More than just Babytalk: The Cry for Additional Childcare Providers
In Orange County, around 60% of young children (ages 0-4) have both parents in the workforce. Quality childcare is paramount for children's emotional, social, and cognitive development; however, the demand exceeds the current capacity. Even if only a third of infants and toddlers required childcare, the licensed capacity would still only cater to 1 in 7 children.¹ This underscores the urgency for initiatives like Rancho Santiago Community College District's (RSCCD) Early Childhood Education (ECE) Apprenticeship Program, which strategically addresses the shortage by training more quality childcare providers to meet the growing demand in the region.
RSCCD is proud to announce that both Santa Ana College (SAC) and Santiago Canyon College (SCC) have been selected as recipients of the prestigious ECE Apprenticeship Program, a groundbreaking 18-month registered apprenticeship program designed to provide comprehensive support for aspiring professionals in child development.
Apprentices enrolled in the program will be employed up to 30 hours per week at one of the District's child development centers/lab schools. This unique opportunity allows participants to build on-the-job learning (OJL) experiences centered around developmentally appropriate practices and various aspects of the child development field, including child supervision, early childhood curriculum planning, parent engagement and professional development.
As apprentices progress through the program, they will engage in comprehensive child development and general education college courses. The structured curriculum enables the apprentices to accumulate the necessary units and experience for obtaining a California Child Development Teacher Permit—an indispensable credential for those aspiring to teach in state or federally funded child development programs.
"The significance of this program lies in its power to shape the future of early childhood education. By blending practical experiences with theoretical knowledge, apprentices are equipped to make a lasting impact in the lives of young learners," emphasizes Janneth Linnell, Child Development Executive Director for the District.
Participants will receive guidance and support from lead educators, faculty, and peers, with access to all support services available at SCC and SAC.
Applicants for this transformative experience must have the legal right to work in the U.S., be 18 years of age or older, and be willing to undergo a health screening/TB assessment, along with required immunizations.
For more information about the apprenticeship program, please contact the following:
References:
1. Orange County 2020-2025 LPC Needs Assessment (submitted 5/30/20); Center for American Progress Early Learning Factsheet for California (2019
