Early Childhood Educator

Why Early Childhood Educator?

Early childhood educators play an essential role in helping young children learn, grow, and thrive. In this apprenticeship, you’ll prepare to educate, nurture, and support children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development in early learning environments.

You’ll gain the skills needed to create engaging classroom experiences while maintaining a safe, inclusive space where children feel supported. Through hands-on training, you’ll learn how to guide daily routines, encourage positive social interactions, and apply important child safety practices.

Create a safe, welcoming classroom environment that supports curiosity and learning.
Foster children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development through daily guidance.
Support routines that build independence in hygiene, nutrition, and self-regulation.
Plan developmentally appropriate activities that encourage creativity and positive interactions.
Learn essential supervision strategies, emergency preparedness, and child safety practices.
Recognize signs of illness or injury and respond with appropriate first aid and care.

Apprenticeship Details

Take a closer look at what the Early Childhood Educator apprenticeship offers and what to expect.

Work Conditions

Early childhood educators work in dynamic indoor and outdoor settings, from classrooms to playgrounds, engaging with children year-round in all types of weather. These environments are often lively, noisy, and full of movement, requiring educators to have physical stamina and flexibility. The role involves frequent standing, bending, lifting children and classroom materials, and actively participating in play and learning activities.

Training

This two-year apprenticeship, 24 credits, focuses on child development, family and community relationships, health and nutrition, supporting student needs, and much more.

2-year program
4,000 hours of on-the-job learning
432 hours of paid related instruction

Additional Training

The apprentice must complete the following prior to finishing the program:

Obtain Infant/Child Automated External Defibrillator (AED), First Aid, and CPR certification during the first three months of the program and maintain it.
Complete Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) certification requirements to provide care to children within the first six months of the program.
Register with Wisconsin Registry within the first six months of the program and keep their registration updated.
Successfully complete Transition to Trainer in the final year of the program.

Instructors

Meet our instructors.

Jill Przekurat, BS, MA
Jon earned his Journeyworker AAS through Mid-State Technical College in 2018. He first got his start in the electrical field with electrical power engineering classes at Jill has a bachelor's in early childhood education from UW–Stevens Point and a master's in education from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. She has taught 4K,kindergarten, and first grade and holds a Wisconsin DPI teaching license. A Wisconsin Pyramid Model Trainer, she is passionate about supporting educators, mentoring new teachers, and encouraging lifelong learning, believing that play and positive early experiences build the foundation for success.

“I joined Mid-State Technical College because I wanted to broaden my impact on early childhood education. I strongly believe that positive and enriching early childhood experiences lead to a healthy and successful life. And I agree with Plato: ‘Life must be lived as play.”

Application Requirements

To qualify for this apprenticeship opportunity, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Employer: Meet entry requirements of employer (varies)
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Application: Applicants apply directly to participating employers

Get Started

If you meet the application requirements listed above, do the following to get started:

Obtain direct employment through a company/organization that operates an apprenticeship program or a similar sponsorship. If an employer decides to move forward with the apprentice agreement, the employer will need to submit an apprentice application to the Department of Workforce Development (DWD).

Contact Mike Ruminski to learn about the application process:
Mike Ruminski
Apprenticeship Training Representative: Emerging Industries
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development - Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards
920-930-6667
Email

Contact Lana Linzmeier-Mallek for questions or to request additional information about this apprenticeship:
Lana Linzmeier-Mallek
Academic Advisor
715-295-1276
Email | Schedule Appointment

Additional Resources

Apprenticeships in Wisconsin

DWD Apprenticeship Site

Technical Studies - Journey Worker AAS (PDF)

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