Learn and Earn Career Pathway Program
Learn and Earn 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 within the ECE community. Hear from a program participant or find out how it works.
Join Us For A Lunch and Learn Information Session November 19th
Do You Have Questions About the Learn and Earn Program? Are you interested in applying but don’t know where to start? Join Our FREE Lunch and Learn Virtual Information Session Thursday, November 19th at 1:00 PM. You deserve the opportunity to achieve your goals! Make this the year you finally turn your dreams into reality with Learn and Earn!
Pre-Apprenticeship CTE Dual Enrollment Program
This 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.
CDA Pre-Apprenticeship Program
The 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.
The Associate Degree Program (AA)
An apprenticeship model combining on-the-job learning with academic coursework from Community College of Philadelphia or Delaware County Community College, the AA program 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.
The Bachelor’s Degree Apprenticeship Program
This advanced apprenticeship incorporates 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.
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.
In addition to having the motivation necessary to succeed in an intensive academic program and weekly coaching and competency attainment meetings, Learn and Earn participants must be:
- 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
- Must meet the eligibility criteria through the PDO at PHMC. Click HERE to learn more.
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.
View a detailed overview of the Learn and Earn program
For questions and more details on how to get involved as either a student or as a program, contact Lizette Woods.
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)
Arcadia University (bachelor’s degree partner)
News
Frequently Asked Questions About the Learn and Earn Career Pathway Program
What Is the Learn and Earn Career Pathway Program?
The Learn and Earn Career Pathway Program helps early childhood professionals continue their education while gaining on-the-job experience. The program combines college coursework, workplace competencies, coaching, mentorship, and professional development to help participants advance in the early childhood education field.
Who Is Eligible for Learn and Earn?
Learn and Earn is designed for early childhood professionals at different stages of their education and careers. Depending on the pathway, participants may include high school students, individuals pursuing a CDA credential, professionals working toward an associate degree, or educators who already hold an associate degree and want to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Can I Earn a College Degree Through Learn and Earn?
Yes. Learn and Earn includes pathways that can lead to an associate degree in early childhood education and a bachelor’s degree. First Up works with college partners including Community College of Philadelphia, Delaware County Community College, Northampton Community College, and Arcadia University.
Can I Participate in Learn and Earn While Working in Early Childhood Education?
Yes. The program is built around combining employment with education. Participants in the apprenticeship pathways work in participating early learning programs while completing college coursework and receiving coaching and mentorship.
What Support Is Available Through Learn and Earn?
Participants may receive individualized coaching, mentoring, college credit for on-the-job learning, career pathway guidance, and access to tuition support through eligible scholarship and grant programs. First Up also works with employers and coaches to help participants balance work, coursework, and professional growth.
How Does Learn and Earn Support Early Childhood Workforce Development?
Learn and Earn helps strengthen Pennsylvania’s early childhood workforce by creating pathways for child care educators, preschool teachers, and other early childhood professionals to earn credentials and degrees while remaining employed in the field. The program is designed to help participants build the skills needed to move into lead and leadership roles within early childhood education.
Does First Up Support Employers Participating in Learn and Earn?
Yes. First Up works with participating employers to identify workplace coaches, support regular coaching meetings, coordinate participant needs, and help programs support employees as they complete their education and professional development.
Where Is the Learn and Earn Program Available?
First Up serves as the Learn and Earn liaison for the Southeast Region of Pennsylvania, supporting early childhood professionals and participating programs throughout the region.