Completers can qualify for up to nine credits at Thomas Edison State University. The state’s second round covers 25 positions at 16 employers.
TRENTON, NJ – Workers who complete New Jersey’s paid apprenticeship in infant and toddler care can now qualify for up to nine college credits at Thomas Edison State University, the state departments of Human Services and Labor announced Nov. 2. The offer applies to 12 graduates of the pilot and to workers in the second round once they complete the program.
Apprentices work full time in infant or toddler classrooms at participating child care centers while completing coursework and supervised training toward an Infant/Toddler Child Development Associate credential. The state says workers who complete the program can receive a $500 merit award and a raise of at least 3%. The apprenticeship requires 2,000 hours of on-the-job training, which the state estimates takes 12 to 18 months on average.
The pilot offered 20 positions through 14 employers. The second round began July 1 with 25 positions at 16 employers selected from more than 80 applicants. The state’s pilot employer list included Learning Tree Academy in Morris County, Newark Federal Kids Care in Essex County and The Nurturing Place in Hudson County.
Workers generally must be at least 18, hold a high school diploma or GED and work full time at a participating site. The last employer application window closed April 28. The state says it will post any future opening on its apprenticeship page.