Begin a paid "earn-and-learn" pathway into Early Childhood Education (ECE). Take classes tuition-free, gain hands-on experience in the field, and earn your California Associate Teacher Permit.
Program Details
The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) Educator Preparation Programs (EPP) offers a fresh approach to early learning preparation through the
ECE Center-Based
Apprenticeship Program in collaboration with
Mission College.
This program provides
hands-on experience in center-based preschools or early learning setting, practical classroom skill development, and a clear pathway toward earning the
Associate Teacher Permit - all through
tuition-free college coursework and
comprehensive support.
Apprentices participate in a
cohort model, enrolling at Mission College and completing
four required courses - one per semester. All classes are held in the evening to support working professionals. Participants also gain
on-the-job training
while receiving tutoring, coaching, and college-level instruction aligned with California credentialing requirements.
PROGRAM SUMMARY:
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Location: Mission College
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Length: 4 semesters (1 course per semester)
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Class Schedule: One evening per week
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Credential Pathway: Child Development Associate Teacher Permit
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Mentorship: Provided by experienced ECE educators
Financial Assistance & Employment
Participants in the ECE Center-Based Apprenticeship Program receive comprehensive financial and employment support:
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Tuition and textbooks for all required classes are fully covered.
-
A
California residency
requirement may apply for college: participants must have lived in California for at least one year and one day and be able to provide proof of residency.
- Apprentices earn
paid, on-the-job hours as part of a state-registered apprenticeship, completing
2,000 paid hours toward program completion.
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Wages increase as apprentices demonstrate new skills and progress through the program.
Apprenticeship Placements
Apprentices gain hands-on experience by
working in local ECE Center-Based settings while enrolled in the program at Mission College.
Weekly
mentor meetings and monthly check-ins with the center director help connect classroom learning with real-world routines and practices in early learning settings.
Who are the Best Candidates for this Program?
The Early Childhood Education Center-Based Apprenticeship Program is ideal for individuals who:
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Represent and reflect the languages and cultures of the diverse families they serve.
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Come from underrepresented or underserved communities and seek a clear, supported pathway into the Early Childhood Education profession.
- Have a
passion for working with young children and are ready to
commit to a consistent schedule of work and study.
- Have
not yet completed the 12 required ECE units needed for an Associate Teacher Permit.
Courses are offered on weekday evenings while you are employed in an ECE center-based setting.
Mission Community College Sample Sequence:
- Child, Family, and Community (3 units) — Spring 2025
- Child Growth and Development (3 units) — Fall 2025
- Infant and Toddler Development (3 units) — Spring 2026
- Introduction to Curriculum (3 units) — Fall 2026
Our program offers a supportive, hands-on pathway to advance your career in early childhood education. Participants benefit from:
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Earn-and-learn structure – gain real job experience while completing college coursework.
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Paid work experience through a registered apprenticeship.
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Tuition-free classes and textbooks, plus access to
study groups, tutoring, mentoring, success coaching, and translation services (as available).
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Cohort-based learning with peer support and community partners who assist with placement and ongoing support.
- Convenient class schedule – all courses are held on weekday evenings to accommodate working learners.
- Clear course sequence and expectations, with guidance to help apprentices stay on track and succeed (attendance, weekly mentor time, grade of C or better, tutoring if needed).
- Upon completion,
earn the Associate Teacher Permit and become eligible for positions in the early care and education field, working with young children.
Graduates of the ECE Center-Based Apprenticeship Program are prepared for a variety of roles in early education, including:
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Assistant Teacher/Associate Teacher in center-based programs.
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Teacher’s Aide/Classroom Support roles.
These positions align with the Associate Teacher Permit and meet the needs of local early learning employers, helping apprentices continue to grow in their early childhood education (ECE) careers.
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Do I need experience?
No. The apprenticeship includes supervised work hours and coaching. -
How much school is it?
You complete the 12 ECE units for the Associate Teacher Permit in a set sequence with your cohort. -
Are classes in English?
Yes. Tutoring and study groups are in English. Translation help may be available. -
Will I automatically be placed in a job?
No. If you are not already working in an early learning center, you will need to apply for a job at a participating center before you can be hired and enrolled in the apprenticeship program.
Job placements are not arranged through SCCOE. -
Will I be paid?
Apprentices complete paid on-the-job hours as part of a registered apprenticeship (2,000 hours). Center-Based includes wage steps with skill gains. -
What are my responsibilities?
Show up on time for all classes and program activities, meet weekly with your mentor, maintain a C or better grade, and tell staff early if you have any issues.
