The Early Childhood Associate Apprenticeship Program (ECAAP) was developed in 2000 through the USDOL Quality Child Care Initiative where states developed Registered Apprenticeship programs for the child care industry.  Continued ECAAP funding is provided in partnership with the Kansas Department for Children and Families through the state's Child Care Development Block Grant. 

ECAAP is an employer-based program for licensed child care centers, preschools and group home providers that meet all ECAAP sponsor eligibility requirements and develops a set of program stadnards that are approved and registered with the Kansas Apprenticeship Council.

The program requires 20 early childhood college credit hours for the Related Technical Instruction component of the program and 4,000 hours of on-the-job learning with the ECAAP sponsor.It is built around the Core Competencies for Early Care and Education in Kansas and Missouri and requires the obtainment of the Child Development Associate (CDA), a nationally recognized early childhood credential, as an interim credential.  Funding for registered apprentices covers books, fees and tuition for the required Related Technical Instruction from any of the 10 Kansas community colleges who are recognized ECAAP educational partners.  It also pays the $325 assessment fee for the CDA and bi-annual stipends to the mentors of each active apprentice.

For more information, visit the ECAAP website.