Apprenticeship

Description:

This immersive, standards-based program emphasizes foundational principles of child development, health and safety compliance, behavior guidance, culturally responsive teaching, and effective classroom leadership. Apprentices gain expertise in early learning environments, state and federal childcare regulations, and current trends shaping the field of early childhood education.

Participants must be actively employed in a licensed childcare setting throughout the program. Under the guidance of experienced instructors and mentors, students apply what they learn in real-time, building a strong professional portfolio and demonstrating competencies aligned with Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF)standards.

Upon successful completion, apprentices earn the Child Care Apprenticeship Certificate (CCAC) credential. They are eligible to receive their Florida DCF Staff Credential, advancing their path toward long-term career opportunities in early education.

Program Content:

Prosperity Childcare Training Network’s Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program delivers a strategically designed sequence of coursework and applied training that reflects the highest standards of academic rigor, professional competency, and real-world relevance. Rooted in the Education & Training career cluster, this program equips learners with a powerful blend of theoretical knowledge and technical expertise, fostering excellence in both early education and workforce readiness.

Our curriculum is structured to promote proficiency in essential childcare competencies while also cultivating advanced skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and professional ethics. Apprentices engage in competency-based, hands-on learning that supports mastery across cognitive, social-emotional, and instructional domains, building a foundation for continued education and career advancement.

Course content is aligned with Florida’s workforce and licensing standards and covers a comprehensive range of early childhood education topics, including:

• Instructional planning and classroom management

• Health, safety, and nutrition regulations

• Early learning environments and developmental milestones

• Equity, family partnerships, and culturally responsive practices

• Fundamentals of childcare administration, budgeting, and policy

• Technology integration and community-based engagement

This program is officially approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) under Rule 65C-22.001(6) and meets the educational requirements for childcare personnel and preschool educators. Upon completion, students are awarded the Department of Labor Apprenticeship Certificate and qualify for the Florida DCF Staff Credential, positioning them for long-term success as certified early childhood professionals.

Admissions:

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be employed at a participating childcare center, preschool, or early learning facility

• Must be at least 16 years of age and possess a high school diploma or GED

• Must pass a Level II background screening prior to final enrollment

• Must demonstrate basic literacy and digital readiness for hybrid instruction

How to Apply:

Prospective apprentices may begin the application process either:

1. Applying online at www.prosperityctnworldwide.com, or

2. Requesting an application through their participating employer or apprenticeship liaison

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Upon conditional acceptance, applicants will receive a confirmation email with next steps and must submit:

• A signed Enrollment Agreement

• Proof of employment and hours verification from their childcare employer

• Copy of diploma or GED

• Background screening clearance

• Identification- Driver's License

Mandatory Orientation:

All accepted students are required to attend a mandatory orientation session prior to the official start of training. Orientation introduces students to:

• Program expectations and training timeline

• Apprenticeship policies and code of conduct

• Learning management system (LMS) access

• CACC, Early Childhood Educator, Child Care Specialist, and Staff Credential Portfolio Requirements

• Employer responsibilities and mentor support

Apprentices will not be officially enrolled or scheduled for RTI coursework until orientation is completed and all required documentation is on file.

Length of Program:

1. Child Care Apprenticeship Certificate (CCAC)

• Program Length: Approximately 12 months

• Instructional Hours (RTI): 300 clock hours (meets Florida DOE Apprenticeship Framework CIP Code 0419070913)

• On-the-Job Learning (OJL): 4,000 supervised work hours

• Credential Outcome: CCAC Certificate, DOL Apprenticeship Completion Certificate, eligibility for DCF Staff Credential

• Delivery: Hybrid (live virtual sessions + in-person mentorship)

2. Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Pathway

• Program Length: 12–18 months, depending on prior experience and instructional schedule

• Instructional Hours (RTI): Minimum 300

• On-the-Job Learning (OJL): 2,000–2,500 hours (varies by employer site)

• Credential Outcome: Eligibility for FCCPC (Florida Child Care Professional Credential), preparation for CDA, DCF Staff Credential

• Delivery: Blended (coursework, portfolio support, and classroom-based practice)

3. Child Care Development Specialist (CCDS)

• Program Length: Approximately 24 months

• Instructional Hours (RTI): 300 clock hours (advanced-level competencies)

• On-the-Job Learning (OJL): 4,000–4,5000 hours, aligned with supervisory and curriculum-planning roles

• Credential Outcome: CCDS Credential (internal or national title), CDA portfolio completion, DCF Staff Credential, career readiness for lead teacher, curriculum coordinator, or site supervisor roles

• Delivery: Hybrid with leadership labs, instructional coaching, and portfolio capstone

Job Placement: 100%

Start Date: Open Enrollment August 2025 and January 2026

Start Time: Weekly Meeting (Monday – Wednesday) (Tuesday- Thursday) (Friday: Lab) TBA

Tuition $1499.99

Books $149.99

Cap & Gown $99.99

Fingerprinting & Background Check $65.00

CPR $65.00

Not Pell Eligible (for programs under 600 hours) All pre-admission fees are non-refundable and not covered by Financial Aid. PCTN does not accept FAFSA and do not make the determination of rewards. *Prices are subject to change. Annual fees (charged each academic year from July 1—June 30).

Program Manager:

Jennifer Pasteur

Program ID (2025-FL-134823)