Apprenticeship Programs
Supporting ECE Educators and Administrators through Apprenticeship
Neighborhood Villages operates cost-free registered apprenticeship programs that invest in early educators’ professional development and ongoing advancement in the field.
Child Development Associate Credential Registered Apprenticeship
Program Information
We developed this program to provide assistant teachers or teachers who are new to the field with a no-cost pathway to achieve their CDA.
Receive support from an experienced lead teacher
Attend additional no-cost workshops focusing on practical skills
Earn your CDA upon completion of coursework
Access to technology assistance
Benefit from periodic wage bumps as you progress!
Participate in a registered apprenticeship recognized by the Federal Department of Labor
Program Eligibility
Able to commit to our year-long program
Currently working in an Early Education program
Highschool diploma or GED
Employer agreement to participate
Program Enrollment Cycle
Recruitment for the 2025 cohort is NOW OPEN. Click here to learn more!
"Most of the time it's hard to find something that is suitable for me because I am a single mom so you know, I have to go around my son's schedule right? I think with this program especially since it's like online and at night time that's perfect for me.”
- CDA Program Participant
Interested in being a Lead Teacher and already completed Childhood Growth and Development?
Check out our Lead Teacher Program!
Early Childhood Emerging Leaders Registered Apprenticeship Program
Program Information
We developed the Early Childhood Emerging Leaders Program (ECEL) to empower lead teachers or administrators with high-quality support and training in leadership competency development.
Director 1 certification
No-cost training in topics like leadership, outreach, and other best practices
Wage Bumps
Guidance from experienced mentor
Participate in a registered apprenticeship recognized by the Federal Department of Labor
Program Eligibility
Have lead teacher or director qualifications
Working in an ECE environment
3 years of experience in the field of ECE
Employer Agreement
Program Enrollment Cycle
Recruitment for the 2025 cohort is NOW OPEN. Click here to learn more!
[The ECEL Program] has given me great supports to be able to work with my families better, talk to them and put myself in a different position and just feel more confident in my role.”
- ECEL Program Participant
Interested in a degree in education but don’t know where to start?
Check out our Degree Support Services!
In partnership with Boston's Office of Early Childhood as part of the Growing the Workforce Grant
With special thanks to:
View Neighborhood Villages' commitment to Equal Employment Opportunities here.