Early Childhood Education Apprentice

Chslearn; Elizabethtown (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

CHS is launching an Early Childhood Education Teaching Apprentice program in partnership with Elizabethtown College. You’ll work full‑time in the classroom while earning an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education, with tuition, textbooks, technology, mentorship, and ongoing support provided by CHS.

Starting January 2027, apprentices gain hands-on experience and coursework designed to prepare for future roles as an Associate Teacher within CHS.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Eligibility for admission to Elizabethtown College's Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education program.
• Commitment to enroll in CHS Apprenticeship Program upon hire.
• Interest in pursuing a long-term career in Early Childhood Education.
• Ability to balance employment, college coursework, and professional development requirements.
• Comfort with technology, including Microsoft Office applications, or willingness to learn.
• Willingness to receive coaching, feedback, and ongoing professional support.
• Ability to physically interact with children and lift up to 40 pounds.
• U.S. work authorization and successful completion of all required background checks.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the Lead Teacher and Associate Teacher with implementation of classroom lesson plans linked to child outcomes, program development, and classroom routines
• Participating in classroom coaching cycles
• Engaging children in meaningful learning experiences that support development and school readiness
• Supervising children and maintaining a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment
• Recognizing and responding to the needs of individual children and groups
• Providing appropriate social‑emotional and learning supports
• Assisting children with self‑help skills and hygiene routines
• Completing required program documentation in a timely manner
• Supporting communication with families through approved program channels as assigned
• Completing attendance and meal participation reporting
• Remaining compliant with all state licensing requirements and CHS expectations
• Serving as a positive role model for children and families
• Maintaining confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff
• Actively participating in apprenticeship coursework, mentoring activities, and professional learning

Skills

Communication

Adaptability

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Interest in ECE degree program

Job description

Earn Your College Degree While Building a Career in Early Childhood Education

Are you passionate about working with young children and ready to take the next step toward becoming an early childhood educator?

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS) is seeking motivated individuals to join our new Early Childhood Education Apprentice Program in partnership with Elizabethtown College. This unique opportunity allows you to work full-time in the classroom while earning an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education, with tuition, textbooks, technology, mentorship, and ongoing support provided by CHS. We are currently hiring qualified candidates for Apprentice positions beginning in January of 2027. The starting pay rate is approximately $19.29 to $20.08 per hour, based on experience.

As an Early Childhood Education Teaching Apprentice, you will serve in the classroom alongside experienced educators while completing college coursework designed to strengthen your knowledge and skills in early childhood education. Through hands‑on experience, personalized mentorship, and academic study, you'll gain the qualifications needed to advance your career and pursue future opportunities as an Associate Teacher within CHS.

This position specifically is for candidates who are committed to participating in the Elizabethtown College Associate Degree program. Applicants who are interested in an Assistant Teacher position but are not ready to pursue the degree program should apply to one of our Assistant Teacher openings instead.

Why Join the CHS Apprenticeship Program?

As a CHS Early Childhood Education Teaching Apprentice, you'll receive:

• Paid full‑time employment while earning your degree
• Tuition and Fees paid directly to Elizabethtown College by CHS - no out of pocket costs for enrolled apprentices
• A dedicated mentor and support from CHS's Professional Development team
• Academic guidance from Elizabethtown College faculty and advisors
• The opportunity to apply your coursework directly in the classroom every day

Degree Information

• Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education
• Partner Institution: Elizabethtown College
• Five‑week asynchronous online courses designed for working professionals
• Potential college credit awarded for qualifying prior learning and credentials, as well as CHS provided development courses, where applicable

Successful completion of the apprenticeship program and degree requirements provides a pathway to future Associate Teacher opportunities within CHS.

In exchange for CHS's investment in your education, participants are expected to remain employed with CHS for two years following completion of the degree program.

Position Responsibilities

The Early Childhood Education Teaching Apprentice performs all core responsibilities of the Assistant Teacher role while actively participating in the apprenticeship program.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting the Lead Teacher and Associate Teacher with implementation of classroom lesson plans linked to child outcomes, program development, and classroom routines
• Participating in classroom coaching cycles
• Engaging children in meaningful learning experiences that support development and school readiness
• Supervising children and maintaining a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment
• Recognizing and responding to the needs of individual children and groups
• Providing appropriate social‑emotional and learning supports
• Assisting children with self‑help skills and hygiene routines
• Completing required program documentation in a timely manner
• Supporting communication with families through approved program channels as assigned
• Completing attendance and meal participation reporting
• Remaining compliant with all state licensing requirements and CHS expectations
• Serving as a positive role model for children and families
• Maintaining confidentiality regarding children, families, and staff
• Actively participating in apprenticeship coursework, mentoring activities, and professional learning

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Eligibility for admission to Elizabethtown College's Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education program
• Commitment to successfully enroll in and participate in the CHS Apprenticeship Program upon hire
• Interest in pursuing a long‑term career in Early Childhood Education
• Ability to balance employment, college coursework, and professional development requirements
• Comfort with technology, including Microsoft Office applications, or willingness to learn
• Responsible, enthusiastic, and committed to working in a mission‑focused organization
• Willingness to receive coaching, feedback, and ongoing professional support
• Ability to physically interact with children and lift and/or move items up to 40 pounds
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with changing priorities
• U.S. work authorization and successful completion of all required background checks and clearances

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with children from birth through age five
• Experience supporting children and families from diverse backgrounds

Who We Are

At CHS, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. We are passionate educators, caregivers, and advocates who work each day to support children's development while empowering families and strengthening communities. We seek individuals who are committed to learning, growth, collaboration, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of young children.

Ready to Learn, Grow, and Lead?

If you're looking for more than a job and are ready to earn your degree while building a rewarding career in early childhood education, we encourage you to apply for the Early Childhood Education Teaching Apprentice Program today.

Who we are and what we’re looking for

At CHS, we are leaders passionate about early childhood education and community betterment. Our work is driven by the desire to endow children with the resources for educational and physical well‑being, while supporting and empowering their families. We listen to the needs of our diverse community and adapt to give everyone a voice. We hold each‑other accountable for bringing our best and most authentic selves to school every day, creating an environment of mutual respect.

We strive to build a team of individuals that is passionate about our mission, brings in new creative ideas, and loves their work. If this sounds like you, we look forward to seeing your application.

About Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning

At Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning, we nurture children, support them in discovering their world, and help them grow to reach their fullest potential. We are passionate educators, caregivers, and role models dedicated to successful early childhood development. We believe that a rich and solid foundation, along with a nurturing and supportive environment, is critical to helping children grow. We focus on the whole child, helping them flourish in mind and body. And we set them on a path to become their strongest, brightest, and best selves in school and beyond.

Catherine Hershey’s dream was to provide children with a well‑rounded education. That dream lives on in her name and is our mission at Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning.

View more exciting job opportunities at Milton Hershey School.

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning does not discriminate against applicants or employees, in hiring, promotion or any terms or conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion or religious creed, veteran status, disability or use of a guide or support animal because of the blindness, deafness or physical handicap of the user or because the user is a handler or trainer of support or guide animals, or any other status protected under applicable federal or Pennsylvania law.

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning are subsidiaries of Milton Hershey School and are staffed and operated independently of the Milton Hershey School core model.

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning will not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion or religious creed, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected under applicable federal or Pennsylvania law (collectively “Protected Characteristics”), against any applicant for admission, enrolled children, or any other individual(s) who participate(s) in the programs, services, and activities at our Centers.