The Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program (ECAP) Learning Community is a tuition-free, accelerated academic and registered apprenticeship program designed to engage and support your career in Education.

The ECAP provides you with:

  • an Associate Degree for Transfer in Early Childhood Education,
  • paid on-the-job training, and
  • eligibility for Child Development Permits.
Apply to ECAP  

While completing a designated course sequence, you are supported by a dedicated team of faculty, staff, and integrated college and community resources.

In ECAP, you will complete your classes and receive mentoring in your job placement with increased wages as you progress, with guaranteed employment upon your completion of the apprenticeship.

We are here to help you succeed! With an emphasis on current research and the changing landscape and trends in education, you will participate in supportive group-based learning and academic and career success strategies, including contextualized mathematics for teachers.

young teacher sits on the floor and plays blocks with young children

As you progress through your courses and on-the-job training, you become eligible for Child Development Permits from the Associate Teacher to the Master Teacher level. Master Teacher Permit specializations include Infant-Toddler and Special Needs Certificates. Our staff can assist you in applying for permits.

In addition to being a tuition-free degree and apprenticeship program, you may be eligible for college and community scholarships, grants, and stipends to support starting or advancing your career in education.

Apprentice Requirements:

  • Minimum enrollment in 6 units Fall & Spring Semesters
  • Minimum enrollment in 3 units for Summer Semester
  • 20-40 hours/week of paid on-the-job training (OJT), including Related Technical Instruction (RTI)
  • Participation in Community of Practice
  • Completion all required ECAP paperwork
  • Ongoing progress toward Child Development Permits & Associate’s Degree for Transfer

Apprentice Benefits:

  • No tuition, fees or textbook costs
  • Guaranteed employment while participating in ECAP
  • Incremental wage increases upon completion of units/OJT hours/competencies
  • Participation in Community of Practice
  • Mentoring OJT towards ECE Competencies
  • Access to all college resources
  • Access to ECAP Student Success Team
  • Accelerated pathway toward Child Development Permits & Associate’s Degree for Transfer
  • Transfer support and resources
young teacher sits on the floor and plays blocks with young children

Still have questions about ECAP?

Contact Michelle Amaral, EDU-CD Program Services Coordinator, at amaralm@smccd.edu

Apply to ECAP