A new program will pay people with a high school degree to train as early childhood educators.
The Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship – developed by LUME Institute at University City Children’s Center, in partnership with SLATE – is being introduced to the Clinton Peabody Public Housing complex’ residents. However, the program is open to anyone who is at least 18 years old, a high school graduate and who interested in working in early childhood education.
The apprenticeship will begin with 135 hours (five weeks) of early childhood teacher training, with participants hired as an early childhood worker at a rate of $9.50 per hour. This is followed by 480 hours of on-the-job training, after which participants will receive a Child Development Associate credential. They can then be promoted to an assistant teacher position earning at least $10.50 per hour.
After another year and a half of continuous work/training experience, participants will receive the Department of Labor certification as a Childhood Development Associate, resulting in wages of $13 per hour.
Additionally, nine hours in college credits are earned and could be applied towards obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
SLATE will provide financial support for apprenticeship training. Participants will be trained by LUME Institute, a recognized leader in providing training and support services to early childhood educators, early childhood centers, and their families. For more info, visit www.lumeinstitute.org.
This model was developed as part of a Compete Midwest initiative put forth by a coalition of three urban, Midwest, workforce development partners (SLATE and its counterparts in Milwaukee and Detroit) to jumpstart and spur the expansion and/or initiation of new registered apprenticeships in fields such as IT, healthcare, manufacturing and construction. Apprenticeships will be designed for women, minorities, veterans, young adults and other underserved populations.
Orientations will start on April 4 and will be scheduled throughout 2016. Participants must register at SLATE, 1520 Market St. in St. Louis. Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the exception of Wednesdays, when it opens at 9 a.m. To register, individuals must bring their photo I.D. For information about SLATE, visit www.stlworks.com.
