Empowering childcare providers, meeting industry demands
South Texas College’s Continuing Education and Child Development Departments have launched its first-ever registered apprenticeship program (RAP) for Early Childhood Education Associate Teachers across the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) in response to industry demands.
In response to Texas Child Care Workforce industry demands, South Texas College’s Continuing Education and Child Development Departments partnered to launch its first-ever registered apprenticeship program (RAP) for Early Childhood Education Associate Teachers across the Rio Grande Valley (RGV).
STC Child Development Faculty Helen Meave shared her excitement for the program as it bridges professional development, education and state expectations.
“What we’ve recently seen within the child care landscape are changes within the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and Child Care Workforce,” Meave stated. “Registered Apprenticeships are a key investment in the early childhood workforce, offering high-quality learning and fair compensation. Apprentices gain knowledge through on-the-job training and professional development aligned with their career goals. South Texas College supports child care providers in earning their Child Development Credential (CDA), improving care quality, child development knowledge and skills in working with children and families.”
Meave went on to explain how the apprenticeship program will support the continuous educational development of child care workers, ultimately enhancing the field of child care in the RGV.
“When child care providers enroll in this program it will result in a positive impact on the quality of care, increase the knowledge of child development and improve skills when working with children and families,” Meave expressed. “The purpose of this program is to prepare participants on the formal process of obtaining their CDA certificates, which requires classroom observations and taking an exam.”
Registered Apprenticeships are a key investment in the early childhood workforce, offering high-quality learning and fair compensation. Apprentices gain knowledge through on-the-job training and professional development aligned with their goals.
Carolina Montelongo, STC recruiting specialist with Continuing Education and Workforce Development, highlighted some of the requirements participants should meet before enrolling in the program.
“This program was created for individuals who have already started a career in child care centers or head start programs for example,” Montelongo shared. “This will allow them to expand on their work experience while gaining lucrative industry credentials that are needed.”
STC’s Registered Early Childhood Education Associate Teachers Apprenticeship Program will divide the Early Childhood Education Associate Teachers class into two courses, totaling 160 hours to meet U.S. Department of Labor requirements. The course, launched this spring, was made to mirror the academic courses that are offered at STC’s Early Childhood and Child Development programs.
Meave expressed not only how the program will benefit participants, but emphasized how this can be the beginning to other educational opportunities.
"This certificate will help apprentices enhance their skills and deepen their knowledge, ultimately making them more effective educators," Meave said. "This is the first time we are offering an apprenticeship program like this at the college and we are thrilled to support these professionals on their career paths. Additionally, we hope this opportunity will inspire participants to continue their education. We encourage them to not only complete the apprenticeship, but also pursue further studies through our certificate or associate degree programs. We are excited and eager to collaborate with this new group of apprentices."
To learn more about the apprenticeship program, visit https://www.southtexascollege.edu/cpit/cpwe.html. or call 956-872-3585.