San Diego, CA – UDW Resource Center (URC) and United Domestic Workers (UDW) proudly announces the approval of a pioneering Family Child Care Educator Apprenticeship Program, designed to address the urgent need for a stronger child care workforce while empowering young adults to pursue careers in family child care. The program sponsored by URC has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) as an official apprenticeship initiative and coincides with National Apprenticeship Week.
The Family Child Care Educator Apprenticeship Program is a “learn-and-earn” initiative aimed at youth aged 20-26, equipping them with the training and resources needed to become licensed family child care providers. Participants will gain hands-on experience under the guidance of UDW members who will employ the apprentices and serve as mentors, using their expertise to prepare apprentices to open and operate their own family child care businesses.
“This program is a win-win for the future of family child care,” said Johanna Hester, Deputy Executive Director at UDW and Vice-Chair at Child Care Providers United (CCPU). “Not only does it provide young adults with a viable pathway into a rewarding career, but it also ensures that experienced child care providers are actively shaping the next generation of leaders in this critical field.”
“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,” said Douglas Howell, California State Director, U.S. Department of Labor.
The program’s pilot phase will launch in San Diego and has been developed in partnership with five family child care providers who are members of UDW. Each provider has 15-25 years of experience. The registration of the apprenticeship program with DOL represents months of strategic planning and collaboration. Following successful registration with both the DOL and California’s Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS), the program is poised to scale statewide.
The initiative addresses two critical needs:
- Workforce Development: By inspiring and training new family child care providers, the program ensures that families have access to the affordable, quality child care services they need to thrive.
- Leadership in Child Care: By mentoring apprentices, UDW members are given a unique opportunity to shape the industry’s future while elevating their roles as leaders.
“This innovative program shows what’s possible when we combine workforce development with community leadership,” continues Hester. “UDW is proud to take the lead in ensuring the future of family child care is brighter than ever.”
To find our more about the UDW Resource Center visit udwresourcecenter.org.
