Early Childhood Education Apprentice

Earn Your College Degree While Building a Career in Early Childhood Education

Are you passionate about working with young children and ready to take the next step toward becoming an early childhood educator?

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS) is seeking motivated individuals to join our new Early Childhood Education Apprentice Program in partnership with Elizabethtown College. This unique opportunity allows you to work full-time in the classroom while earning an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education, with tuition, textbooks, technology, mentorship, and ongoing support provided by CHS. We are currently hiring qualified candidates for Apprentice positions beginning in January of 2027.

As an Early Childhood Education Teaching Apprentice, you will serve in the classroom alongside experienced educators while completing college coursework designed to strengthen your knowledge and skills in early childhood education. Through hands-on experience, personalized mentorship, and academic study, you'll gain the qualifications needed to advance your career and pursue future opportunities as an Associate Teacher within CHS.

This position specifically is for candidates who are committed to participating in the Elizabethtown College Associate Degree program. Applicants who are interested in an Assistant Teacher position but are not ready to pursue the degree program should apply to one of our Assistant Teacher openings instead.

Why Join the CHS Apprenticeship Program?

As a CHS Early Childhood Education Teaching Apprentice, you'll receive:

• Paid full-time employment while earning your degree

• Tuition and Fees paid directly to Elizabethtown College by CHS - no out of pocket costs for enrolled apprentices

• A dedicated mentor and support from CHS's Professional Development team

• Academic guidance from Elizabethtown College faculty and advisors

• The opportunity to apply your coursework directly in the classroom every day

Degree Information

• Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education

• Partner Institution: Elizabethtown College

• 64-credit degree program

• Five-week asynchronous online courses designed for working professionals
• Potential college credit awarded for qualifying prior learning and credentials, as well as CHS provided development courses, where applicable

Career Pathway

Successful completion of the apprenticeship program and degree requirements provides a pathway to future Associate Teacher opportunities within CHS.

In exchange for CHS's investment in your education, participants are expected to remain employed with CHS for two years following completion of the degree program.

Position Responsibilities

The Early Childhood Education Teaching Apprentice performs all core responsibilities of the Assistant Teacher role while actively participating in the apprenticeship program.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting the Lead Teacher and Associate Teacher with implementation of classroom lesson plans linked to child outcomes, program development, and classroom routines

• Participating in classroom coaching cycles

• Engaging children in meaningful learning experiences that support development and school readiness

• Supervising children and maintaining a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment

• Recognizing and responding to the needs of individual children and groups

• Providing appropriate social-emotional and learning supports

• Assisting children with self-help skills and hygiene routines

• Completing required program documentation in a timely manner

• Supporting communication with families through approved program channels as assigned

• Completing attendance and meal participation reporting

• Remaining compliant with all state licensing requirements and CHS expectations

• Serving as a positive role model for children and families

• Maintaining confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff

• Actively participating in apprenticeship coursework, mentoring activities, and professional learning

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED

• Eligibility for admission to Elizabethtown College's Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education program

• Commitment to successfully enroll in and participate in the CHS Apprenticeship Program upon hire

• Interest in pursuing a long-term career in Early Childhood Education

• Ability to balance employment, college coursework, and professional development requirements

• Comfort with technology, including Microsoft Office applications, or willingness to learn

• Responsible, enthusiastic, and committed to working in a mission-focused organization

• Willingness to receive coaching, feedback, and ongoing professional support

• Ability to physically interact with children and lift and/or move items up to 40 pounds

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities

• U.S. work authorization and successful completion of all required background checks and clearances

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with children from birth through age five

• Experience supporting children and families from diverse backgrounds

Who We Are

At CHS, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. We are passionate educators, caregivers, and advocates who work each day to support children's development while empowering families and strengthening communities. We seek individuals who are committed to learning, growth, collaboration, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of young children.

Ready to Learn, Grow, and Lead?

If you're looking for more than a job and are ready to earn your degree while building a rewarding career in early childhood education, we encourage you to apply for the Early Childhood Education Teaching Apprentice Program today.