New Jersey Early Childhood Apprenticeships

25 Mar

Overview

The New Jersey Early Childhood Apprenticeship Pilot Program helps childcare staff earn Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) certifications through on-the-job training, mentorship, and coursework. Run by the New Jersey Department of Human Services together with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the program addresses the shortage of infant and toddler staff able to work effectively with infants and toddlers.

Why It Matters

New Jersey has a shortage of qualified infant and toddler childcare staff, making it hard for families to find care for children under age 3.

The Apprenticeship Program enables staff to earn credentials and improve their skills while working in childcare settings. The program aims to improve the quality of care for children during the critical developmental period from birth to age three by increasing the effectiveness of infant/toddler staff.

This approach helps childcare centers get the high-quality staff they need while enabling childcare workers to advance their careers without leaving their jobs.

Quick Facts

Core Model: On-the-job training combined with educational coursework leading to Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) certification
Notable Feature: Equal focus on site-based, workplace training through mentorship and formal education
Launch Date: November 2024
Eligibility: Adults with a high school diploma or GED who are employed full-time in infant/toddler classrooms at participating centers
Current Funding: Up to $15,000 per apprentice
Participants:
- Centers: 14 childcare centers across New Jersey
- Apprentices: Up to 20 participants statewide
Program Coverage: Statewide with participating centers in 11 counties

Background

The New Jersey Early Childhood Apprenticeship Pilot Program was created to address the need for more qualified infant and toddler educators. The program was designed with input from childcare centers and workforce development experts to ensure it met the practical needs of both employers and employees. Planning began in January 2023 when New Jersey received federal Preschool Development Grant Birth to 5 funds and was launched in November 2024.

The pilot phase runs approximately from November 2024 to May 2026, with apprentices expected to complete requirements within 18 months. During this phase, the apprenticeship program was registered with the US Department of Labor in February 2024.

How it Works

The program operates through a three-way partnership model:

Childcare centers employ apprentices and provide on-the-job training
Mentors with specialized infant/toddler expertise guide apprentices
The state provides funding and educational resources for mentors, educators, and employers

Participating centers choose candidates (either newly hired or existing staff) for apprenticeship positions in infant/toddler classrooms. Each apprentice works with a carefully-selected mentor who provides structured on-the-job training while the apprentice completes educational requirements for the Infant/Toddler CDA credential over an 18-month period. The state contracts with a private management organization to track and document program participants through the New Jersey Workforce Registry. All apprentices are awarded a full scholarship towards their CDA coursework, assessment fees, books (if necessary). Apprentices that successfully obtain their CDA Credential are eligible for a merit award of $500 through the scholarship program.

Key Features

Dual Training Approach: Combines 2,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training with 144 hours of CDA-focused classroom instruction
Mentor Support System: Each apprentice works with a dedicated mentor who has special expertise with infants and toddlers
Financial Incentives: Includes funding for mentor compensation, apprentice support, and administrative costs, plus a 3% wage increase for participants after they complete the program
Educational Assistance: The state pays roughly $2,600 per apprentice for their CDA course tuition, books, and credential fees, through the NJ ECE Scholarship Program
Training and Support: Employers are offered extensive business training through a partnership with the Early Education Business Consultants that includes training, learning labs and individualized coaching and technical assistance. All mentors complete approximately 40 hours on orientation, training, and small group coaching provided by the Early Childhood Leadership Institute (ECLI) at Rowan University. Apprentices are also invited to participate in bi-monthly communities of practice through ECLI.

Policy Levers

Cross-Department Collaboration: Program legislation requires the Department of Human Services and the Department of Labor to create a coordinated workforce development approach
Funding Allocation: $300,000 total funding for the pilot program through the federal Preschool Development Grant Birth to 5 program
Program Standards: Legislation sets clear requirements for participating centers, mentors, and apprentices to ensure program quality
Career Advancement Requirements: Requires a 3% minimum wage increase for apprentices who complete the program to increase retention and promote career growth

Results

The New Jersey Early Childhood Apprenticeship Pilot Program is still new, with initial outcomes not yet available.

Initial Engagement: 14 childcare centers received grants to support up to 20 apprentices statewide

Geographic Distribution: Program reached 11 counties in its first phase, establishing a statewide presence

Future Evaluation: Program will track results to gauge impact on workforce development and care quality, with findings potentially informing decisions about program continuation or expansion.