INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College has registered its early childhood education apprenticeship program with the U.S. Department of Labor, the College announced today. The program is designed to strengthen Indiana’s early care and education workforce by expanding high-quality postsecondary education and training options for early childhood education professionals.

The program initially will be offered to current early childhood education professionals who seek to advance their skills and earn certifications that lead to wage increases, career advancement opportunities, and talent retention. Participating students will earn four high-quality credentials, including:

  • Classroom Support Specialist micro-credential
  • Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate from the Council for Professional Recognition
  • Ivy Tech early childhood certificate
  • Technical certificate in early childhood education
  • U.S. Department of Labor journeyperson certificate

Over the course of a year, apprentices will complete six Ivy Tech courses while accumulating 2,000 hours of hands-on, on-the-job training. They will also receive three wage increases as they progress in the program. Students can continue their education to earn a technical certificate or associate degree at Ivy Tech and have the opportunity to transfer credits toward a bachelor's degree at a four-year college or university.

Early childhood educators are essential to children’s development and learning and to Indiana’s economic future.

– Dr. Kelli Servizzi, Executive Director of Early Childhood Pathways and Initiatives, Ivy Tech Community College

“This apprenticeship will strengthen Indiana’s early childhood workforce by expanding access to innovative education and training options that will improve the quality of the state’s early childhood education sector and help retain talented and dedicated early care and education professionals.”  

Carver Community Organization in Evansville is the program’s first employer partner. Eight childcare staff members will begin coursework this summer, which Ivy Tech will deliver on-site at Carver to accommodate apprentices’ transportation, childcare, and scheduling needs. Organizations interested in offering this opportunity to their employees should submit a request for information from their local Ivy Tech campus’ Ivy+ Career Link team.

Initial funding for the registered apprenticeship program was provided through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Building America grant, which aims to expand and modernize registered apprenticeships by increasing participation, diversifying industries and improving access for underserved communities. Ongoing expansion of the apprenticeship program is part of Ivy Tech's commitment to more than double the number of professionals it graduates in this field over the next three years, ultimately graduating 1,950 individuals annually with industry-recognized credentials and degrees.

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.