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Child Care Professional Apprenticeship

Howard Community College's Child Care Professional Apprenticeship program is completed over a period of 18 months, through a combination of coursework and 3,000 hours of paid, on-the-job training. It provides a pathway for individuals who are passionate about working with children to achieve higher-skilled and higher-paying positions, with focus on supporting the development of children through early experiences in a positive, supportive, learning-based environment of care.

Apprentices also gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be considered for leadership roles in the child care industry, with guidance from HCC’s Pathways to Teaching Center. The Center supports apprentices as well as those who are pursuing a child care career certificate, the associate of applied science (AAS) program, and the associate of arts in teaching (AAT) program. While in training, students are encouraged to apply to the Maryland Child Care Credentialing Program, which certifies professionals who increase their qualifications beyond the requirement of state licensing and registration regulations.

Requirements for Admission

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis for cohorts scheduled to start during both the fall and spring semesters. Standard requirements for admission are as follows:

Be 18 years of age or older by the end of the apprenticeship period.
Earned high school diploma or equivalent.
Resident of the state of Maryland.
Undergo a medical evaluation and obtain clearance to work with children.
Have a driver’s license and/or reliable transportation.
Pass a background check with fingerprinting, with approval to proceed from Child Protective Services.

Eligible Candidates

The Child Care Professional Apprenticeship program is open to prospective and current HCC students, career changers, and professionals currently working in the industry who are interested in opportunities for personal growth and career advancement.

Eager to take the first step?

If you are a current high school student part of Howard County Public School System’s (HCPSS) Career Academies, click here.
- Speak with your parent or guardian about your interest in this career pathway and ask for their support in completing the steps required for admission to HCC and the apprenticeship program.
- Meet with your school counselor to discuss your intentions and goals.
- Apply to HCC.
- Complete and submit an application for Child Care Professional Apprenticeship training.
If you are a current high school student part of the Apprenticeship Maryland Program (AMP), click here.
- Speak with your parent or guardian about your interest in this career pathway and ask for their support in completing the steps required for admission.
- Speak with the Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator at your school about HCC’s Child Care Professional Apprenticeship program during your junior or senior year.
- Apply to HCC.
- Develop an academic and career development plan with support from your school’s Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator and guidance counselor.
- Prepare for interviews with local employers, to be considered for an apprenticeship position with one of our employer partners in alignment with your interests and career goals.
If you are a recent high school graduate or current industry professional, click here.
- Apply to HCC.
- Complete and submit an application for Child Care Professional Apprenticeship training.
- Prepare for interviews with local employers, to be considered for an apprenticeship position with one of our employer partners in alignment with your interests and career goals.
If you are a current HCC student, click here.
- Meet with your HCC advisor to discuss this career pathway and confirm any steps that should be taken to prepare for coursework and on-the-job training.
- Complete and submit an application for Child Care Professional Apprenticeship training.
- Prepare for interviews with local employers, to be considered for an apprenticeship position with one of our employer partners in alignment with your interests and career goals.

Ready to Learn More?

Need more information? Prospective students and businesses, please send an email to Apprentice@HowardCC.edu.