Apprenticeship Programs

Apprenticeship Program

Registered Childcare Apprenticeship (Ages 18+)

A two-year paid training program to become a Certified Early Childhood Teacher

Our Registered Apprenticeship Program combines hands-on classroom experience with formal education, giving you everything you need to become a confident, credentialed, highly qualified early childhood educator.

What You’ll Gain

✔ Full-time paid training
✔ Behavioral Health certification
✔ CDA (Child Development Associate) credential
✔ Mentorship from experienced educators
✔ Leadership development
✔ Opportunity for Co-op ownership after 12 months
✔ Guaranteed placement into a Teacher role upon completion

Apprenticeship Pay Structure

Year 1 — Apprentice Educator
$14.00/hour

Support classroom activities
Learn child development foundations
Begin CDA-aligned coursework

Year 2 — Advanced Apprentice
$16.00/hour

Lead small groups
Assist in lesson planning
Complete CDA credentialing
Begin leadership training

Program Completion — CDA Certified Teacher
$18.00–$20.00/hour

Lead your own classroom
Eligible for co-op ownership
Access to leadership or director track

Behavioral Health + IEP Training

All apprentices receive specialized training in:

Trauma-informed care
Social–emotional development
Classroom behavior support
Sensory accommodations
Working with IEPs and neurodivergent learners

This is what makes Acorn one of the most inclusive childcare employers in West Tennessee.

Pre-Apprenticeship Program

(Teacher Assistant Track, Ages 16–17)

A part-time early start for high school students interested in childcare or education

Our Pre-Apprenticeship Program prepares teens for a future career in early childhood education by offering supervised classroom experience and foundational training.

It’s the perfect pathway for students who want to:

Work with children
Explore early education
Gain hands-on experience
Build professional skills early
Transition seamlessly into the full Apprenticeship at age 18

What Pre-Apprentices Do

Assist lead teachers and apprentices
Support classroom routines
Help with play, activities, and transitions
Learn basic child development skills
Follow structured mentorship

This role is fully supervised and designed for learning, not pressure.

Pathway to Full Apprenticeship

Upon turning 18, Pre-Apprentices receive:
✔ Priority acceptance into the Registered Apprenticeship
✔ Credit for introductory training
✔ Seniority toward advancement
✔ Accelerated pathway through Year 1 content

Start a Rewarding Career in Early Childhood Educatio