Child Care Excellence Academy

A Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Now enrolling!

Program Overview

The Child Care Excellence Academy (CCEA) Pre-Apprenticeship program is designed for youth ages 18-24 who are looking to start their career in working with children. Participants receive:

Paid classroom training and on-the-job experience

One-on-one mentorship and case management

Support to complete the Child Development Associates (CDA) credential

By graduation, participants are prepared to earn their Child Development Associates (CDA) credential and smoothly transition into long-term employment in child care with a portable, industry recognized certificate.

How it Works

Phase 1 (Weeks 1-12): Paid training and coursework, complete child care licensing requirements, and classroom shadowing.

Paid training and coursework are scheduled 8:30-3:00, Monday-Friday.

Phase 2 (Weeks 13-24): Full time employment with a child care program, classroom observation by CDA assessor and support to complete the CDA exam and portfolio.

Employment hours and hourly pay are negotiated with your employer.

Graduation: Earn your CDA credential, receive a $300 stipend, transition into your career.

Benefits

Earn while you learn in Phase 1 ($14.50/ hour paid weekly)

Gain 480 hours of classroom experience

Receive a nationally recognized credential

Increase career ladder

Competitive candidate for future job growth and opportunity

Who Can Apply

To join, you must:

Be 18-24 years old
Have a high school diploma or equivalent
Able to pass a Nevada Child Care Licensing Background Check
Live in Washoe County or be willing to commute to Reno

Meet one of the following categories:

Homeless youth
Has aged out of foster care
Eligible for assistance under section 477 of the Social Security Act
Pregnant or parenting
Has a disability
Low-income

If you are unsure or do not see your circumstance on the list, we may still have career guidance available.

How To Apply

If you are interested in more information or would like to apply for our next cohort, contact:

Lela Gonzales
lgonzales@childrenscabinet.org
775-527-9475

Available For Future Hire

To inquire about interviewing, please contact:

Lela Gonzales
lgonzales@childrenscabinet.org
775-527-9475

Questions?

This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of DOL. DOL makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timelines, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This produce is copyrighted by the institution that created it

EmployNV Youth Hub is brought to you in partnership with the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) and Nevadaworks, funded by the State’s Career Enhancement Program (CEP).