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Our Early Childhood Education Workforce Development Programs provide a clear, supportive pathway to launch your career by guiding you through state requirements and preparing participants for the job market. All Child Care Licensing required trainings are completely free to eliminate financial barriers. Through our Foundations and Child Care Excellence Academy programs, participants get paid to complete specialized training aligned with the nationally recognized Child Development Associate credential, equipping you with essential skills in child development, positive learning environments, and high-quality interactions.

Explore our offerings today and take the next step toward a rewarding profession!

Being paid to do the training made me feel like I was more likely to do it. I don’t know if that’s actually true, but I just felt more encouraged and motivated to do the training because I knew that although I was getting knowledge out of it, I was also getting paid and this was my job and it was something that I needed to do.

"The Excellence Academy was honestly a great experience for me. Getting paid while I was learning took a lot of stress off my shoulders and made it possible for me to focus on finishing the program. The hybrid schedule was really convenient for me and my family!"

"Being able to visit so many different types of centers during this program really opened up my view on the many different approaches to teaching there are as well. This also helped me figure out the type of approach I would be taking going into the child care field!"

“I have always known I wanted to work with children, but doing this program helped me realize my why. I want to help kids feel loved and valued when in my care. Helping them learn and grow is personally rewarding!"

“I am really good with kids, but this program made me more knowledgeable about what they needed and how to teacher them.”

"Me and the people in my cohort helped each other gain all the knowledge we needed and it is my personal belief that it would have taken a lot more time and effort to go down those paths without the Academy."

Explore Our Programs

Launchpad

Your Journey Starts Here

We know that starting a career in Early Childhood Education can feel overwhelming. That is where Launchpad comes in. We’ve designed this program to clear the path for you, coordinating and paying for every single initial requirement so you can easily meet all the child care licensing requirements.

How We Support You

We believe that professional growth should be accessible. That’s why all classes are provided at no cost to you. We also value your time; most of our coursework is available online, allowing you to complete your training from the comfort of home.

The process is simple:

1. The Application: Start by telling us about yourself. We’ll review your background to see if you already have any current training that counts toward your goals.

2. The Plan: You’ll meet with our Program Coordinator to create a personalized roadmap. Together, you’ll set a timeline to complete your requirements in a way that works for your life. Initial Child Care Licensing Requirements include:

TB Test
Background Check
CPR/First Aid certification
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Shaken Baby Prevention
Emergency Preparedness
Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse
Signs and Symptoms of Illness and Bloodborne Pathogens
Building and Physical Premises Safety
Medication Administration and Food Allergies
Transportation and Field Trip Safety
Lifelong Wellness
Child Development

3. The Future: Once you’ve completed Launchpad, you’ll have a direct bridge to our Foundations Program if you choose to continue your professional journey.

Who Should Apply?

If you are at least 16 years old and have a passion for shaping young minds, Launchpad is for you. Whether you are a student looking for your first career move or someone seeking a meaningful career change, we are here to help you take that first step.

Ready to launch your career? Complete your application today and let us handle the rest.

Foundations

Professional Certification. Zero Cost. Paid Training.

If you’re ready to become a certified professional, Foundations removes the financial barriers. We provide the 120 hours of education required for your National Credential and we pay you for your time.

Why Choose This Path?

Earn $14.50 per hour for every hour of CDA training you complete.
Your classes and book fees are 100% covered.
If you still need your background check, TB test, CPR/First Aid, or initial trainings, we coordinate and pay for those, too.

What’s Included?

We provide all the foundational training from our Launchpad program, plus the advanced 120-hour CDA curriculum:

The Basics: TB Test, Background checks, CPR/First Aid, Initial Training Requirements
The Credential: 120 hours of professional coursework to earn your National CDA.

The Simple 3-Step Process

1. Apply: Complete the online form to start the process.

2. Plan: Meet with the coordinator to schedule and in-person orientation.

3. Earn: Start your 120 hours of CDA coursework and begin receiving your hourly stipends.

Child Care Excellence Academy

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

Hired ECE Program Alumni

Janet Duenas

Phase 1 Completion Date: June 30, 2026

CDA Age Group: Infant and Toddler (0-2 year olds)

Ideal Classroom Age: Infant

“What I am most excited for is giving babies and toddlers the love, safe and nurturing environments that they need to develop healthy attachments and feel secure everyday.”

Jay Horne

Phase 1 Completion Date: June 30, 2026

CDA Age Group: PreK (3-5 year olds)

Ideal Classroom Age: PreK

“What I am most excited for is being a part of a child’s social structure and watching their personalities develop through positive experiences around them.”

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).

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