From Parent to Early Childhood Professional
On Saturday, August 6, we held a commencement ceremony for 56 graduates from the Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program (ECAP). The 56 graduates included: 29 Associate Teacher permits/12 units ECE; 6 AA degree; 6 BA degrees; 4 teacher permits; 10 site supervisor permits; and 1 pursued their MA degree.
The EACP program offers training and support for aspiring early childhood professionals by training interested parents from our Early Childhood Impact and Head Start programs. By adding more qualified staff in Early Care and Education (ECE) programs, we’re helping individuals to be a part of the workforce, support their family, and earn financial income.
“The goal of the program is to get motivated, skilled and dedicated Teachers into the early childhood field, and we do this by giving our graduates an on-ramp to the career that offers them the supports they need to be successful, and removes financial and other barriers that would prevent them from pursuing their goals.” said Melanie Mueller, Executive Director for Early Childhood Impact. “Our graduates should be so proud of their accomplishments and we love to applaud their successes. Our funders, such as Alameda County Social Services Agency, First 5, Tipping Point Community, Sunlight Giving, and Bernard E. and Alba Witkin Charitable Foundation make this program possible.”