Child Development and Education Studies
Apprenticeship Programs
Overview
This 18-month registered apprenticeship provides comprehensive support to preservice professionals, combining on-the-job learning and coursework at Santa Ana College. Students will take college classes for free in a cohort while getting paid to work at one of our apprenticeship locations. Students must have the legal right to work in the United States, must be at least 18 years of age and must be willing to have a health screening/TB assessment and required immunizations. Apprentices will receive support from lead educators, faculty, peers and have access to all support services at Santa Ana College.
Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Program (ECEAP)
- Apprentices will be hired up to 29 hours per week as a Rancho Santiago Community College District employee, working with early childhood education children at one of our Child Development Services laboratory school locations, while they build the On-the-Job-Learning (OJL) around developmentally appropriate practices and so much more.
- Apprentices will take child development and general education courses to accumulate the required units to achieve a Child Development Teacher Permit
Pictured: Cohort #3 on the first day of their orientation week.
Coming Soon: Bilingual Educator Apprenticeship Program (BEAP)
Application Process
- Then, you will be contacted to fill out an employer application and schedule a meeting with the Director of Special Programs
- Accepted students will need to take a TB Assessment and make sure they are up to date with required immunizations
Contact Information
Janet Deusenberry, M.Ed
Director of Special Progams, Apprenticeship Programs
Email: deusenberry_janet@sac.edu
Elizabeth Weber
Administrative Clerk, Apprenticeship Programs
Email: weber_elizabeth@sac.edu
Student Testimonials
Maria Torres, Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Program (Cohort #1)
My name is Maria Torres, I am 28 years old, and I have three wonderful daughters. My apprenticeship experience has been incredible. I've learned so much in class, and it's helped me move forward in my career by teaching me things I didn’t know before.
Even when I was pregnant with my daughter, I never stopped going to class or working. During this time, I learned how to complete DRDP assessments properly and understand the milestones of child development, identifying areas where improvement is needed. It’s been a wonderful experience working with children—something completely new for me.
Before this, I was an LVN, and now I’m on my way to becoming a special education teacher. Throughout this journey, I always remember a quote from a dear friend: “Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers, you cannot be successful.”
Irma Esqueda, Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship (Cohort #1)
In fall of 2023 I decided to return to college after almost 10 years of leaving college. In Santa Ana College I learned that a new apprenticeship program was going to open and since my major was going to be Child Development I decided to join. I applied and having no idea what was going to happen. In this program I have learned about the child development stages thru the classes but also witness the child development stages on the work field.
In the work field I have work with amazing lead teacher that are willing to teach you how to plan the lesson plan based on the children’s needs. The lead teacher explain you how to talk to parents, how DRDP’s work and how to write a clear descriptive note. In the school the classes are taken two per semester which is very good because is not overwhelming. The professors are very understanding and they help you with any concerns and questions you may have.
Overall the child development apprentice program is a very good experience to have for anyone who want to obtain a career in child development.
Yanet Vega, Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship (Cohort #1)
I chose the apprenticeship program because I want to be able to do more with the children, I worked with but did not have the units that were required. I asked my site supervisor what classes I needed to have to be able to be more hands on with the children. She gave me the list and I started taking my first class. My master teacher told me that the district was planning to have an apprenticeship program. I decided to join. Key skills/experiences I’ve gained throughout the apprenticeship program are knowledge and the opportunity to learn how to take better care of a child. Having the opportunity to work with the children is a unique way of connecting with each of them.I have seen the attachment we create with each child. I can say that the apprenticeship program gave me the opportunity to return to school after 20 years and I have accomplished already a year of experiences.
