Learn and Earn Career Career Pathway Program
Integrates academic learning with on-the-job competencies, coaching, mentorship, and professional development, preparing participants to make a significant impact in the lives of young children and the broader educational community. The program is designed to offer multiple entry points and pathways based on the individual’s educational background and career aspirations. Students earn college credits while working in a participating early learning center and gain the skills and learning necessary to assume lead roles withing the ECE community. Hear from a program participant>
Pre-Apprenticeship CTE Dual Enrollment Program
Introduces the basics of ECE as part of Career and Technical Education. It targets high school students or individuals with minimal experience in early childhood education and is offered in partnership with The Chester County Technical High School, Brandywine Campus. Completion leads to eligibility for the Learn and Earn Apprenticeship Program. Find out more >
CDA Pre-apprenticeship program
Is for individuals interested in obtaining their CDA credential, but who are not comfortable enrolling in a full collegiate academic program. Find out more >
The Associate Degree Program (AA)
is an apprenticeship model combining on-the-job learning with academic coursework form Community College of Philadelphia or Delaware County Community College. It is for individuals with some college credit or those who have completed a pre-apprenticeship program. Successful completion results in an AA degree in ECE with a pathway to a bachelor’s degree. Find out more >
The Bachelor’s Degree Apprenticeship Program
is an advanced apprenticeship incorporating NYAEC on-the-job learning with coursework from Arcadia University. It is intended for individuals who have completed an associate degree, and prepares students to assume leadership roles in early childhood settings. Find out more >
How it works:
Learn and Earn is offered in cooperation with Community College of Philadelphia, Delaware County Community College and Acadia University. The TEACH scholarship program, PHMC PDO and OCDEL Grants provide tuition supports. Components include:
- Accelerated Coursework – The college you attend offers 9 credits for working on the job. Students complete competencies aligned with NAEYC standards, and the learning usually takes around two years to complete.
- On-site coaching – Students receive individualized attention from coaches identified by employers. You can expect regular meetings with your coach to assess competencies and offer one-on-one support.
- Full-time employees, working 25 hours or more per week
- Able to take courses every semester, including summer sessions
- Eligible for the TEACH scholarship program
Employer Commitment:
Employers work with First Up mentors to identify a coach for Learn and Earn participants. They support weekly coach and student meetings and enable participants to fullfill their schoolwork and class schedules. They review Learn and Earn documentation materials and collaborate with First Up mentors to identify possible program needs and coordinate supports for participants as appropriate.
First Up serves as the Lean and Earn liaison for the Southeast Region on PA, and mentors just over 100 coaches who work with ECE professionals who participate in the program. Learn and Earn is offered through a partnership with Public Health Management Corporation’s Professional Development Organization. Other partners include:
Chester County Career and Technical High School Brandywine Campus (CTE program)
Northampton Community College (NCC) (CDA partner)
Delaware County Community College (DCCC) (associate degree partner)
Community College of Philadelphia (CC)) (associate degree partner)
Acadia University (bachelor’s degree partner)
