Participant Characteristics

Apprentices

An initial cohort of 23 apprentices enrolled beginning in September 2020, followed by 29 apprentices in the second year of the program (Table 11). Both cohorts were overwhelmingly female and came from varied age, racial/ethnic, and educational backgrounds upon program entry. The second year cohort, entering in 2021, had higher hourly wages at entry ($11.49 compared to $10.18) and a higher proportion entered with a CDA (41% compared to 17%). All 23 of the initial cohort of apprentices were expected to complete the apprenticeship by September 2022, 24 months after beginning the program. Among the initial pilot cohort, a total of 12 apprentices graduated (52%). Four apprentices—those who entered the program with a CDA or Associate in Arts (AA)—completed their apprenticeship in 12 months, graduating in September 2021, and eight additional apprentices graduated in August 2022. Among the second cohort, 12 apprentices graduated in August 2022, with 13 more on track to complete the program by summer 2023.

*Race/ethnicity sums to more than 100% due to selection of multiple characteristics.

Host Sites

A total of 15 early childhood centers served as host sites for apprentices during the 20212022 school year (Table 12). These host sites support apprentice professional development, credential attainment, and annual wage increases through providing time, space, and financial support for educator career opportunity. Each site had between one and seven participating apprentices in their classrooms.