UDW Launches Family Child Care Educator Apprenticeship Program
Editorial StaffNew Apprenticeship Program Aims to Bolster Child Care Workforce
SAN DIEGO – A significant stride has been made in the child care sector with the recent introduction of the Family Child Care Educator Apprenticeship Program, a collaborative effort by United Domestic Workers and the UDW Resource Center. This initiative is set to equip young adults with the necessary skills to become licensed family child care providers, addressing the dual needs of workforce development and leadership in child care.
The unveiling of the program coincides with the 10th National Apprenticeship Week, celebrated from November 17-23. The program has already received the official status of a registered apprenticeship from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
This "learn-and-earn" initiative targets individuals aged 20 to 26, offering them practical training under the mentorship of experienced UDW members. These seasoned professionals will guide apprentices, helping them gain the expertise needed to establish and run their own family child care businesses.
Johanna Puno Hester, deputy executive director at UDW/AFSCME Local 3930 and vice chair of Child Care Providers United, remarked, “This program is a win-win for the future of child care. Not only does it provide young adults with a viable pathway into a rewarding career, it also ensures that experienced child care providers are actively shaping the next generation of leaders in this critical field.”
Launching its pilot phase in San Diego, the program has been developed with the input of five UDW member family child care providers, each bringing 15-25 years of experience to the table. This strategic collaboration and planning culminated in the program's DOL registration, with further plans to register with California’s Division of Apprenticeship Standards, setting the stage for statewide expansion.
Douglas Howell, DOL’s California state director, commented on the significance of registered apprenticeship programs, stating, “Registered apprenticeship programs are the best way to develop a skilled workforce while also helping young adults find a career that they can earn and learn in.”
The program aims to fulfill two essential needs:
- Enhance workforce development by training new family child care providers, ensuring that families have access to affordable, quality child care services.
- Provide mentorship opportunities for UDW members, allowing them to shape the future of the child care industry and solidify their leadership roles.
Hester highlighted the program’s innovative approach, saying, “This innovative program shows what’s possible when we combine workforce development with community leadership. UDW is proud to take the lead in ensuring the future of family child care is brighter than ever.”
The initiative is also a testament to how AFSCME’s Job Training and Development Center supports the Staff the Front Lines initiative, fostering the growth of public service workers and recruiting dedicated individuals to careers in public service.
