Early Childhood Apprentice

🌟 Launch Your Career in Early Childhood Education

Now Recruiting: Full-Time Paid Apprenticeship Opportunity

Are you passionate about working with young children? Interested in a hands-on, supportive pathway into the field of early childhood education?

Join our Early Childhood Apprenticeship Program!
In partnership with the Successful Pathways Program, we’re offering a full-time, yearlong apprenticeship designed to launch your career in early childhood education—with no prior experience needed.

🔹 What You’ll Do

• Work 4 days per week in a high-quality early childhood classroom, gaining practical, hands-on experience.

• Dedicate 1 day per week to guided learning, mentoring, and professional development—paid and fully sponsored by Successful Pathways.

• Complete 2,000 hours of combined classroom and learning experience over the course of 12 months.

🔹 What You’ll Gain

• A deep understanding of early childhood development and responsive teaching practices

• On-the-job mentorship from experienced educators

• A nationally recognized certificate upon completion

• A clear, supported pathway toward a long-term career in early childhood education

💵 Compensation & Growth

• Starting pay: $16/hour

• Pay increases upon program completion

• Full-time (Monday–Friday) with professional development included in paid hours

This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to grow, learn, and make a lasting impact in the lives of young children and their families.

Ready to take the first step?
Apply now or learn more by contacting Jody Rubin at [email protected] 
 

The J’s Early Childhood Program is accredited by the State of Missouri and licensed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. We use the Reggio Emilia approach and Conscious Discipline framework, focusing on character-development, value-driven programming for our students. We provide care for children ages 6 weeks – 5 years of age in a safe, warm, nurturing environment that helps children feel good about themselves and the world around them. Our program operates from 7:30am to 5:30pm, Monday - Friday. Applicants should have flexibility to work within our operating schedule.

• Minimum age of 18.
• High School Diploma (or GED) required.
• Prior experience working with children.
• Prior education experience.
• Willing to pursue a minimum of nine credit hours in Early Childhood Education if needed. The J will provide funding.
• Training and experience using the Reggio Emilia Approach is a plus.

Teachers are required to become registered with the MO Family Care Registry. Active registration must be maintained for employment at our center. Annual TB testing and current Hepatitis A vaccinations are required per state regulations.

For more information about the J, please see our website: www.jccstl.orgThe J is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the Department of Homeland Security’s E-verify Program.