BUILDING BRIGHT FUTURES is a pre-apprentice-to-apprenticeship program in early childhood education that provides a supportive pathway for students to earn a degree, while gaining valuable hands-on experience through work-based learning opportunities. NCBCE is working with school districts, community colleges, child care providers, and other partners to develop and scale pilot pre-apprenticeship programs across the state.
Pathway to Success
Interested in a pre-apprenticeship program? The foundation of an early childhood pre-apprenticeship is the Early Childhood Education class and work-based learning hours, which allow the pre-apprentice to progress toward further education and paid hours at the apprenticeship level.
To start as a pre-apprentice in early childhood education, a participant needs to be signed up for, enrolled in, or have completed FE11: Early Childhood Education (high school class) OR EDU 119: Intro to Early Childhood Education (community college).
Pre-apprenticeship includes required coursework, health and safety training, and work-based learning hours. Once pre-apprenticeship is complete, participants will have earned:
- Academic and pre-apprenticeship course credit
- Work-based learning hours
- NC Early Childhood Credential, which is required to be a lead teacher
- Scholarship options for community college
Participants can then move on to a paid apprenticeship where they receive:
- Paid on-site training based on a progressive pay scale
- Related coursework that translates to an associate’s degree
- College credit that can be used toward a 4-year bachelor’s degree
Supports for Success
Participants can receive financial support for coursework and trainings, professional development, and access to a network of industry professionals and enrichment opportunities to advance their knowledge in the field.
Find out how you can benefit from participating in this program:
Students
- Stipends for performance, completion, and transportation
- High school credit, college credit, and industry-recognized credentials
- Work-based learning experience in a child care center, with opportunities for paid hours
- Free enrichment activities, such as guest speakers, field trips, and conferences
- Personalized mentorship from experienced professionals in the Early Childhood field
- Communication with peers as part of a cohort
- Direct pathway to further education after high school with an Associate’s Degree at no cost
Educators
- Mentorship from professionals and free enrichment activities for students above and beyond the basic curriculum, during the summer and school year
- A supportive pathway for students to further education and a career
- Communication of shared experiences and resources with peers as part of a cohort
- Financial support for:
- Materials and supplies
- Transportation costs
- Professional development
Child Care Providers
- High-quality, trained, and dedicated workers in your center, with potential to earn higher star ratings for your center
- Salary match of 50% of wages for apprentices
- Communication of shared experiences with peers as part of a cohort
- Financial support for:
- Materials and supplies
- Transportation costs
- Child care
- Professional development
See it in Action!
See students in McDowell County as they sign-on and work in their early childhood pre-apprenticeship program. There is nothing like taking what you learn in the classroom, and making it come alive by working directly with children in a child care center!
Get Started
For more information about how Building Bright Futures can support you, please contact:
Through apprenticeships in early childhood education, North Carolina is building a bright future
for our children, our educators and caregivers, and our workforce!