout the grant, the employer is still responsible for providing a minimum 3% salary increase upon completion of program requirements.
 
Q: What would be the selection criteria since it’s only 20 total approved?
A: All applications will be reviewed to first determine if the employer meets ALL required elements of the program including:

  • Program has submitted a valid NJ Division of Taxation Tax Clearance Certificate and uploaded it to the NJCCIS File Cabinet-other

  • Program is in good standing with the NJ OOL and has minimal outstanding licensing violations – will be verified through the NJ Childcare Explorer website through OOL

  • Program completed and submitted the Apprenticeship Interest Form by 8/1/2024 – verified in NJCCIS

  • Program attended an informational session – attendance has been tracked by PCG

  • Program is licensed to serve and currently serving children 0-2.5 years old – this will be verified in NJCCIS

  • Program meets Federal Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) health and safety requirements – to be verified in NJCCIS

  • Has identified a qualified mentor – this will be verified by reviewing the NJCCIS Professional Profile/Educational Experience and Work Experience. Programs and potential mentors should ensure their NJCCIS profiles are up to date.

  • Meets at least one of the following criteria: Participating in CCAP, GNJK and/or Head start

  • Program is in good standing with DOL and have no outstanding obligations to the Wage/Hour Division or employer accounts. – this will be verified by the NJ DOL

Applicants that do not meet all of the requirements above will be not be considered eligible. Programs that do meet all of the required elements will then have their applications scored using an approved scoring rubric by 2 independent grant reviewers. Programs can score up to 75 points. The rubric will consider the following areas:

  1. Application completed, in full, with all required information complete by 9/6/2024 – 10pts.

  2. Program Director has previously or is currently participating in the Holistic Exploration of Awareness, Restoration and Trust (HEART) leadership program – 10pts.

  3. Program participates in NJ Childcare Assistance Program (CCAP) – 10pts

  4. Program participates in Head Start/Early Head Start – 10pts

  5. Program is Enrolled in Grow NJ Kids – 10pts.

    1. Level 2 Participating in GNJK (transitioned to TA Center and completed a QIP) – additional 3pts.

    2. GNJK Star Rated 3 Program – additional 5pts

    3. GNJK Star Rated 4 Program – additional 7pts.

    4. GNJK Star Rated 5 Program – additional 10pts.

  6. Open Ended Question will receive up to 15pts dependent on level of detail and description provided.

Programs meeting all requirements and with the highest scores will be selected for the grant.

Q: What are the qualifications to become an Apprentice?
A: Apprentice qualifications are as follows:
 
Apprentice I – The applicant is new to the field of Early Childhood Education and does not currently have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or relevant educational experience. They are a new employee at a participating employer site and have been cleared to work in a licensed program.
Apprentice II – The applicant is a current entry-level Early Childhood Education professional interested in upskilling by earning a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; and the applicant is employed at a participating employer site.
The minimum qualifications are:

  • Applicant must be at least 18 years of age;

  • Must have a high school diploma or GED; and

  • Must be employed full-time by a participating employer site in an infant and/or toddler classroom.

  • Newly hired candidates must successfully complete a minimum 90-day probationary period and complete all required NJ Office of Licensing (OOL) and Childcare Development Block Grant (CCDBG) training requirements prior to approval.

Q: What Happens if the apprentice leaves the program?
A: The Sponsor Organization – PCG, will work with awarded employer site to help identify another apprentice candidate. If the employer is unable to identify or support a new apprentice, the employer will be removed from the pilot and unspent funds must be returned to DFD. The apprentice candidate would be expected to continue with their obligations of completing their education program under the NJ Scholarship Program if they are able to do so.
 
Q: Does the $15,000 grant include payroll taxes?
A: Payroll taxes may be accounted for under any expense category intended for “compensation”. Please consult with a tax professional for tax related questions.
 
Q: Can 1 Mentor- mentor up to 3 apprentices?
A: No, the Mentor to apprentice ratio is 1:1
 
Q: Does the mentor need to work in the same classroom as the apprentice or can the mentor hold the role of Head Teacher within the center?
A: Ideally, the Mentor would work in the classroom alongside the apprentice each day, however we are aware that this is not always possible. Any employee meeting the minimum mentor qualifications may be identified as the Mentor however, those intending to be a mentor must consider that a significant amount of their time will be needed in the classroom to observe, guide, model, and provide constructive feedback to the apprentice. Programs must consider how this can be done while also staying in compliance with any OOL regulations. All mentors, regardless of position at their center, are required to participate in about 40 hours of mentor training annually.
 
Q: Can a mentor have a BA in History education k-12?
A: Yes, so long as they have had a minimum of 2 years’ experience working in an infant and toddler classroom as a teacher.
 
Q: Can the apprentice already have CDA?
A: Yes. They can have an Infant Toddler CDA. The apprentice will work closely with PCG/NJ Workforce Registry to help determine how required Technical Instruction credit will be applied.
 
Q: If the teacher is a “lead” at this time but does not have a CDA or degree (highest level is high school) can they be considered for the apprenticeship program?
A: No, they would not meet the minimum qualifications for the Mentor role.
 
Q: Will we have time to identify an apprentice if we are applying for an Apprentice I slot?
A: Yes, programs will have 90 days from notice of award acceptance to identify an apprentice candidate.
 
Q: Can the apprentice work with various age groups?
A: Apprentices must be working full time in infant and/or toddler classroom serving children between 0-2.5.
 
Q: How many apprentices are we allowed to have?
A: Programs may apply to for grant support for up to 3 apprentices
 
Q: Can you provide a work description of the apprenticeship for us to post
A: We do not have a specific job description; you can use your standard ECE teacher job description as a base and tailor it to fit the Apprentice role. Here are the minimum qualifications:

  • Applicant must be at least 18 years of age;

  • Must have a high school diploma or GED; and

  • Must be employed full-time by a participating employer site in an infant and/or toddler classroom.

  • Newly hired candidates must successfully complete a minimum 90-day probationary period and complete all required NJ Office of Licensing (OOL) and Childcare Development Block Grant (CCDBG) training requirements prior to approval.

11/15/24