JOB OVERVIEW: This full-time, year-round position in our accredited facility offers a unique opportunity for someone who is eager to start their career in early childhood education. Preschool Apprentices will be supported through mentorship and on-the-job training to achieve their Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. The position calls for an enthusiastic, energetic, and patient candidate. Under the supervision of the Lead Teachers, apprentices must be committed to maintaining a nurturing and safe environment and working collaboratively with all preschool teachers and the Education Leadership Team to implement curriculum and programs in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the CT Office of Early Childhood, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and the Bank Street Approach—with consideration for all classifications of learners, ages, abilities, developmental stages, and family needs.

This role is part of a structured Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Program, which combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apprentices will complete 2,000 hours of hands-on experience alongside a mentor and 144 hours of formal instruction. The program is designed to support apprentices in developing the foundational skills, knowledge, and confidence needed for a successful career in early childhood education, culminating in the achievement of the nationally recognized CDA Credential.

We encourage all with a high school diploma or equivalent, who have a passion for working with children to apply for this exciting opportunity to start their career as an early childhood educator.

KEY ROLES (Essential Job Responsibilities):

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT:

• Assist in developing and implementing curriculum and activities that support youth development, aligned with CT Office of Early Childhood, NAEYC, and Bank Street guidelines.

• Work with Lead Teachers and Co-Teachers to provide and implement daily programs and activities.

• Support the implementation of day-to-day curriculum and classroom engagement.

• Encourage active participation from children.

• Provide guidance and role modeling for children to assist them in making appropriate choices.

• Demonstrate the physical ability to work with children in various settings (indoor and outdoor).

• Provide positive and appropriate interactions with children.

• Model professionalism and maintain confidentiality.

• Complete additional duties as assigned.

SAFETY AND SECURITY:

• Maintain a clean and safe environment in accordance with NAEYC standards, including daily cleaning checklists.

• Accurately document attendance and ensure children are properly signed in/out by authorized guardians.

• Report incidents to the Lead Teacher and complete appropriate documentation.

SUPERVISION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM:

• Prepare daily activities according to curriculum plans.

• Ensure materials and supplies are available and organized for classroom use.

• Monitor child-to-adult ratios, adhering to COMO supervision policy.

APPRENTICESHIP REQUIREMENTS:

• Enroll in and successfully complete a state-registered apprenticeship program in Early Childhood Education.

• Participate in a minimum of 144 hours of related instruction per year (including evening or weekend classes as scheduled).

• Complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a qualified mentor/Lead Teacher.

• Maintain active progress toward earning the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.

• Maintain an active OEC Registry account and meet all documentation requirements.

• Meet with an assigned mentor regularly to reflect on growth, assess progress, and receive feedback.

• Participate in formal evaluations at scheduled intervals as outlined by the apprenticeship sponsor.

In addition to the above, the following competencies and skills are necessary to perform this job successfully:

• Complete a minimum of 1% of total hours worked in professional development per year.

• Obtain and maintain CPR, First Aid, and Medication Administration Certifications (including EpiPen).

• Participate in special programs and/or events (e.g., Family Nights, field trips, parent workshops, organization-wide events such as the Village Fair and COMO Annual Gala).

• Dress appropriately to maintain a professional image, particularly when interacting with the public.

• Maintain confidentiality at all times.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be of legal working age.

• Must be excited to embark on a two year road map of planned apprenticeship

• Must have an interest in working with children.

• Must be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the apprenticeship program, with or without reasonable accommodations, and without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of self or others.

• Must hold or be willing to create an active OEC Registry account.

• High School Diploma or equivalent required with the ability to successfully complete college coursework required for the apprenticeship.

BENEFITS:

• Incentive Bonuses

• Wrap-Around Support

• Educational Guidance: Apprentices will receive dedicated support and mentorship throughout the completion of required coursework and the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.

• Wage Advancement: A wage increase will be awarded upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program.

• 401(k) Matching

• Health Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Paid Time Off

• Employee Discount

• Professional Development Assistance

DISCLAIMER:The information presented above reflects the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)

• 401(k) matching

• Dental insurance

• Employee discount

• Health insurance

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Stonington, CT 06378 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Stonington, CT 06378: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person