Our Early Childhood Education (ECE) Workforce Development Programs are thoughtfully designed to create a clear and supportive pathway into the early education profession. We help participants understand state requirements and confidently navigate the steps needed to enter the field, ensuring they are fully prepared as they begin seeking employment.

All Child Care Licensing (CCL) required trainings are provided at no cost, removing financial barriers and expanding access to opportunity.

Beyond meeting compliance requirements, our programs are designed to develop strong, job-ready candidates. Through our Foundations and Child Care Excellence Academy programs, participants receive specialized training aligned with the nationally recognized Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. This portable certification provides a solid foundation in child development, the creation of positive learning environments, high quality interactions with young children.

We invite you to explore our diverse program offerings and take the next step toward a rewarding career in early childhood education.

Explore Our Programs

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.

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.

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 

Now enrolling!

Available For Future Hire

Alejandra Carillo

Ready to Interview: April 6, 2026

CDA Age Group: Infant/Toddler

Ideal Classroom Age: 18-36 months

What I am most excited about as I enter early education is supporting early development and building strong relationships with children and families.

Madison Tayler

Ready to Interview: April 6

CDA Age Group: Infant/Toddler

Ideal Classroom Age: 2's

What I am most excited about as I enter early education is helping these kids build a strong foundation so they are better equipped for the rest of their lives.

Veronica Aguilar

Ready to Interview: April 13, 2026

CDA Age Group: Infant/Toddler

Ideal Classroom Age: Birth-36 months

I am excited to help children discover the many different ways children learn and ways I can help them grow.

To inquire about interviewing, please contact: 

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

Hired ECE Program Alumni

Daniela Jacinto

  • Ready to interview date- December 15th, 2026 

  • CDA age group- Preschool Classrooms 

  • Ideal classroom age- 3's and 4's 

  • "What I am most excited about as I enter early education is being able to interact with kids while supporting the different ways they learn, grow, and interact with their peers." 

Sarah Tucker

  • Ready to interview date- January 12th, 2026 

  • CDA age group- Infant and Toddler Classroom 

  • Ideal classroom age- Toddlers 

  • "I am excited to enter the field of ECE to nurture safe and healthy relationships and build a foundation that promotes a love of learning. I look forward to making a positive impact on children's sense of self during this important stage of their development." 

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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