MiEarly Apprentice
Investing in Educators who are Investing in our Children’s Future
MiEarly Apprentice focuses on recruiting and retaining our state’s early childhood workforce. MiEarly Apprentice provides individuals working in childcare programs and/or school systems with resource navigation, funding, and wraparound supports to begin and/or complete coursework resulting in earning their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, associate degree, and/or their bachelor's degree and lead teacher certification, all at no cost to the teacher candidate. The goal of MiEarly Apprentice is to ensure that Michigan’s youngest learners have committed, dedicated and skilled teachers. We are investing in those who are investing in our children’s futures.
Learn More about the MiEarly Apprentice Program
MiEarly Apprentice Pathways
MiEarly Apprentice Certification Pathways
Paraprofessionals, Associate teachers, and Lead teachers are critical to the education and care of Michigan's youngest learners. Learn more about the MiEarly Apprentice Pathways.
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This pathway supports paraprofessionals, classroom aides, and associate teachers who are new to the early childhood field and those that want to further pursue a career in the early childhood field. Teachers on this path will earn their Child Development Associate Credential, the certification required for serving as an associate teacher in an infant/toddler classroom or state funded or tuition-based PreK classroom.
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Teachers that are currently serving as an associate teacher, paraprofessional, or classroom aide may obtain an associate degree by completing this pathway. The hours they have previously earned with their CDA credential can also be applied towards earning an associate degree. This is the best next step for those who already have a CDA and want to pursue their bachelor's degree and lead teacher certification.
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This pathway provides access for current and aspiring lead teachers to complete the remaining credits of their bachelor’s degree and achieve lead teacher certification through a MiEarly Apprentice partner institution. Ideal candidates for this pathway will already possess an associate's degree or have previously completed more than 60 college credits. We also support individuals who already possess a bachelor's degree in any field in achieving their early childhood teacher certification.
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