Early childhood employers and care providers grapple with a multitude of challenges that significantly impact their ability to deliver exceptional education and nurturing care to young children. One of the most recognizable challenges is the recruitment and retention of highly trained and dedicated staff members. This issue impacts the entire workforce, causing disruptions in program quality, continuity of care, and the overall well-being of children in care.

Investing in the Early Childhood Workforce
The TECTA Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program, or TECAP, is an innovative program that aims to expand the child care workforce by creating a structured apprenticeship that emphasizes hands-on training, education, and professional development. Despite the ever-changing landscape of work, the child care industry remains an essential onsite service that is crucial for families, employers, and communities. The apprenticeship presents a unique opportunity to bolster the child care workforce by elevating the quality of care provided and providing supplemental pay for staff, two key objectives that are critical for the success of childcare programs.

Become a Registered Apprentice
Child care programs are looking for individuals who have a passion for working with children and have the early childhood competencies that are important for a business focused on promoting the healthy development of children. Apprentices can be employed while attending college courses to boost early education competencies and completing the requirements for a Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential.

Eligible apprentices are individuals who are 18 years of age or older, are capable of passing a background check, and demonstrate a strong commitment to a 3-year apprenticeship. They are also willing and fully capable of meeting all relevant licensing and employer requirements, ensuring a dedicated and responsible approach to their role in the program.

How the Program Works: 3-Year Enrollment

Year 1
•Enrollment in TECTA orientation
•Completion of apprenticeship orientation
•Assigned a mentor and a coach
•Begin CDA prep college courses

Year 2
•Lead activities in the classroom
•Continue working with mentor and coach
•Continue college courses
•Complete year-end evaluation and assessment

Year 3
•Working as a full-time educator
•Complete CDA prep college courses and earn the credential
•Prepare a professional development plan for continued education

Mentor a Registered Apprentice
Tennessee child care programs licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) that are willing to meet the Registered Apprenticeship Program requirements are eligible to participate. Each apprentice is assigned an experienced mentor teacher who has the same or higher certification/degree. The mentor must complete training, meet with the apprentice for an hour each week, attend coaching meetings, document the apprentice’s progress, and serve as a role model to help connect theory to practice on the job.