Early Childhood Education Pre-Apprenticeship
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Amanda Seidenzahl
- Executive Director
- Amanda%20Seidenzahl
- 479-788-7720
- Mon. - Fri.: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Earn College Credit & Get Paid
UAFS’s Early Childhood Education Youth Apprenticeship allows high school students to gain college credit, a recognized early childhood education credential, and 400 hours of paid work experience—while earning up to $6,000.
This two-year program prepares students for immediate employment as an early childhood teacher or teacher assistant, helps them qualify for a national credential, and creates a seamless pathway to continue their education in early childhood studies.
Location: High School Partner Sites & Licensed Child Care Facilities
Times Offered: Morning
| APPLY TODAY | Request More Information |
How to Get Started
Take the first step toward future success. Follow these steps to enroll.
- Apply for Admission - Complete UAFS's Application for Early College Program Admission.
- Meet with your High School Counselor - Work with your counselor to integrate WATC courses into your schedule.
What You Will Learn
Students in the Early Childhood Education Youth Apprenticeship gain hands-on classroom experience and complete college coursework that prepares them for early childhood education careers including:
- Child Development & Classroom Management – Learn how young children grow, develop, and learn in structured classroom settings.
- Hands-On Teaching Experience – Gain 400 hours of supervised experience working in a licensed childcare or pre-K program.
- Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential Preparation – Complete coursework and training needed to earn the nationally recognized CDA credential.
- Paid Work & College Credit – Earn up to $6,000 through the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Arkansas Scholarship while working and completing coursework.
- Technology & Incentives – Receive a $500 technology stipend for a new laptop, up to $1,500 per semester for work experience, and an additional $350 incentive each year for completing coursework.
Upon completing the program, students will have the skills, credentials, and real-world experience to begin a career in early childhood education or continue their studies at UAFS.
Eligibility Requirements
To participate, students must:
- Be enrolled as a junior or senior at a participating high school during the current school year.
- Receive a recommendation from a teacher, principal, or administrator.
- Have transportation to and from their assigned childcare center.
T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Arkansas Scholarship: How It Works
| Covered Expenses | T.E.A.C.H. Pays | Student Pays | School District Pays |
| Tuition & Fees | 100% | No Charge | - |
| Books | 90% | No Charge | 10% |
| Paid Work Experience | Up to $1,500 per semester | - | - |
| Education Incentive | $350 per year | - | - |
| Technology Stipend | $500 (one-time) | - | - |
| CDA Assessment Fee | 100% ($425) | - | - |
Earn Industry and University Credentials
Students in the Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship can earn the following credentials:
- Early Childhood Education Certificate - Qualifies graduates for entry-level childcare and teaching assistant roles.
- Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential - T.E.A.C.H. covers 100% of the $425 assessment fee.
These certifications help graduates begin working in early childhood education immediately and provide a pathway to further education.
Continue Your Education at UAFS
High school students who complete this program can continue at UAFS to earn:
- Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education *
- Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
These degrees open doors to higher-paying positions and career advancement in electronics, automation, and engineering.
Sample Schedule and Course Progression
|
Fall Semester – First Year |
Spring Semester – First Year |
|
Foundations of Early Childhood Education (ECD 1003) |
Future Perspectives in Early Childhood (ECTC 2903) |
|
Child Growth and Development (EDC 1103) |
First Aid (HLTH 2953) |
|
Early Childhood Field Experience I (ECED 1401) |
Early Childhood Field Experience II (ECED 1411) |
*Course progression for second year is under development and will be posted when complete.
Career Opportunities & Industries
Early Childhood Education Youth Apprenticeship graduates are in demand in the region where childcare centers, preschools, and early learning programs need skilled educators.- Child Care Center Staff
- Pre-K Educator
- Teacher Assistant
- Preschools & Early Learning Centers
- Major Employers: Bright Futures Early Learning Center, Head Start
- Why It’s Important: Quality early childhood educators are essential for child development and school
readiness.
- Public & Private Child Care Facilities
- Major Employers: Learning Ladder, ABC Children’s Academy, Stepping Stones Academy
- Why It’s Important: Childcare centers rely on trained professionals to provide safe, engaging learning environments.
- Public Schools & Pre-K Programs
- Major Employers: Fort Smith Public Schools, Van Buren Public Schools, Greenwood Public Schools
- Why It’s Important: Pre-K and early learning programs prepare children for academic success.